A change of country often means a change of car. But for those who are particularly fond of their car, the option of taking it with them in their luggage to Spain is the perfect one! Are you planning to move to Valencia? If you are, and you’re obviously interested in this article, you should know that you need to register your car in Spain as soon as possible once you’ve packed your bags. For the rest, here are the steps to follow. Be prepared, it’s a real endurance test!
Registering a foreign vehicle in Spain: when is it compulsory?
For expats in Spain, whether or not you have to register your car in the country depends mainly on the length of your stay. If your stay in Spain does not exceed six months, the good news is that no registration formalities are required, and you can drive around freely without paying local taxes.
On the other hand, if you’re planning to stay longer and become a resident, things get more complicated… At that point, registering your vehicle under the Spanish flag becomes essential.
Registration in Spain: what’s the timing?
When you set down your bags in Spain and decide to stay, you have a tight deadline of one month to register your vehicle as soon as you obtain resident status or from the first use of your car on Spanish soil, if this occurs after you have moved in. If your move to Valencia includes the transfer of your main residence, the deadline is a little more lenient: you then have up to 60 days to regularise the situation of your vehicle.
How to register your vehicle in Spain
As we said, when it comes to registering your vehicle in Spain, the procedure can be a real administrative obstacle course. But don’t panic, here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: sworn translation of your documents
Start by gathering all the documents you need for registration, including the vehicle registration document, the purchase invoice and the vehicle technical data sheet, and having them translated by a sworn translator in Spain.
Step 2: obtaining the European Certificate of Conformity (C.O.C)
This certificate, issued by the manufacturer, confirms that your vehicle complies with European standards. It is essential for passing the roadworthiness test. If you don’t have it, contact the manufacturer or an official dealer. Please note that this can take a long time.
Step 3: technical inspection (ITV)
Book your roadworthiness test at https://www.serviciositv.es/estaciones-itv-valencia. This test is more rigorous for foreign cars and will check the general condition of the vehicle as well as the documentation.
Step 4: pay tax
You must pay road tax to your local council and registration tax to the Spanish tax authorities. In certain cases, such as a transfer of residence, you may be exempt from paying registration tax.
Step 5: applying to the DGT for a change of registration
After paying the administration fee, go to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) website or to one of their offices to register your vehicle. You’ll need all your documents, proof of payment, an identity document and proof of residence.
Step 6: changing your number plates
Finally, with your new registration number in hand, go to a garage to change your vehicle’s number plates.