More information about digital certificates

DN is the acronym for Distinguished Name and contains data that identifies the holder. DN is made up of various fields and its structure varies depending on Certification Authority issued by the certificate. For example:

  • If it is a certificate issued by Banco de España its structure will be similar to the following:
    • CN = [EG] Tax ID code (CIF) of the certificate holder RI- xxxxxxx 000n
    • OU=COMPONENTS
    • O = Entity trading name.
    • C=ES
  • If the certificate is for a legal person issued by a Certificate Services Provider, for example the Spanish Public Printing Works (FNMT), the structure is similar to that below:
    • CN = ENTITY [TRADING NAME] - CIF CIF [TAX ID CODE OF THE LEGAL PERSON] - NAME [APPLICANT'S NAME AND SURNAMES] – NIF [APPLICANT'S TAX ID NUMBER]
    • OU = 1234567890
    • OU = FNMT Class 2 CA
    • O = FNMT
    • C=ES

If the browser where the certificate is installed is Internet Explorer, the DN can be seen in Tools > Internet Options > Content > Certificates. Click on the certificate > details > subject (or matter).