If you have just moved to Spain, registering your vehicle is one of the most important tasks ahead. Spanish law requires residents to register any car they regularly drive — even if it is plated in another EU country.
This guide explains who must register, what documents are mandatory and how the process works in practice.
Who must register?
Anyone who becomes a Spanish tax resident (over 183 days per year or with economic centre in Spain) has 30 days from residency to begin registration. Driving with a foreign plate past that window can trigger fines up to €1,500 and even vehicle immobilisation.
Agencies involved
- Agencia Tributaria — collects VAT, customs duty and IEDMT.
- ITV station — issues the import technical certificate.
- City hall — collects the municipal IVTM.
- DGT — issues the registration and the Spanish plate.
Documents required
Personal
- Current NIE.
- Empadronamiento (under 3 months old).
- Passport or EU ID.
- Proof of prior non-EU residence (for franquicia).
- Spanish insurance policy.
Vehicle
- Foreign registration certificate.
- European COC if available.
- Purchase invoice or contract.
- Foreign ITV card if any.
- Deregistration evidence from origin country when required.
Step-by-step
- Customs clearance (non-EU only): FTR + DUA, duty and VAT paid.
- Import ITV: technical check and certificate.
- IEDMT filed via Modelo 576.
- DGT registration with full file.
- Permit and plate issued.
- Plates fitted at an authorised workshop.
Indicative costs
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Customs (FTR + DUA) | €190–450 |
| Import ITV | €50–120 |
| IEDMT | 0%–14.75% |
| DGT fee | €99 |
| Annual IVTM | €5–220 |
| Plates | €28–40 |
| Specialised gestoría | from €470 |
Timeline
With complete paperwork and no homologation, the full process typically closes in 4–6 weeks. With individual homologation, 8–12 weeks.
Common mistakes
- Driving 30+ days with a foreign plate after residency.
- Requesting registration before the franquicia decision.
- Letting the empadronamiento certificate expire.
- Going to ITV without Spanish insurance.
- Buying plates from an unauthorised provider.
Special cases
Temporary protection (Ukraine). Drive on Ukrainian plates while protection lasts. If you choose to register, specific customs rules apply.
Historic vehicles. Cars over 25 years can register through an accredited club under a distinct technical procedure.
Electric vehicles. Exempt from IEDMT and frequently from part of the IVTM.