Digital signature for individuals
A digital certificate is an electronic document that contains the subscriber's identity, public key and personal information. It is created and digitally signed by a Certifying Authority – a legal entity that provides the service of creation, issuance and operation of digital certificates. The certificates provided under the Subscriber Agreement are issued through the National System of Digital Certification, supported by Law 8454, by the certifying authority CA SINPE – PHYSICAL PERSON, formally registered with the Digital Governance Directorate (DGD).
The digital certificates implement the Policy on Certificates for the National Hierarchy of Registered Certifiers, approved by the Digital Governance Directorate of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Telecommunications. The certification services of CA SINPE – PHYSICAL PERSON are offered as one of the services of the Banco Central de Costa Rica through the National Electronic Payments System (SINPE).
The signature can be obtained through two different procedures:
Digital Signature Card: A smart card (with a cryptographic chip) is used as a repository to safeguard the digital certificates (authentication and signature).
Mobile Signature: The mobile phone or tablet is used as a repository to safeguard the digital certificate (authentication).
