Car Ownership Transfer in Spain Online

To transfer car ownership in Spain, the cost typically includes a Tráfico fee of €55.70 (€27.85 for mopeds) and a transfer tax of 4-8% of the official/fiscal value of the vehicle, depending on the region and the type and size of the engine. In addition to these fees, there may be a gestor fee if you use the services of a professional.

The process can also be done online by us for a fee of €50, plus the official fees and taxes. It’s important to note that the transfer tax has nothing to do with the sale price of the vehicle. The exact cost may vary depending on the specific circumstances and the region in Spain where the transfer takes place.

The ITP (Impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales) tax is between 4-8% of the fiscal value of the vehicle. It is paid using the Modelo 620/621 form.

The buyer pays the ITP tax (Modelo 620/621).

Modelo 620 form is used to pay the ITP (Impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales) tax or vehicle transfer tax. The Modelo 621 is used to pay the ITP vehicle transfer tax online.

IVTM – Impuesto Sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica is the annual road tax in Spain. It is usually paid at the town hall where the vehicle is registered or can be done online. It’s important to note that the previous years’ IVTM must be paid if you want to transfer a vehicle into your name.

Hiring a Gestor to transfer car ownership in Spain can have several benefits, including:

• Convenience: The Gestor can handle all the paperwork and processes on your behalf, saving you time and effort.
• Expertise: Gestors are familiar with the local bureaucracy and requirements, which can help ensure a smooth transfer process.
• Language: If you are not fluent in Spanish, a Gestor can assist with the language barrier and ensure that you understand the process and documentation.
• Temporary Ownership Document: The Gestor can provide a temporary ownership document to carry until the new one is obtained from Tráfico, providing peace of mind during the transition period.

However, it’s important to note that using a Gestor’s services can be expensive. The process can be done independently, especially if you are familiar with the local requirements, procedures and speak Spanish fairly well.

The buyer is responsible for completing the ownership transfer.

To transfer vehicle ownership in Spain, the following paperwork is typically required:

• Proof of identity for both parties
• Proof of address and NIE for the buyer
• Vehicle documentation, including the Permiso de Circulación (Logbook) and Ficha Técnica (Specification sheet)
• Proof of previous years’ road tax paid
• Sales contract, or invoice if buying from a company

The buyer must complete the change of ownership within 30 days of signing the sales contract. If the seller has notified the DGT that they have sold the vehicle (notificación de venta) and you haven’t completed the transfer, the DGT can issue a “Denegatoria.” This allows the police to seize or immobilize the vehicle if they stop you, as the car is not correctly registered.

This depends on who does the transfer. Usually it can be done the same day by using Simple English Advice, a gestor or going to DGT yourself. However, the new registration certificate or permiso de circulación (logbook) can take up to two weeks to be processed. 

It is done at your local DGT office. Or you can use a gestor or an online vehicle transfer service.

The permiso de circulacion is usually mandatory to transfer a vehicle at the DGT office. However, with Simple English Advice, we can put the car in your name without the permiso. 

It is the technical inspection card with detailed vehicle specifications and modifications. It is the most important vehicle document you can have and is needed to pass an ITV test. 

The Padrón is the common name for a Certificado de Empadronamiento (Certificate of Registration). This document certifies your address and habitual residence in Spain. It’s needed to carry out certain administrative procedures in Spain. You can get it from your local Town Hall. 

Yes, as long as they have a NIE and proof of Spanish address. Such as rental contract, house deeds or empadronamiento.

Yes you can, but be aware there are usually problems when it comes to the transfer process. Car dealers can’t legally sell a Spanish-registered car in the UK and so act as ‘middle-men’. For more information read our article about buying a Spanish-registered car in the UK.

Yes, you can keep a foreign car in Spain, but the rules vary depending on your residency status and the duration of your stay.

For Non-Residents:
Short-Term Use (Up to 6 Months):

• You can keep a foreign-registered car in Spain for up to 6 months within a 12-month period.
• The car must be roadworthy in its country of registration, with valid insurance and any required inspections (e.g., MOT in the UK).
• After 6 months, you must either export the car or start the process of registering it in Spain.

For Residents:
Registration Required:

• If you become a resident in Spain, you must register the car with Spanish authorities and get Spanish plates within 30 days of establishing residency.
  
  Steps include:
  1. Obtaining an NIE (foreigner’s identification number).
  2. Paying the import tax (if applicable).
  3. Passing the ITV (vehicle inspection).
  4. Paying registration fees and the annual road tax.
  5. Registering the car with the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).

Yes, you can do this procedure the same as if you were selling the car to anyone else. You can gift it to your husband, wife or other family member but the process is usually more complicated.

You must produce the usual documents following the death of a close one, plus the Modelo 650/660.

Anyone can buy a car in Spain. The problem comes when trying to transfer ownership into their name. To legally own the vehicle, they must have a NIE document, and proof of Spanish address. Some regions are now refusing to issue a NIE number for the basis of buying a car.