Ways to get Cl@ve: a complete guide to registering and using it

If you want to manage your paperwork with the Tax Office, Social Security, SEPE (State Public Employment Service) or your local council without setting foot in an office, Getting a Cl@ve is almost essential these daysThis system opens the door to a lot of digital public services and, although it may sound a bit confusing at first, the process is actually quite manageable if you know where to start.

Throughout this guide you will find All the ways to register with Cl@ve (online, with video call, with certificate or in person), what types of Cl@ve exist (Cl@ve Móvil, Cl@ve PIN, Cl@ve Permanente and Cl@ve Firma), what differences there are between basic and advanced registration levels, and how the mobile phone and the codes they send you work.

What exactly is Cl@ve and what is it used for?

The Cl@ve system is, simply put, a method of electronic identification and signature This allows you to prove your identity to public authorities without always having to use an electronic certificate installed on your computer. With your national identity card (DNI) or foreign resident's card (NIE) and some credentials (usually a mobile phone number and a password), you can access numerous online portals.

Thanks to Cl@ve you can Access online services from the Tax Agency, Social Security, and SEPE (State Public Employment Service).Autonomous communities, city councils, and many other organizations. Depending on the security level required for each procedure, you will be allowed to use Cl@ve Móvil (formerly Cl@ve PIN), Cl@ve Permanente, or, if enabled, Cl@ve Firma with a cloud certificate.

To start using it, the first thing is Register as a user in the Cl@ve systemDuring registration, you provide your ID card or Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE), your mobile phone number, and an email address, and accept the terms of use. After this initial registration, you can identify yourself with Cl@ve Móvil and, if you wish, activate your Cl@ve Permanente.

The system distinguishes between Two registration levels: basic and advancedThe basic level is obtained by registering online with an invitation letter or through automatic video identification; it grants access to many procedures, but not all, and does not allow the use of Cl@ve Firma. The advanced level is obtained through in-person registration, with an electronic certificate/DNIe (Spanish National Identity Card), or through video identification manually reviewed by a public employee.

Ways to register with Cl@ve: overview

You currently have several ways to Register in the Cl@ve system and get your credentialsAlways with your identity document (DNI or NIE) and a mobile phone number as essential elements:

• Register online without an electronic certificate, through an invitation letter with a Secure Verification Code (CSV) or through the Cl@ve APP with automatic video identification (basic level).
• Online registration with video callwhere a public employee verifies your identity live using your document (usually with limited opening hours).
• Register online with electronic certificate or electronic ID card (DNIe).which directly places you at an advanced registration level.
• In-person registration at a Cl@ve registration officeby making an appointment and submitting your documents in person.

Each registration method leads to the same overall result (being registered with Cl@ve), but Not all of them offer the same level of securityThe basic level is mainly associated with the invitation letter and automatic video identification from the app, while the advanced level is achieved when an in-person or certificate-based verification is involved.

Regardless of the route you choose, you will always be asked for a mobile number and an email addressThe phone will be key (literally) to receive codes via SMS or to use the app, and email will be used for notifications and communications about the system.

Register with Cl@ve online using an invitation letter and CSV (without a certificate)

If you don't have an electronic certificate or a working electronic ID card (DNIe), a very common way to register is... online registration with invitation letter and Secure Verification Code (CSV)This method grants you a basic registration level, sufficient for a large number of procedures, although some organizations outside the Tax Agency require an advanced level for their most frequent transactions.

The process begins by accessing the option “Register with Cl@ve” on the official website (for example, from the Tax Agency's electronic office or the Cl@ve portal). The first thing you will need to provide is your identity document:

• ID: eight numbers and one letter, all together, without spaces or hyphens.
• NO: one letter, seven numbers and a final letter, also without spaces or hyphens.

Depending on the type of document, the system will ask you an additional contrasting piece of dataIf it's a national identity card (DNI), it will ask for the expiry date and, in the case of a permanent DNI (dated 01/01/9999), the issue date. There are usually helpful links explaining where this date appears on the different DNI formats.

If you have a NIE instead of a DNI, you will need to enter the support number which appears on your foreigner's card, residence permit, or European Union citizen certificate. You'll also find help links such as "How to obtain the support number…?" and explanatory texts on how to write it correctly.

When you click "Continue," the system validates the entered data. If it is correct, it is displayed. the two options for online registration without a certificate: via invitation letter with CSV or via video identification using the Cl@ve app. If you choose the letter option, you will see the button “Yes, send me an invitation letter to my tax address”.

