Definition
The CDNS is a free certificate issued by Spain's Ministry of Justice attesting whether a person has convictions for sexual offences as defined by the Criminal Code. It is the legal tool LOPIVI uses to screen people working with minors.
It is requested online at the Ministry's electronic office (with digital certificate, Cl@ve PIN or in person). Issued in minutes when everything is correct. It evidences the situation at the moment of issuance: best-practice recommendations are to renew it every 1-2 years.
When does it apply?
Required from ALL club staff in habitual contact with minors: coaches, monitors, physios, team delegates, coordinators, drivers, camp monitors, regular volunteers. The club cannot hire (or admit as a regular volunteer) someone with positive criminal record. It is the club's responsibility to require it, keep a copy and renew it periodically.
Practical example
Common mistakes
- Accepting old CDNS: not illegal but best practice is to require recent ones (under 12 months).
- Not keeping a copy: the club must be able to prove it verified each CDNS if the authority asks.
- Forgetting volunteers: LOPIVI doesn't distinguish between paid and habitual volunteer staff.
- Requesting the generic criminal-record certificate instead of the specific CDNS: there are two certificates; for LOPIVI the specific CDNS is required.
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This is not specific legal or tax advice
Information as of May 2026. Regulation evolves and every club has its own casuistry (region, federation, size, activities). For your specific case talk to a lawyer or tax advisor specialised in Spanish sports law.