How to get a DGT Vehicle Check
A DGT vehicle check or Spanish number plate check ‘Informe de Vehículo’, is essential before buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain.
Get one here for €15. We need the Spanish licence plate number—a VIN cannot be used.
How to get a DGT Vehicle Check
A DGT vehicle report or Spanish number plate check ‘Informe de Vehículo’, is essential before buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain.
*Spanish matricula needed
Working Hours
- Weekdays: 10:00 – 19:00
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed
How To Get The DGT Vehicle Report
Send us an email or WhatsApp including the matricula (Spanish license plate number).
We will provide you with Spanish or international (may carry a fee) bank details for you to be able to pay.
Your full DGT vehicle report will be sent to the email address you supplied to us.
Buying a second-hand car in Spain can be a stressful affair. Compared to other countries, the process is much more complicated. We have seen all kinds of problems that have prevented vehicles from being transferred into the new owner’s name (See below). This is why we always recommend getting a DGT Vehicle Check before buying a used vehicle from a private seller, car dealer or garage.
We will explain what one contains and how you can get one below. You can get a free DGT vehicle check, but it is very limited. If you want us to get a full (informe detallado) vehicle check, please use our Spanish Vehicle Report Service for €15 (includes €8.67 DGT fee).
We need the Spanish licence plate number—a VIN cannot be used.
Reports are usually processed and delivered within 2 hours during office hours.
For more detailed information about fines, embargoes, etc, we recommend the Vehicle Buyer Protection Pack.
Why Get a DGT Vehicle Check?
In Spain, a vehicle check is a comprehensive document which contains crucial information about a vehicle’s roadworthiness, history and legal status. The report is generated by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), Spain’s Traffic Authority (Trafico), and is accessible to anyone interested in learning more about a particular vehicle.
Contents of the vehicle report
- Technical Data: The report begins with technical details about the vehicle, such as its make, model, engine size, fuel type, and manufacturing year. This information helps confirm the vehicle’s identity and technical specifications.
- Registered Owner: The report states the registered owner of the vehicle. This is especially important when buying a vehicle from a car dealer, garage or second party.
- ITV History: The vehicle’s inspection history, also known as the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV), is an integral part of the report. It provides a record of past inspections, including the results and any issues that were detected.
- Accidents and Damage: The report may indicate whether the vehicle has been involved in any reported accidents or suffered significant damage in the past. This section helps potential buyers assess the vehicle’s safety and structural integrity.
- Outstanding Fines and Charges: Any pending fines or charges associated with the vehicle, such as unpaid traffic tickets or taxes, are listed in the report. It is essential for buyers to be aware of any outstanding financial obligations linked to the vehicle.
- Mileage Verification: In some cases, the vehicle report may include mileage information, which can help identify potential odometer tampering or verify the vehicle’s overall wear and tear.
Get a DGT full vehicle report - €15
A DGT vehicle check ‘Informe de Vehículo’, is essential before buying a second-hand vehicle in Spain.
We need the Spanish licence plate number—a VIN cannot be used.
Why is the Spanish Vehicle Check Important?
Buying a second-hand Spanish car is notoriously difficult. The hoops that you have to jump through to get it transferred are ridiculous compared to many other EU countries. It just isn’t worth adding more stress to that by not getting a vehicle report, for the sake of a few euros. A car history check in Spain is worth every cent.
- Transparency: The Spanish vehicle report promotes transparency and trust between buyers and sellers. It allows potential buyers to make informed decisions based on accurate and comprehensive information about the vehicle’s condition and history.
- Safety: Knowing a vehicle’s accident history and inspection results helps buyers assess its safety and potential risks. This information is vital for making responsible choices regarding vehicle purchases.
- Fraud Prevention: The vehicle report aids in preventing fraud and illegal activities related to vehicle sales. By disclosing a vehicle’s history and status, buyers can avoid falling victim to scams and unscrupulous sellers.
- Compliance and Peace of Mind: For current vehicle owners, obtaining a vehicle report periodically ensures compliance with legal requirements and offers peace of mind regarding their vehicle’s condition and history.