When you confirm the shipment, the request is generated and a message indicating that the letter has been sent to the registered address which is listed in the Tax Agency's database at that time. From here, all that remains is to wait; the letter usually takes around ten days, although this can vary.

Once you receive the letter, you have 60 days to complete everythingYou return to the same "Register in Cl@ve" option, indicate your ID or NIE again with its verification data and, this time, check the box "I already have an invitation letter" before pressing "Continue".

In the next step you must enter the 16-character Secure Verification Code (CSV) which appears in the invitation letter. If you can't find it, they usually offer a help section such as "How to get the CSV from your invitation letter?" with examples and images.

If the CSV has expired (more than 60 days from the deadline), the system will notify you that The code is no longer validIn that situation, you can request a new invitation letter or choose another registration method: video identification with the app, in-person registration, or online registration with a certificate or electronic ID.

In the final section of the registration you will need to indicate the mobile number where you want to receive the SMS messages and an email address. If you're using a foreign phone, you'll need to add your country's international dialing code. This information is essential for using Cl@ve later.

There is one important restriction to keep in mind: You can only associate one mobile number with a DNI/NIEIf the system detects that the phone number is already linked to another person (another document), you will receive an SMS with a code to complete the new registration. Simultaneously, the previous person's access with that same number will be automatically disabled. A specific field for entering this additional code will appear on the registration form.

After accepting the terms and clicking “Submit”, a page will be displayed with the Cl@ve Permanente activation code and a "View PDF" link to download the discharge certificate. PDF It serves as a safeguard and contains the activation code, instructions for creating and activating your Permanent Cl@ve, and the system's terms of use.

Automatic Cl@ve registration via the Internet with video identification from the APP

Another very convenient way to obtain Cl@ve, without traveling and also without an electronic certificate, is the Automatic video identification via the Cl@ve appIn this case, the procedure gives you a basic registration level almost immediately, and later, after a manual review of the electronic evidence by a public employee, it can become an advanced level.

This system is available, temporarily, for Spanish citizens with a valid ID cardTo get started, the first thing you need to do is download the official Cl@ve application from the corresponding store (App Store or Google Play) on your mobile device.

Once installed, if you are not registered with Cl@ve, the app itself will launch a step-by-step assistant to register via video identification. When you open it for the first time, it will ask you to enter your ID number and verification information:

• Expiration date, for ordinary ID cards.
• Expedition date, if it is a permanent ID card dated 01/01/9999.

If the system detects that you are not yet registered, a prominent option will appear, such as “through video identification” To start the remote process. When you select it, the app will guide you through different screens.

The first thing is to facilitate a mobile phone number You will receive an SMS with a verification code to confirm that the mobile number is yours. Both Spanish and foreign numbers are valid. Enter the received code into the app and, by pressing "Continue," the phone number will be validated.

Next, the application will ask you to specify a Contact E-Mailwhere you will receive notifications related to the Cl@ve system. You type it twice to confirm there are no typos and then press “Continue” again.

The next screen will display the mobile number and email address you provided for your review. You will also need to read and accept the terms and conditions. the system's security conditions and policiesBy checking the corresponding boxes and clicking on “Start video identification”, the recording process actually begins.

The app will request permission to access the camera and microphone of the deviceSince you need to record video and audio, a captcha or small verification code will also appear on the screen at some point, which you will have to enter correctly as an additional security measure.

During the recording, you will be asked to show your identity document to the camera, to bring it closer or turn it if necessary, and to perform certain gestures or movements that allow us to verify that You are the same person who appears on the ID card.The system will record both the image of the document and your face and voice.

If everything goes smoothly, the registration will complete successfully in a few minutes. At that point, you will be registered. with basic registration levelAnd you'll be able to use Cl@ve Móvil directly from the app. You'll also usually be able to download a registration receipt in PDF format.

At a later stage, a civil servant will review the electronic evidence generated (videos, ID, and facial biometric data). If the review is successful, your registration can be upgraded to an advanced level. When this happens, you will receive a notification in the Cl@ve app indicating this level change.

Register in Cl@ve via video call with an agent

In addition to automatic video identification, some agencies offer discharge via video call with a public employeeIn this case, you are not recorded by an automated system, but you speak live with a person who verifies your identity and registers you remotely.

