Complete Guide to Registering a Car in Spain as a Foreigner

Registering your vehicle is much more than a formality. It's a legal requirement if you plan to live in Spain for more than six months.

If you bring a car with foreign plates and establish regular residence in Spain, you cannot drive it indefinitely with the original registration. Spanish law requires all residents' vehicles to be registered locally. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines, issues with insurance claims, or even your car being impounded.

Once your car is registered, you’ll also have access to essential services like local roadside assistance, adapted insurance coverage, and even benefits like regulated parking permits or access to low-emission zones in cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

Before you begin the process, it’s important to understand the basic legal requirements set by Spanish law.

Registering a foreign vehicle in Spain involves complying with several regulations to ensure that the car meets safety and environmental standards. These rules are in place to protect all road users and align with EU norms.

Key aspects include vehicle technical compliance (homologation), passing the Spanish vehicle inspection (ITV), and having legal residency status in Spain. Knowing these ahead of time will help you avoid unnecessary delays or surprises during the process.

While it might seem overwhelming at first, the process becomes much more manageable when you break it down into clear steps.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

• Pass the ITV (Vehicle Inspection). Even though your car is registered abroad, you must pass the Spanish technical inspection at an authorized ITV centre to prove it’s roadworthy.
• Obtain the Spanish “Ficha técnica reducida”. If your car doesn’t already have EU type approval, you’ll need this document, which means a reduced technical data sheet from a certified engineer.
• Pay the Registration Tax. This is done through the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT, or Agencia Tributaria) and is based on the car’s emissions and market value.
• Pay the Road Tax (IVTM). This annual tax is paid at your local town hall based on the vehicle’s horsepower.
• Get the Certificate of Conformity (COC). This document is issued by the manufacturer to confirm EU compliance.
• Pay the Traffic Authority fee. A standard fee (around €100) paid to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
• Apply for registration at the DGT. Schedule an appointment, submit all your documents, and request your Spanish license plate.
• Install the new license plates. Once you receive your Spanish registration, you’ll need to order and install the car registration plates.
• Get valid Spanish car insurance. To drive legally, you’ll need at least third-party liability insurance. 

Planning for the financial side will help you decide whether registering your current car is worth it or if buying one locally is a better option.

The total cost can vary depending on the vehicle’s market value, emissions level, and whether it already meets EU regulations. Here's a general breakdown of expected expenses:

• ITV inspection: €40 - €70
• Reduced technical data sheet: €100 - €150
• Registration tax: 0% to 14.75% of the car’s value, depending on emissions
• Road tax (IVTM): €30 - €200/year, based on location and power
• Traffic Authority registration fee: Approx. €100
• License plates: €20 - €40

In total, you might spend anywhere between €300 and €1,000 or more, depending on your car and circumstances.

Avoid common mistakes and make the process smoother with these practical tips.

Registering a vehicle in a new country can feel intimidating—especially if you’re not fluent in the language or familiar with the bureaucracy. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Don’t wait too long. If you live in Spain for more than six months, you must start the process within 30 days of registering your residence (empadronamiento).
• Check low-emission zone regulations. Some cities restrict access for older or high-emission vehicles. Make sure your car qualifies.
• Have your car inspected beforehand. Make sure it’s in good mechanical condition before taking it to the ITV center.

Having the full set of documents ready from the beginning will speed up the process and avoid repeat visits to offices. Here’s what you’ll need:

• NIE or Passport
• Recent certificate of residence (empadronamiento, less than 3 months old)
• Original vehicle documents (registration, technical specs from your home country)
• Purchase invoice or sales contract (if applicable)
• Certificate of Conformity (COC) or reduced technical data sheet
• ITV inspection report
• Proof of payment for taxes (registration and road tax)
• Proof of payment for DGT fee

It’s also smart to bring photocopies of all your documents in case they’re requested in different offices.

Need to drive before completing registration? There are legal options to stay covered in the meantime.

Many expats still need to drive while handling registration paperwork. In this case, you can opt for temporary car insurance, which can cover you for a few days or weeks. Some companies specialize in this type of insurance for foreign-registered vehicles in transition, offering basic or extended coverage.