How to Register a Car in Spain
How to Register a Car in Spain
How to Register a Car in Spain
đźš— How to Register a Car in Spain
To register a car and change license plates in Spain (including in the Valencian Community), you must go through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), pass a technical inspection (ITV), pay applicable taxes, and submit documents proving ownership and compliance. The process varies slightly depending on whether the car is new, used, or imported.
đź“ť Step-by-Step Process
Pass the ITV (InspecciĂłn TĂ©cnica de VehĂculos)
Required for all used or imported vehicles.
You’ll receive a ficha técnica (technical sheet) after passing.
Find your nearest ITV station in Alicante province: https://www.itvcita.com
Pay Required Taxes
Impuesto de Matriculación (registration tax) – paid via the Spanish Tax Agency (AEAT).
Impuesto de Circulación (road tax) – paid at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento).
For imported vehicles, you may also need to pay customs duties and VAT if from outside the EU.
Prepare Required Documents
NIE or DNI (ID)
Proof of address (empadronamiento)
Purchase invoice or sales contract
ITV certificate (ficha técnica)
Proof of tax payments (Model 576 for registration tax)
Proof of roadworthiness and conformity (COC – Certificate of Conformity)
Insurance policy (must be active before registration)
Submit Application at DGT
Book an appointment at https://www.dgt.es
Select your province (Alicante) and choose “MatriculaciĂłn de vehĂculos.”
Submit all documents and pay the DGT fee (around €100).
You’ll receive your permiso de circulación (registration certificate).
Get New Spanish Plates
Once registered, take your documents to a car plate shop (taller de placas).
Plates cost around €20–€40 and are issued the same day.
🇪🇺 Special Case: Importing from the EU
You can drive a foreign-plated car for up to 6 months in Spain.
If you become a resident, you must register it within 30 days.
Failure to do so can result in fines of €500–€1,500.
đź“Ť Local Tip for Bigastro / Alicante Area
The nearest DGT office is in Orihuela or Alicante city.
Some gestorĂas (legal agents) in Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa can handle the full process for a fee (~€150–€300).
Booking appointments online can be tricky—check early mornings for new slots.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not paying taxes before DGT appointment – your application will be rejected.
Missing ITV or COC documents – especially for imported vehicles.
Driving with expired or foreign plates after the legal period.