Cl@ve: How to Register and Access Government Services Online

You have your TIE card. You’ve activated eIdentifier. Now you want to access government services from your phone without a card reader. That’s Cl@ve.

What Is Cl@ve?

Cl@ve is Spain’s unified digital identity system for accessing government services online. Think of it as a single login that works across all government websites — tax office, social security, immigration, municipal services.

Two access modes:

• Cl@ve PIN: Temporary code sent to your phone each time you log in. Easy, no setup beyond registration.
• Cl@ve Permanente: A permanent password you set once. Faster access, no SMS needed.

Why Cl@ve Matters

Without Cl@ve (or eIdentifier / digital certificate), every government interaction requires an in-person visit. With Cl@ve, from your phone or computer you can:

• Check residency application status — no more wondering, just log in and look
• Book immigration appointments — the portal uses Cl@ve’s DNIe/Certificado electrónico option
• File taxes — annual income tax (IRPF), quarterly declarations
• View social security records — contribution history, employment records
• Download empadronamiento — if your municipality supports online download
• Pay traffic fines — DGT accepts Cl@ve login

How to Register

Self-registration (fastest — 10 minutes from home)

What you need:

• Your TIE card — specifically the support number (número de soporte) in the top right corner, starting with E
• Your phone number registered in Spain
• A valid email address

Steps:

1. Go to clave.gob.es → Registration
2. Select foreign ID (NIE)
3. Enter your NIE number, TIE support number, and phone number
4. Receive a verification code by SMS
5. Set your Cl@ve Permanente password
6. Done — you can now log into any government website

In-person registration (if self-registration fails)

If online registration doesn’t work (common with certain TIE card types), visit any of these offices with your TIE + passport:

• Social Security office (Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social)
• Tax office (Agencia Tributaria / AEAT)
• Some municipal offices (ayuntamiento)

No prior appointment needed at most locations. Walk in, ask for registro en Cl@ve, done in 5 minutes.

When Your TIE Card Changes

This is critical: your Cl@ve registration is linked to your TIE’s support number. When you receive a new TIE card — through renewal, replacement after loss, or any reissue — the support number changes.

You must update your Cl@ve registration with the new support number. Otherwise, Cl@ve authentication will fail.

Update options:

• Self-service update at clave.gob.es (if your old session is still active)
• In-person at a registration office with your new TIE

Cl@ve vs eIdentifier vs Digital Certificate

	Cl@ve	eIdentifier	Digital Certificate
Access from	Any device (phone/tablet/computer)	Computer with card reader	Computer with certificate installed
Requires hardware	No	Card reader + TIE card	No
Can sign documents	No	Limited	Yes — full legal signing
Setup effort	10 minutes online	Activate PIN + buy reader	3-step process + in-person verification
Best for	Quick daily access	Highest security authentication	Document signing + formal submissions

Most people use Cl@ve daily and keep eIdentifier/digital certificate for situations that require stronger authentication or document signing.

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This article is part of SCLT’s TIE knowledge base.

Related: What Is TIE? · eIdentifier Guide · Digital Certificate Guide