This service is usually available Monday to Friday, in the morning (for example, from 9:00 to 14:00). The usual procedure is to access the "Cl@ve Registration via Video Call" option on the corresponding portal and start a test video call to confirm that your connection, camera, and microphone are working correctly.

After that initial check, the system will ask you to Enter your ID or NIE number and the verification dataJust like with all other online registrations. You will need to check a box confirming that the video call test has been performed and then click on “Access video assistance”.

If the service is operational, it will be displayed on the screen. an estimated waiting time until an agent can assist you. Once the call begins, the person on the other end will ask you to show your ID to the camera and may ask you some questions to verify your information.

After verification, registration in Cl@ve is completed and You will be provided with the necessary information To activate your Cl@ve Permanente and download the registration receipt, it's usually the same as in the other online methods.

Register in Cl@ve with an electronic certificate or electronic ID card (DNIe)

If you already have an active electronic certificate or electronic ID card, the most direct and secure way is Register with Cl@ve using that certificateThis option gives you an advanced registration level from the very beginning, without intermediate steps.

To do this, you will need to access the option “Register with Cl@ve using a certificate or electronic ID” on the corresponding electronic portal. Again, the first thing you need to provide is your National Identity Document (DNI) or Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) to identify the document you will use to authenticate.

Once you have selected the document, the system will redirect you to the certificate-based identification gatewayThere, you will need to select the certificate installed in your browser or card reader and authenticate. In the case of the Spanish National Identity Card (DNIe), this involves entering your PIN and using a compatible reader.

Once the identification is complete, a form very similar to that of other registrations opens, where You will need to provide your mobile phone number and email address.Review the displayed data and accept the terms and conditions of the Cl@ve system.

At the end, the page will display confirmation of registration and the Cl@ve Permanente activation codeYou can also download a PDF with the registration receipt containing that code, instructions for activating it, and the terms of service.

In-person registration at Cl@ve offices

If you prefer to discuss these matters face-to-face or you're not entirely comfortable with online procedures, you always have the option of register in person at Cl@ve at an authorized registration office. This is a particularly useful option if you don't have a certificate or a mobile phone equipped for video calls or video identification.

To use this option, you will normally need to make an appointment You can register through the website of the Tax Agency, Social Security, or the regional or local government that acts as a Cl@ve registration office. Use the office locator to find the one closest to your home.

On the day of the appointment you must come with your original identity documentFor Spanish citizens, a National Identity Document (DNI) is required; passports and driver's licenses are not usually accepted for this specific procedure. For foreign citizens, a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) is required along with a Certificate of Registration as a Citizen of the Union, a Foreigner Identity Card, or a residence permit.

In some cases, foreign nationals are also required to provide additional documentation issued by your country of originsuch as a passport or travel documents, to reinforce identification. All of this is verified at the counter.

In the office you will need to provide a a working mobile number in Spain and an email addresswhich will be associated with your Cl@ve user account. Once the staff verifies your identity and completes the registration in the system, you will be registered and able to use Cl@ve Móvil and activate your Cl@ve Permanente.

Cl@ve Móvil (formerly Cl@ve PIN): how it works

Cl@ve Móvil, formerly known as Cl@ve PIN, is the option designed for occasional or relatively frequent access to electronic services. It is based on the use of the Cl@ve app to authenticate you through a QR code or a notification, and can also be complemented by sending a temporary PIN via SMS.

To use it, the first thing is Download the official Cl@ve app Download it from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, you'll need to activate it by following the steps indicated in the app itself, which generally involve verifying your mobile phone and linking it to your Cl@ve account.

When you want to enter a procedure that allows this system, in the organization's identification gateway you select “Cl@ve Móvil”The system redirects you to the identity provider's screen, where a QR code is usually displayed, ready to be scanned from your app.

If you can scan the QR code, open the app, point the camera at the code, and In seconds, you will receive an authentication request on your mobile phone. If you cannot use the QR code, you always have the alternative of entering your ID card or Foreigner's Identity Number (NIE) along with the verification data (DNI expiry or issue date, or NIE support number) and confirming the transaction.

Upon receiving the notification in the app, you should verify that The organization and verification code that appear on your mobile phone match those on the procedure screen.Then, you accept the request using the unlocking method that you have configured on your device (fingerprint, pattern, PIN, facial recognition, etc.).

In certain configurations, or if you prefer, you can also receive a 6-digit PIN via SMS To complete the access, enter that code into your browser, confirm, and the system will automatically redirect you to the procedure you were trying to perform.