Types of Vehicle Reports
Informe de un Vehículo
There are two main types of DGT report available, a standard report and a detailed report.
The reduced report, ‘informe reducido’ is a free Spanish number plate check and confirms the identification of the vehicle and shows if there are any incidents recorded. (It doesn’t detail what they are though). You can get this DGT vehicle check for free at sede.dgt.gob.es
The detailed report, ‘informe detallado’ includes more information than detailed above. This is the one we recommend if you are thinking about buying a used vehicle. The cost of this report is €8.67, you will need a Clave or Digital Certificate to be able to access this report.
Nota Simple Vehículo del Registro de Bienes Muebles
A Nota simple de vehículo in Spain is an official report issued by the Registry of Movable Property, which is managed by the Property and Commercial Registries.
It usually includes:
- Vehicle details: license plate, VIN (chassis number), make, model, engine size, etc.
- Ownership information: who the legal owner of the vehicle is (person or company).
- Encumbrances or liens: if the car is financed, under leasing, renting, a “reserva de dominio” (ownership retention by the finance company), seizure/embargo, etc.
It is an informative registry, useful for verifying the legal and financial status of a car. If you suspect a car has financial or legal problems or have seen them in a DGT vehicle report, a Nota simple will provide you with much more detailed information.
Our Nota simple de vehículo service is €20.
What is the Difference Between a DGT Vehicle Report and a Nota Simple?
The Nota simple – provides information about debts, ownership, and legal/financial burdens. It ensures you won’t inherit debts.
The DGT report – tells you about the traffic, technical, and administrative situation. It ensures the car is roadworthy and properly documented.
When buying a second-hand car in Spain, it’s advisable to request both documents for full peace of mind.
Problems When Transferring Ownership of a Vehicle
When you buy a second hand vehicle in Spain, it is your responsibility to change ownership. This can be a complicated procedure and is made more difficult (or impossible) if you don’t have the necessary documents or the vehicle is not transferrable.
One of the biggest problems we face when we do a car ownership transfer is unpaid IVTM road tax. If the previous years’ road tax isn’t paid the car cannot be transferred and a report will show if it has been paid. We have written an article detailing other problems when buying a Spanish vehicle here to help make the process smoother for you.
Another problem is simply that the seller has only just registered the vehicle themselves and is selling it on. (If this is not a dealer I would be wary as to why someone was selling the vehicle so quickly.) If the seller has not yet had the permiso de circulacion (logbook) issued, the vehicle cannot be transferred. You can see an example in the picture below. This informe del vehiculo was obtained on the 10/06/2024, only 4 days after the seller applied for a transfer.
Sometimes, even after a provisional or justificante has been received there may be a reason why DGT refuse the transfer. As the buyer you would be stuck with a vehicle you couldn’t put into your name.
Complete List of Vehicle Report Defect Codes
Here is a complete list of the defect (defectos) codes you can find on a DGT vehicle report. They are found in the Historial De Inspecciones Técnicas section. It also tells you the level of the fault. Either LEVE (Mild), GRAVE (Serious), or MUY GRAVE (Very Serious).
