How to renew your digital company certificate
Renewing a company’s digital certificate is a common procedure; it is an essential process for authenticating the person responsible for a company in a digital environment. Below, we are going to analyse what this permit entails, how to renew the electronic company certificate and how to apply for it.
What is the digital company certificate
Before discussing how to renew the digital company certificate, it is important to know what this electronic document is.
A company’s digital certificate is an electronic document that functions as a digital identification of the organisation. This certificate is issued by a certification authority and contains verified information about the company, such as its name, address and other relevant details.
The digital certificate is mainly used to ensure the authenticity of electronic communication between the company and its customers or suppliers. For example, when a company uses the digital certificate to electronically sign a document.
In addition, the digital certificate can also be used to carry out electronic procedures with the public administration, such as filing tax returns or obtaining official certificates.
Applying for a digital company certificate
To apply for a digital company certificate you need to follow the steps below:
- Identify the type of digital certificate your company needs. There are several types of digital certificates, each with different uses and characteristics. You can check with the legal team at Asesoría Orihuela Costa.
- Gather the necessary documentation. Generally, this will require a copy of the company’s NIF/CIF, a copy of the company’s articles of incorporation, a copy of the DNI of the person requesting the certificate and an application form.
- Choose a digital certificate provider. There are several entities that issue digital certificates, it is important to select an authorised provider.
- Apply for the certificate. This procedure may vary depending on the provider, but it is generally done through their website, filling in a form with the required information and attaching the necessary documentation.
- Validate identity. In order to issue the certificate, the provider must verify the identity of the person requesting the certificate, which can be done through a face-to-face validation or by videoconference.
- Install and use the certificate. Once the digital certificate has been issued, it must be installed on the devices where it will be used to carry out online procedures and formalities.
It is important to point out that cryptographic processes base their efficiency on asymmetric key modules; these modules are increasingly complex to guarantee their security in all kinds of circumstances.
- The expiry of a company’s digital certificate makes it possible to reinforce the security of this certificate. Currently, Law 6/2020 establishes a period of 5 years for the renewal of this digital document.
How to renew a digital company certificate
To renew the digital company certificate it is necessary to follow the following steps.
- Identify the expiry date: It is important to know the expiry date of the digital company certificate in order to plan for its renewal.
- Gather the necessary documentation: It may be necessary to update the documentation submitted in the previous application, so it is important to review the information required by the digital certificate provider.
- Access the digital certificate provider’s platform: Most providers offer the renewal of the digital company certificate through their online platform. It is necessary to access the platform and follow the steps indicated by the provider.
- Validate the identity: The provider may again ask for a validation of the identity of the person requesting the renewal of the digital certificate.
- Make the corresponding payment: Generally, a renewal fee is required to issue the new digital certificate for the company.
- Download and install the new digital certificate: Once the company’s digital certificate has been renewed, it must be downloaded and installed on the devices where it is used.
It is important to bear in mind that the renewal processes may vary depending on the provider, but in most cases the above process is followed. As previously indicated, the renewal of the company’s digital certificate allows the company’s online security systems to be strengthened.
Is it really beneficial for my company to have this certificate?
Yes, nowadays, having a corporate electronic certificate is an essential process for any business operating on the Internet. Among the main advantages of this document, we highlight the following.
- The digital company certificate saves considerable time, especially in those procedures that involve the Administration.
- Security is another of the main advantages. The signature cannot be manipulated or altered, and also avoids the possibility of losing or misplacing documents.
- The legal validity of this certificate is a guarantee for the client.
- The digital signature complies with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.
At Asesoría Orihuela Costa we offer you the legal and digital advice you need to update and apply for all the digital permissions that your company needs.
