The State Public Employment Service (SEPE) has launched new identification methods for carrying out procedures online and by phone. The measure, in effect since July 16, allows the use of temporary codes sent to mobile phones or email without the need for a digital certificate.
Since July 16, unemployed individuals can carry out more transactions with SEPE without needing a digital certificate or electronic ID. A resolution published in the BOE on July 15, 2026, introduces new identification systems for applying for unemployment benefits, submitting documents, and performing other procedures electronically or by phone.
The regulation, dated June 2, 2026, expands the ways to verify the identity of the applicant. Alongside the already known systems, SEPE will be able to use one-time codes sent to mobile phones or email, personal references, passwords, and other contrasting data. Biometric identification is also considered, although this option will not be operational until the agency activates it with all technical and legal guarantees.
The required method will depend on the level of security needed for each procedure. Some accesses will have a validity limited to the time necessary to complete a specific transaction.
How the new identification methods work
For online procedures, the user must provide a mobile phone number or an email address validated by the system. SEPE will send a temporary code that the applicant must enter to confirm their identity and consent. Evidence of this operation will be incorporated into the administrative file.
In telephone transactions, the citizen can communicate a code received on their mobile or email to the SEPE employee. The identification made during the call will be verified through a voice recording or a note in the file.
The secure verification code will have more restricted use: it will allow the submission of writings or documents related to a request, but will not grant access to other personal data in the file.
What procedures can be carried out with the new systems
The resolution enables SEPE to allow the submission of applications and documents, as well as other actions related to unemployment protection. The available procedures will be progressively published on the agency's electronic headquarters. This means that not all procedures will be available from the first day with any of the new methods.
The digital certificate, electronic ID, and Cl@ve remain valid and allow access to all services of the electronic headquarters. SEPE may require a system with greater guarantees when the nature of the procedure or the associated risk so requires.
For the citizen, the main advantage is flexibility: it is no longer essential to have a digital certificate to carry out transactions such as applying for unemployment benefits or a subsidy. A mobile phone or email is sufficient to receive the temporary code.
Biometric identification, pending activation
Although the resolution includes biometric data among the authorized systems, the BOE clarifies that this possibility is enabling. Biometric mechanisms and the corporate mobile application will not produce legal effects until they are fully operational and meet the corresponding technical and legal guarantees. Therefore, for now, fingerprint or facial recognition cannot be used to apply for benefits.
The measure aims to facilitate access to SEPE services for thousands of unemployed individuals, especially those who have difficulties with traditional identification systems. The SEPE electronic headquarters will inform about the procedures that accept these new systems, so it is recommended to consult it before starting any transaction.
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