Practical Tips: How To Install Your Digital Signature On Your Device In Spain

Bureaucracy in Spain has a reputation for being complicated, and is notoriously time-consuming. But the Spanish government are trying to change that by moving some processes online, and by making it easier than ever to complete those all-important forms.

One of the things they’ve introduced is Autofirma: a digital signature so you can sign documents online without having to head to a government office! Here’s everything you need to know about how to use this system and install it on your computer or other electronic device.

What Is Autofirma?

You may have heard people talking about Autofirma, but do you actually know what it is? Just in case you need a refresher, Autofirma is an auto sign system which allows you to create a digital signature.

Autofirma is not a new system, but many people are still not using it. It was created by Spain’s Ministry of Finance and Public Administrations and has the same validity as the handwritten signature for documents online. When you use Autofirma it is just as valid as if you signed a document with your own hand!

Why Do I Need Autofirma?

Any form that you can complete online in Spain can be signed with Autofirma. This means that you can sign documents without the need to take them to a physical location. Autofirma can also be used in conjunction with the digital certificate (and the Clove system) which is used to formally identify yourself online.

If you want to use the Autofirma system you’ll also have to have the digital certificate installed. The two go hand in hand.

How Do You Install Autofirmer?

You can install Autofirmer on both your computer and your mobile phone (or both if you want to). To do this you will need to download the Autofirma system.  You can do this via the Electronic Administration website (which you can find here.) The version you download will depend on your operating system, for example whether you run a Windows or Mac system.

You can only install it on the computer or phone where you’ve downloaded it. And the installation process will differ depending on the operating system. But it isn’t complicated. Just follow the clear instructions that appear on the screen!

To sign documents on your mobile phone you’ll need to download an application called Cliente Movil @firma. This is exactly the same as the Autofirma app, but it has a slightly different name. You can download versions of this for either iPhone or Android phones. To ensure you’re downloading the right app, check that it’s the one that’s been created by Spain's Ministry of Economic Affairs.

How Do You Use Autofirma?

Using Autofirma is refreshingly straightforward once you’ve got it installed. On your computer you can click the option titled ‘select files to sign’ then sign the document that you want to complete, and enter your signature. How you sign this is up to you: you can use your name, your signature, or draw it using the track pad.  You will also select your digital certificate when it comes up on the screen.

If you want to sign a document on your mobile phone then once the application is installed, you will need to have the electronic certificate that you want to use for the signature and import it. Then just press the import certificate option, and follow the steps as they appear on the screen. Signing the document is as easy as that!

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