| Type of defect | Code | Reason for the defect |
|---|---|---|
| (01) Vehicle identification | 01.01 | Documentation |
| 01.02 | VIN Number | |
| 01.03 | Number plates | |
| (02) Exterior condition, bodywork and chassis | 02.01 | Front underride |
| 02.02 | Body and chassis | |
| 02.03 | Coupling devices (Towbar) | |
| 02.04 | Mudguards and anti-spray devices | |
| 02.05 | Windshield wipers and washers | |
| 02.06 | Side protections | |
| 02.07 | Rear protections | |
| 02.08 | Doors and steps | |
| 02.09 | Mirrors | |
| 02.10 | Signs on vehicles | |
| 02.11 | Outer spare wheel carrier | |
| 02.12 | Safety glass | |
| (03) Interior condition | 03.01 | Seats and their anchors |
| 03.02 | Safety belts and their anchorages | |
| 03.03 | Child restraint device | |
| 03.04 | Anti-frost and anti-fog | |
| 03.05 | Anti-theft and alarm | |
| 03.06 | Direct field of vision | |
| 03.07 | Load retention devices | |
| 03.08 | Speed indicator (Odometer) | |
| 03.09 | Internal protrusions | |
| (04) Lighting and signalling | 04.01 | Low beam and high beam |
| 04.02 | Reversing lights | |
| 04.03 | Indicator lights (turn signals) | |
| 04.04 | Emergency Signal | |
| 04.05 | Brake lights | |
| 04.06 | Rear license plate light | |
| 04.07 | Side lights | |
| 04.08 | Fog lights | |
| 04.09 | Clearance light | |
| 04.10 | Retro-reflectors | |
| 04.11 | Indoor lighting | |
| 04.12 | Acoustic warning | |
| 04.13 | Parking light | |
| 04.14 | Door opening signaling | |
| 04.15 | Specific light signaling | |
| (05) Polluting emissions and noise | 05.01 | Noise |
| 05.02 | Spark ignition engine vehicles | |
| 05.03 | Vehicles with compression ignition engine | |
| (06) Brakes | 06.01 | Service brake |
| 06.02 | Secondary (emergency) brake | |
| 06.03 | Parking brake (Hand brake) | |
| 06.04 | Overrun brake | |
| 06.05 | Anti-lock device | |
| 06.06 | Deceleration device | |
| 06.07 | Brake device pedal | |
| 06.08 | Vacuum pump or compressor and tanks | |
| 06.09 | Low pressure indicator | |
| 06.10 | Handbrake regulating valve | |
| 06.11 | Braking valves | |
| 06.12 | Accumulator or pressure tank | |
| 06.13 | Trailer Brake Attachment | |
| 06.14 | Brake booster. Master cylinder (hydraulic systems) | |
| 06.15 | Rigid tubes | |
| 06.16 | Flexible tubes | |
| 06.17 | Linings | |
| 06.18 | Drums and/or disks | |
| 06.19 | Cables, rods, levers, connections | |
| 06.20 | Brake system cylinders | |
| 06.21 | Load sensing valve | |
| 06.22 | Automatic slack adjusters | |
| (07) Steering and direction | 07.01 | Wheels deviation |
| 07.02 | Steering wheel and column | |
| 07.03 | Steering box | |
| 07.04 | Steering wheel and ball joints | |
| 07.05 | Power steering | |
| (08) Axles, wheels, tires and suspension | 08.01 | Axels |
| 08.02 | Wheels | |
| 08.03 | Tires | |
| 08.04 | Suspension | |
| (09) Engine and transmission | 09.01 | General condition of the engine |
| 09.02 | Admision system | |
| 09.03 | Exhaust system | |
| 09.04 | Transmission | |
| 09.05 | Vehicles that use gas (LPG) as fuel | |
| (10) Other | 10.01 | Transport of dangerous goods |
| 10.02 | Transport of perishable goods | |
| 10.03 | School and minor transportation | |
| 10.04 | Tachograph | |
| 10.05 | Speed limiter | |
| 10.06 | Unauthorized reforms or modifications | |
Source: https://itv.com.es/
In Conclusion
A DGT vehicle check serves as a valuable resource for buyers, sellers, and vehicle owners. It provides comprehensive information about a vehicle’s roadworthiness, history, and legal status. Whether purchasing a used vehicle from a private seller, Spanish car dealer or UK car dealership, we highly recommend getting a Spanish number plate check done first.
We have seen first-hand the problems many of our clients have experienced by not getting a DGT vehicle history report before buying a used car. A reduced DGT vehicle report is free from the DGT site or it costs €8.67 to get a detailed report.
Frequently Asked Questions About DGT Vehicle Reports
How long does it take for me to receive the report?
Usually, you will receive the report within two hours of us receiving payment during working hours. Reports requested outside of office hours will be sent the next working day. Occasionally the DGT site goes down which may cause delays.
Can I get a DGT vehicle report with just the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)?
