Spain Advice & FAQ
To transfer vehicle ownership in Spain, the following paperwork is typically required:
- Proof of identity for both parties
- Proof of address 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
Yes. UK licences can still be exchanged if your Spanish residency began after the date your licence was first obtained.
This applies even if you have renewed your licence after becoming a resident.
You have 6 months to exchange your licence from your residency start date.
After this, you cannot legally drive on a UK licence in Spain.
Click on the link to learn more about our UK to Spanish driving licence exchange.
Spanish authorities will exchange your expired UK licence for a Spanish one if it was valid when you entered Spain. However, you cannot drive on an expired UK licence during the exchange process.
No, all UK driving licences are numbered. The DVLA will inform the DGT if you have ordered a new copy of your licence or if you are still holding an older licence and the exchange will be delayed until you hand these in. We have had people try and fail!
We and other agencies have been advising residents with the old Green Certificate (green A4 certificate or credit card-sized piece of paper) to update to a TIE card for years now. There are a couple of reasons:
1. Although the old green document is still supposed to be legally recognised in Spain, many people have come across certain agencies either not accepting them or having processes delayed with them. This is further complicated when the document is old and has become illegible.
2. The new EU Entry Exit Scheme (EES), will only accept the TIE card as proof of Spanish residency. Holders of the old green card will not be able to use it as proof of legal residency status at Spanish or other Schengen borders. This means they may be wrongly identified as overstaying in the Schengen area an denied entry.
Yes in most cases we can do all the paperwork, apply for IVTM road tax duty and work out the amount that will need to be paid in import taxes. If you would like a free quote for vehicle importation into Spain or changing your UK plates to Spanish plates then contact us and we will be happy to help.
The Spanish government has announced that the Golden Visa program will officially end on April 3, 2025. Renewals for visa holders held before this date will be allowed as per the regulations in effect at the time of their initial approval.
The buyer has 30 days to send the seller a copy of the permiso de circulacion to prove the transfer is complete.
Yes, with our online car ownership transfer service. We will complete all the forms, pay taxes and change ownership the same day. We will have your new permiso de circulacion (log book) back in about week.
The ITP (Impuesto de transmisiones patrimoniales) tax is usually between 4-8% of the fiscal value of the vehicle. It is paid using the Modelo 620/621 form.
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.
To transfer car ownership in Spain, the cost typically includes a Trafico 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 €60, 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 buyer pays the ITP tax (Modelo 621).
Yes, as long as they have a NIE and proof of Spanish address. Such as rental contract, house deeds or empadronamiento.
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 places are now refusing to issue a NIE number for the basis of buying a car.
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, a digital certificate allows you to do online procedures with the Spanish Public Administration. You can pay taxes, make appointments, sign forms and documents electronically etc. It is an essential tool if you live in Spain or even if you don’t but have a property in Spain or have interest here. With appointments at governmental agencies becoming harder to get, a digital certificate can save a lot of time and stress.