Many people choose to use the services of a Gestoria (official paperwork administrators) when buying a car in Spain. However, it is not compulsory, you can do it yourself.

    Please note, foreign buyers must satisfy certain criteria to purchase a car in Spain. You must have:

    1. An NIE number.
    2. You will also need to show the escritura of your property or provide a rental contract with a term of 12 months.
    3. You will also have to provide a copy of the Certificado de Empadronamiento which confirms you are registered in the
      town. This document is obtained from the Town Hall and should be dated within the last three months.

    If you buy a car in Spain you have 30 days to register it with the Regional Traffic Office.

    Before buying a car in Spain you may wish to check that the car is in order that the taxes are paid and the ITV up to date. A basic report is free but you may also want a more detailed report which will reveal if there are any finance, embargoes or other judicial charges. Click this link for step by step instructions to get vehicle information for a car in Spain. 

    Step-by-Step: Transferring Car Ownership in Spain

    1. Prepare Required Documents

    From the seller:

    • Permiso de circulación (vehicle registration certificate)

    • Ficha técnica (technical inspection card)

    • ITV certificate (MOT equivalent, if applicable)

    • Proof of payment of Impuesto de Circulación (local road tax) for the current year

    • A signed contract of sale (contrato de compraventa)

    • Photocopy of DNI/NIE

    From the buyer:

    • DNI/NIE

    • Empadronamiento (sometimes requested to prove residency)

    • Signed contract of sale (compraventa).

    2. Notify the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)

    Option 1: Seller notifies “notificación de venta“ (notification of sale) online or at the DGT — recommended for legal protection
    Option 2: Buyer completes “cambio de titularidad“ (change of ownership) at the DGT office or via their online system (www.dgt.es)

    3. Pay the Transfer Tax

    The buyer must pay:

    • Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) – usually 4–8% of the car’s official taxable value depending on the region
      Paid via:

    • Form Modelo 620 or 621 (varies by autonomous community)

    • Through the regional tax office (Hacienda Autónoma)

    4. Submit the Ownership Change

    Buyer presents all documents + proof of tax payment at the DGT, and pays a fee (2025 approx 55€ for a car, 27€ for a motorcycle). (Modelo 791) (Step by step guide to completing Modelo 791)

    They will then receive:

    • A new permiso de circulación in their name

    What Happens if the Seller Doesn’t Handle the Transfer Properly?

    1. You Remain the Legal Owner

    • You’re still legally responsible for the vehicle, even if you no longer possess it.

    2. Fines and Debts

    • If the buyer gets parking tickets, runs tolls, or is involved in an accident, you may receive the fines or legal notices.

    • You could be pursued for road tax (IVTM) or unpaid insurance claims.

    3. Liability in Accidents or Crimes

    • If the car is involved in a hit-and-run, theft, or used in a crime, the registered owner (you) may be contacted by authorities.

    4. Selling to a Foreigner or Exporting?

    • Notify the DGT of permanent export (exportación definitiva) or baja temporal por venta al extranjero to avoid complications.

    Recommendations

    • Always sign a sale contract (with copies for both parties).

    • Notify the DGT yourself — even if the buyer promises to do it.

    • If unsure then use an agency (gestoría), to do the whole transfer process and ensure they complete and confirm the transfer.

    • Retain copies of everything (sale contract, tax receipts, DGT notification).

    Dont forget to get a quote for the new car insurance.