No. For us to obtain a DGT vehicle report, we need the Spanish licence plate number ( matrícula).
Why haven't I received my report?
We ensure reports are sent as quickly and securely as possible. However, if your report has not arrived, there may be a simple explanation:
Check your spam or junk folder: Some email providers automatically filter messages containing attachments.
Incorrect email address: If the email address entered during your purchase was incorrect, we will be unable to deliver the report.
Occasional delays: During particularly busy periods, or DGT website crashes, delivery may take a little longer than usual.
If you have checked the above and still cannot find your report, please contact us and we will be happy to help.
Can I request a DGT report for a vehicle I do not own?
Yes. Most DGT vehicle reports can be requested by anyone, so you do not need to be the registered owner or obtain the seller’s permission. This allows you to check a vehicle independently before agreeing to buy it.
What information is needed to obtain a Spanish vehicle report?
If you use our vehicle report service, simply send us the Spanish registration number.
Is the free DGT vehicle report enough when buying a car?
The free reduced report is a useful first check, but it only tells you whether the DGT has recorded any warnings or incidents. It does not explain what those issues are. Before buying a vehicle, we recommend obtaining the full report so you can review the details.
What information does the vehicle report contain?
A full DGT vehicle report provides a detailed overview of the information recorded about a vehicle in Spain. Depending on the vehicle’s age and history, it may include:
- Current ownership: The registered owner and any co-owners.
- Vehicle identification: Registration number, chassis number (VIN), make, model and first registration date.
- Technical specifications: Fuel type, engine power, emissions, dimensions, weight, number of seats and other recorded technical data.
- Registration and administrative status: Whether the vehicle is active, temporarily or permanently deregistered, and whether any restrictions affect its use or transfer.
- ITV inspection history: Inspection dates, results, expiry dates, recorded defects and mileage readings where available.
- Ownership history: The number of previous owners, the relevant dates and whether each owner was a private individual or a company.
- Insurance information: Whether compulsory insurance is recorded and the name of the insurer.
- Financial and legal restrictions: Recorded embargoes, seals, leasing agreements, reserva de dominio and other charges that could affect the vehicle.
- Additional safety and maintenance information: Pending manufacturer recalls, Euro NCAP information and maintenance or repair records submitted through connected systems, where available.
The amount of information shown varies between vehicles and depends on the records available to the DGT when the report is issued.
What information is not included in the vehicle report?
- Sensitive personal information: The current registered owner may be identified, but private details such as their DNI, NIE or CIF number and home address are not provided.
- The vehicle’s exact location: The report may show the municipality where the vehicle is registered for road tax purposes, but not its precise address or current location.
- The names of previous owners: It may show how many registered owners the vehicle has had, the relevant dates and whether they were private individuals or companies, but not their names.
- History from before the vehicle was registered in Spain: For imported vehicles, information from the previous country of registration is not normally included. A separate history check may therefore be advisable.
- An itemised list of traffic fines: Personal fines and their amounts are not shown. However, the report may identify an administrative restriction or incident that affects the vehicle’s transfer or use.
- A complete accident, repair or maintenance history: Only information supplied to the DGT or its connected systems may appear. The report should not replace an independent mechanical inspection or examination of the vehicle’s service records.
- Full details of finance or legal charges: The report may flag an embargo, leasing agreement or reserva de dominio, but it may not explain the outstanding balance, creditor or complete legal position. A Nota Simple may be needed for further details.
The report contains the public vehicle information available from the DGT at the time it is issued. The absence of a record does not necessarily prove that an event or issue has never occurred.
How much does a DGT vehicle report cost?
The reduced DGT report is free. A detailed report carries a DGT fee of €8.67. Alternatively, we can obtain the full report for you for €15, including the current DGT fee, so you do not need your own Cl@ve account or digital certificate.
How much does a Nota simple de vehículo cost?
A Nota simple de vehículo costs €20.
What does a Nota simple de vehículo contain?
A Nota Simple de Vehículo provides information recorded against a vehicle in Spain’s Registry of Movable Property. Depending on the available records, it may include:
- Vehicle identification: The registration number, chassis number (VIN), make, model and other identifying details.
