How much does it cost to change the registered name of a vehicle in Spain?
The cost of a vehicle ownership transfer (transferencia de vehículos online) is €55.70* (mopeds €27.85) for registration, which you pay at the Jefatura de Tráfico office or online. On top of this is the 4-8% transfer tax (depends on the region). This is worked out by the official/fiscal value of the vehicle and depends on the type and size of the engine. This has nothing to do with the sale price of the vehicle.
If you bought a car through a dealership, the car dealers normally change the name for you and you will receive the documents in your name when you receive the car. Make sure you get proof of this as a friend of mine (and many more) got ripped off by Top Gear Cars in Fuengirola (now shut down). They didn’t change ownership of her car (among other things) and so when she came to sell it, she found out it’s not legally hers! This is becoming an increasingly common practice in Spain, with the increase of dodgy car dealers. Read this article on how to avoid problems when buying a used car in Spain.
Buying a used car is increasing in Spain due to the recent increase in car registration tax. If it’s a private sale it is advisable to hire a professional to make sure the car ownership transfer process is done speedily and correctly as well as saving on headaches and queuing times in the Trafico department.