Bringing a car from the European Union (EU) to Spain can be a straightforward process, but there are certain steps that must be followed to ensure a smooth registration process. Here is what you need to know.
Steps to change the car plate for a Spanish one:
- Prove ownership of the vehicle with the original vehicle documentation.
- Obtain an ITV certificate in Spain: before registering the car, it must pass the Spanish Technical Inspection of Vehicles (ITV). This certificate is a requirement for registering the car in Spain. To pass the inspection, on the inspection day you need to bring with you :
– Permit of circulation of the country of origin.- *European Certificate of Conformity (or, failing that, an equivalent document) to certify that the vehicle is approved for circulation in Spain.
*Since 2002 there is something called “European Homologation Password”. Any new vehicle sold in Europe since 2002 has it, guaranteeing that the vehicle complies with the homologation regulations of all the member states of the European Union.The European Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is a document that includes the European Homologation Password of your vehicle. The CoC is issued by the manufacturer and is delivered at the time of sale of the vehicle. If you have lost it, you can request a duplicate from the corresponding brand. - Register the car with the Spanish authorities: After obtaining the ITV certificate, the next step is to register the car with the Spanish authorities. Registering a car costs 99,77€ and a registering a motorcycle costs 27,85€. This can be done at the traffic office (DGT) in the province where the vehicle will be kept or online with a Digital Certificate. You can also delegate this process appointing someone as your representative through the DGT website.
Get in touch if you need help navigating through any of the Spanish administrative procedures.
To register the car, you will need to provide the following documentation:- Vehicle registration certificate from the EU country
- Proof of ownership (e.g. bill of sale)
- Passport or ID card
- ITV certificate
- Proof of address in Spain
- Spanish insurance policy
- Pay taxes and fees: Once the car has been registered, you will need to pay taxes and fees associated with registering a car in Spain. Keep a receipt of having paid these taxes. There are two taxes you have to pay:
– State Tax Agency: depending on specifications you will have to pay the tax model 576, tax model 06 or tax model 05. This tax is paid only once and its amount, except in the case of trailers, is linked to the CO2 emitted by the vehicle.
– City Hall Circulation Tax (where you have your domicile). This is paid yearly. - Get Spanish license plates: Once all taxes and fees have been paid, you will receive Spanish license plates for the car.
- Update your insurance policy: It’s important to update your insurance policy to reflect the fact that the car is now registered in Spain.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free process for registering a car from the EU in Spain. With the right documentation and preparation, the process can be completed quickly and efficiently, allowing you to hit the road in no time.