- Registered ownership interests: Details of the person or company recorded as holding ownership or another registered right over the vehicle.
- Finance agreements: Registered hire-purchase agreements, leasing, renting or other vehicle-finance contracts.
- Reserva de dominio: A retention-of-title clause showing that a finance company may retain legal ownership until the agreement has been paid and formally cancelled.
- Embargoes and legal restrictions: Court-ordered or administrative seizures, prohibitions on disposal and other registered limitations affecting the vehicle.
- Other registered charges: These may include a chattel mortgage or another security registered against the vehicle.
- Registration details: Information about when a contract, charge or restriction was entered in the Registry and whether its cancellation has been recorded.
It is also important to remember that a Nota Simple is informative rather than legally conclusive. A debt that has been repaid may still appear if the charge was never formally cancelled, while an agreement or obligation that was not registered may not appear at all. If you require formal proof of the Registry’s contents, you should request a registry certificate.
Does a DGT report confirm that the vehicle can be transferred?
The report can reveal restrictions or administrative issues that may affect the transfer, including unpaid road tax, a reserva de dominio, a vehicle deregistration or other recorded limitations. However, different restrictions have different consequences. Any warning should be investigated and resolved before you pay for the vehicle.
Will the report show the vehicle’s genuine mileage?
A full report may include mileage recorded during previous ITV inspections. This is useful for identifying unexpected changes or inconsistencies, but it is not a complete mileage guarantee. Compare the readings with the service history, invoices and the vehicle’s general condition.
Does a DGT report include the vehicle’s complete accident history?
Not necessarily. A DGT report is mainly concerned with the vehicle’s administrative, technical and legal status. It should not be treated as a complete record of every accident or repair. A mechanical inspection and examination of the service and repair history are still advisable.
What is the difference between a DGT report and a Nota Simple?
A DGT report focuses on information held by the Spanish Traffic Authority, such as ITV history, administrative status, ownership history and transfer restrictions. A Nota Simple from the Registry of Movable Property provides more detail about registered financial and legal burdens, such as finance agreements, leasing, embargoes or a reserva de dominio. In some cases, obtaining both reports is sensible.
How recent should the report be?
A vehicle report reflects the information recorded when it is issued. Ideally, obtain a fresh report shortly before paying a deposit or completing the purchase. An old report may not show a restriction or administrative change recorded more recently.
Can I obtain a DGT report for a foreign-registered vehicle?
A DGT vehicle report is intended for vehicles registered in Spain. If the vehicle still has foreign registration plates, you may need a history check from its country of registration. Once it has been registered in Spain, its Spanish registration number can be used for a DGT check.
What should I do if the report shows a warning or incident?
Do not complete the purchase until you understand the reason. Ask the seller to provide evidence that the issue has been resolved and, where appropriate, request a new report. For financial charges or complicated legal restrictions, you may also need a Nota Simple or professional advice.
Does a clear DGT report replace a mechanical inspection?
No. A clear report is reassuring, but it cannot confirm the vehicle’s present mechanical condition. You should still inspect the vehicle, check its paperwork and arrange an independent mechanical assessment before buying.
Can I get a refund if I supplied the wrong licence plate number?
Unfortunately, payment is non-refundable in cases of user data errors.
Why does my report contain such little data?
The amount of information available depends on the vehicle’s age and recorded history. For example, a newer vehicle may not yet have undergone its first ITV inspection, changed ownership, been temporarily deregistered or had any financial or administrative restrictions recorded against it.
Recently imported vehicles may also have limited Spanish records, as events from before the vehicle was registered in Spain may not appear.
If a section is blank or missing, this normally means that the DGT has no information recorded for that category. It does not necessarily guarantee that an event never occurred, only that no corresponding record is available in the Spanish database.
A DGT report should therefore be considered alongside the vehicle’s service history, invoices and an independent mechanical inspection. If you are concerned about finance or legal charges, you may also wish to obtain a Nota Simple from the Registry of Movable Property.