Register your Advance Directives (Voluntades Anticipadas / Instrucciones Previas) in your CCAA

What you should have ready

1. DNI/NIE/pasaporte valid.
2. Modelo oficial from your CCAA for Instrucciones Previas/Voluntades Anticipadas.
3. Decide the route: testigos, notario or authorised official.
4. Representative details (optional but strongly recommended) and their acceptance.
5. Cl@ve or certificado digital if you’ll do it online (https://clave.gob.es).
6. Tarjeta sanitaria or your CCAA insurance number.

Documentation

• Completed and signed directive document.
• DNI/NIE of you and of witnesses/representative.
• Representative's acceptance (if you name one).
• Notarial deed if you used a notario (bring an authorised copy to register).
• Proof of registration you’ll receive after registering (keep it safe).

Step by step

1. Download the form from your Servicio de Salud website (called “Registro de Instrucciones Previas”, “Voluntades Anticipadas” or “Voluntades Vitales Anticipadas”, depending on the CCAA).
2. Fill in and sign the document. Choose modality: 2–3 testigos, notario or funcionario habilitado (the model/CCAA will say which are allowed).
3. If you go with testigos, have them sign and bring their DNIs. If you use a notario, request a copia autorizada.
4. Online registration: log into your CCAA register sede with Cl@ve/certificado, start the “Inscripción de Instrucciones Previas” procedure and attach the signed PDF, DNIs and, if applicable, the notarial deed.
5. In-person registration: go to the authorised point with the document and witnesses or with the notarial deed. Some CCAA require ID in person.
6. Get the proof of registration and keep it.
7. After 1–4 semanas, check your health folder or ask at your health centre that it appears and has been uploaded to the Registro Nacional.

Time-savers

• Name a representative and leave their phone number: it avoids delays in emergencies.
• Be clear and concise (don’t write a novel). Use the options in the form.
• Upload legible PDFs and, if the sede allows, combine pages into one file.
• Share a copy with family and your GP: it speeds things up if there’s confusion.
• If possible, sign the PDF electronically to avoid extra trips.

Common mistakes that will mess things up

• Assuming the notario alone is enough: if you don’t register it, systems might not find it.
• Invalid witnesses (direct relatives or staff treating you): your inscription will be rejected.
• Forgetting the representative’s acceptance: this can block the registration.
• Uploading blurry photos: you’ll get a requirement and face weeks of delay.
• Not checking the upload to the Registro Nacional: on the day it matters, it may not be there.