In more classic style The Cl@ve PIN procedure is based on:

1. Download and activate the Cl@ve PIN app on your mobile phone.
2. Select “Cl@ve PIN” on the access gateway to the procedure.
3. Please provide your ID card or Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE) and the corresponding validity/issue date.
4. Click on “Get PIN” or choose to customize part of the code by selecting a block of four characters.
5. Receive a notification in the app with the generated PIN and its validity period.
6. Enter the PIN in the application form and click on “Access”.

In any case, whether you use QR code, PIN via SMS, or notification, These are always temporary passwords, valid only for a short period of time and for a specific session.

Cl@ve Permanente: username and password with greater stability

While Cl@ve Móvil/PIN is designed for one-off access, Cl@ve Permanente functions as a long-lasting username and password systemThis is designed for those who frequently access online portals. It is not unlimited, but it is usually valid for two years, after which it must be renewed.

To activate Cl@ve Permanente you need to have previously completed your registration in the Cl@ve system You can activate your account through any of the available methods and have the activation code, which you'll find on the registration receipt (PDF) generated when you sign up. If you've lost that document, there's usually an online option to regenerate or retrieve the code.

Activation is done through the “Activate Permanent Cl@ve” option on the official website. There you will need to enter the activation code that appears in the PDF and follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

As part of the process, you will receive a SMS with a number that you will need to enter To continue. This ensures that the mobile phone associated with the user is actually in your possession at the time the password is created.

Finally, the system will ask you to choose a password that meets minimum complexity requirements (length, combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, etc.). Once established, this will be the key you will use along with your ID card or Foreigner's Identity Number to access services that support Cl@ve Permanente.

If you ever forget your password, want to change it, or suspect it may have been compromised, there are specific functions for recovering or modifying the Cl@ve Permanente from the Tax Agency and Cl@ve system portals, where you will also find detailed guides and help.

Cl@ve Signature and electronic certificates in the cloud

One of the most powerful features of the system is Cl@ve Firmawhich allows you to use a centralized electronic certificate, hosted and guarded by the Administration itself, without you having to install anything on your computer or device.

These “cloud certificates” make it possible for you to electronically sign documents and forms From almost any computer with an internet connection, simply by authenticating with your Cl@ve credentials, without needing a local certificate in the browser.

To use Cl@ve Firma it is necessary fulfill three previous steps:

1. Having achieved a advanced level registration in Cl@ve (by certificate, electronic ID card, in person or reviewed video identification).
2. Activate your Permanent Key, since it is used as the basis for the signing process.
3. Generate the signing certificate on the Cl@ve platform itself, following the procedure indicated in the specific Cl@ve Firma section.

Once everything is set up, you will be able to sign procedures and documents that allow it with full legal guarantees, without the need for additional physical devices or complex configurations on your computer.

Importance of the mobile phone number in the Cl@ve system

Within the Cl@ve ecosystem, the mobile phone plays a critical role because It acts as a second authentication factorNot only do you receive SMS messages with access codes, but in many cases, simply having the app active on your device proves that it is you who is logging in.

For this reason, the regulations governing the system (for example, the Resolution of December 14, 2015, from the Directorate of Information and Communication Technologies) establish that Only one ID card/Foreigner's Identification Number (DNI/NIE) can be associated with a single mobile number. and vice versa. This prevents multiple people from sharing the same number for identification, which would weaken security.

Changing the phone number associated with a Cl@ve user is especially protected. To modify it, you will normally need to Access the Tax Agency's electronic headquarters using an electronic certificate or electronic ID card (DNIe).or manage it from the Cl@ve/Cl@ve PIN app itself, also through high security means, video call or in person at a registration office.

When the system detects that the documentation provided (your ID card or NIE) does not match the mobile number entered, a message is usually displayed specific warning screen, reporting the inconsistency and reminding that it is not possible to link more than one document to the same phone.

This design has been conceived to ensure that only the person who actually owns the document and the mobile phone have access to the codes, which reinforces the two-factor authentication: something you know (your document/password) and something you have (your phone).

Understanding the different registration options, security levels, and how Cl@ve Móvil, Cl@ve Permanente, and Cl@ve Firma combine allows you to choose the option that best suits your situationWith proper mobile configuration and credentials, interaction with the Administration via the Internet becomes much more streamlined and, at the same time, remains secure. a high level of protection for your identity and personal data.