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Buying or importing a car

Separate Spanish ownership transfer from EU registration and non-EU import preparation.

Preparation for an ordinary private passenger car. This pack does not transfer ownership, clear customs, establish a tax exemption or authorize driving. Historical, substantially modified and commercial vehicles require a specialist route.

Find your route

Procedure in detail

Documents to prepare

  • Original registration and technical records, plus proof of ownership or the purchase invoice/contract; check that vehicle details agree.
  • Identity, residence and representation evidence requested by DGT; retain originals for the official process, not in this questionnaire.
  • Inspection/homologation paperwork relevant to the route and a log of missing documents or modifications.
  • A route-specific checklist of tax/customs evidence, payment or accepted exemption and DGT fees, confirmed by the competent authority.

Steps in order

  1. 1Establish origin, ownership, ordinary/private status and any previous Spanish registration.
  2. 2Check the vehicle's administrative and physical condition before purchase or transport; resolve restrictions with the relevant professional.
  3. 3Assemble the route-specific ownership and technical documents; confirm accepted translations and missing-document remedies.
  4. 4For foreign vehicles, agree customs if applicable, homologation and Spanish ITV preparation before arranging registration.
  5. 5Confirm each purchase/registration tax and local vehicle-tax step separately, including who files and the current deadline; do not assume relocation gives every exemption.
  6. 6Apply for the appropriate transfer, registration or rehabilitation through DGT with the required evidence and keep the receipt.
  7. 7Confirm registration, plates, insurance and valid inspection before road use; use an authorized transport arrangement while unresolved.

After submitting

  • Check the issued permit for the correct holder and vehicle; report discrepancies.
  • Keep customs/tax/inspection receipts, insurance and future ITV/local-tax dates.
  • Check local low-emission-zone access for the actual vehicle; registration alone does not grant every city access.

Useful question in Spanish

Quisiera confirmar la vía de transferencia o matriculación de este vehículo según su procedencia e historial. ¿Qué documentos originales, inspección, justificantes fiscales o aduaneros y condiciones de circulación se requieren?

Official sources consulted

Checked on 20 September 2026. Local forms, fees, availability and rules can change. Open the official page before applying.

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