After receiving a DNI, four similar names appear, but they are not interchangeable. DNIe signs through the card chip; MiDNI displays your identity in person from a phone; FNMT is an installable certificate; Cl@ve is an access gateway for public services that support it.
Information reviewed on 27 August 2026. The official MiDNI website still says that remote identification, electronic signing and border crossing are unavailable. A feature announced for a later phase should not be treated as already launched.
The short answer
- In-person identification in Spain: physical DNI, or MiDNI with a data connection.
- Travel: physical DNI or passport as required; not MiDNI.
- Quick login to a compatible public portal: Cl@ve Móvil is often easiest.
- Online identification and signing from a computer: FNMT certificate or DNIe, depending on the portal.
- A resilient setup: configure Cl@ve and keep either FNMT or DNIe working as a second route.
DNIe: certificates inside the card
The physical DNI contains authentication and signing certificates on its chip. You need the card, valid certificates, its PIN and a compatible reader; DNI 3.0 and later can also use NFC in supported configurations.
Strength: the private key stays protected by the card. Limit: it depends on hardware, PIN, certificate status and computer compatibility. The physical document and its chip certificates have separate validity.
Use it when a portal offers “DNIe / electronic certificate”. See how to activate DNIe, change the PIN and check its certificates.
MiDNI: in-person identity on a phone
MiDNI is the official National Police app. It creates short-lived, police-signed data that another person verifies through a QR code; a connection is required and you choose which set of details to display.
It currently proves identity in person within Spain. It does not replace the physical document at borders, does not identify you in other countries and does not yet provide online authentication or signing.
Strength: show only the details needed without handing over the card. Limit: it needs a connection and the verifier must scan the live QR, not accept a screenshot.
FNMT: an installable certificate
The FNMT citizen certificate is a digital file for online identification and signing. It can be installed on a browser, system or phone and exported with its private key as a password-protected .p12 or .pfx backup.
Strength: no card reader is needed for every use. Limit: anyone who obtains the file and password may be able to use it, so copies, devices, expiry and revocation need careful control.
It is practical for frequent procedures, AutoFirma and portals accepting electronic certificates. Follow the guide to obtain an FNMT certificate with your new DNI.
Cl@ve: a shared public-service login
Cl@ve is neither an identity document nor a certificate file you store. It is a shared identification platform for integrated public administrations and requires prior registration.
- Cl@ve Móvil confirms access in the app through QR or notification; the flow may offer an SMS PIN if the app cannot be used.
- Cl@ve Permanente uses DNI or NIE plus a password, with an extra code for higher-security services.
- Cl@ve Firma provides centralised signing only in integrated procedures and with the required registration level.
Strength: convenient access from different devices. Limit: each portal decides which method and registration level it accepts; a Cl@ve logo does not mean every Cl@ve option is available.
For the application stage, see how to prepare Cl@ve and a digital certificate.
Choose by situation
- Prove identity in person: use physical DNI. In Spain, MiDNI works when the verifier follows the official flow and a connection is available.
- View information without signing: try Cl@ve Móvil first; use FNMT or DNIe if the portal requires something stronger.
- Sign an application or PDF: check the portal first. Local signing commonly uses FNMT or DNIe with AutoFirma; Cl@ve Firma works only where integrated. MiDNI does not sign online.
- Travel: carry a valid physical DNI or passport according to the destination.
- Avoid a single point of failure: keep two independent methods, such as Cl@ve Móvil for routine access and FNMT for signing, plus a known DNIe PIN.
Do not mix these up
- The DNIe PIN is not a Cl@ve password or phone code.
- MiDNI is not a permanent copy of the card and does not replace its chip for signing.
- FNMT and DNIe use separate certificates, expiry dates and revocation processes.
- Moving from NIE to DNI does not automatically update every authority or old credential.
- A portal may accept one method for login and require another for the final signature.
Recommended setup after receiving the DNI
- Check the DNIe PIN and chip certificates at an update point.
- Update Cl@ve and verify that access works with the DNI.
- Request a new FNMT certificate and keep an encrypted backup.
- Register MiDNI through the official channel if you want mobile in-person identification.
- Test each method on an official portal without submitting a real procedure.
Ready when
- You know which tool proves identity in person, which works online and which signs.
- You retain a physical DNI or passport for travel.
- At least two digital routes work.
- PINs, passwords and certificate backups are kept separately.
- You check the accepted methods before starting a procedure.