All About The Car ITV Test In Spain 2025 Guide

Expat Tips Published: 14 May 2021 14:29 CET Updated: 15 September 2025 12:30 CET

Updated for 2025: If you live in Spain and drive a vehicle here, you must pass the ITV — Spain’s mandatory roadworthiness and emissions inspection. This guide explains inspection frequency, required documents, prices, booking rules, 2025 updates, and what happens if your car passes or fails.

The ITV (Inspeccion Tecnica de Vehiculos) is the Spanish equivalent of the UK MOT. Whether you are a new arrival, a long-term resident, or someone who has brought a car from abroad, understanding how the ITV works can save you time, stress, and potential fines.

Below, we break down everything you need to know — including how often tests are required, what documents you must bring, current fees, what the inspectors check, and your options if the car fails.

What is the ITV test in Spain?

The ITV is a mandatory inspection designed to ensure that all vehicles on Spanish roads meet minimum safety and emissions standards. Driving without a valid ITV can result in immediate fines, immobilisation, or insurance complications in the event of an accident.

How often do you need to pass the ITV?

Inspection frequency depends on the type and age of the vehicle:

Cars (tourism vehicles): Exempt for 4 years → every 2 years until 10 years old → yearly thereafter.
Motorcycles: Exempt for 4 years → every 2 years.
Mopeds: Exempt for 3 years → every 2 years.
Vans and light goods vehicles: Every 2 years until 10 years old → every 6 months thereafter.
Caravans/trailers over 750kg: Exempt for 6 years → every 2 years.
Vehiculo Mixto Adaptable (MPVs): After 2 years → every 2 years until age 6 → yearly until age 10 → every 6 months thereafter.

2024–2025 Update: Vehicles officially classified as vehiculo historico and over 60 years old are now exempt from ITV. Mopeds in this category are also exempt.

Check your ITV schedule at VEIASA – When to Pass ITV.

What documents do you need for the ITV?

Ficha Tecnica — the technical card.
Permiso de Circulacion — registration document.
Insurance proof — recent receipt or certificate.
DNI/NIE — ID of the vehicle owner.
2025 update: If someone else presents the vehicle, they must bring a photocopy of the owner’s DNI or CIF.

How much does the ITV cost in 2025?

Prices vary by region, but approximate 2025 fees include:

Mopeds — €34
Motorcycles up to 125cc — €34
Motorcycles over 125cc — €47
Cars (petrol ≤1600cc), hybrids — €36
Cars (petrol >1600cc), vans — €48
Cars (diesel ≤1600cc) — €42
Cars (diesel >1600cc) — €54
Public transport vehicles (petrol) — €101
Goods vehicles ≤3500kg — €52–€58
Caravans and trailers — €58–€69
Agricultural vehicles — €39
Special vehicles — €96

Full tariff list: VEIASA ITV Fees

Where to get an ITV in Spain

You can find your nearest ITV station here:

VEIASA – ITV Stations Directory

How to book an ITV appointment

Most stations require an appointment:

itvcita.com – Book ITV Online

You can also sign up for SMS/email reminders:

VEIASA Notifications

What is tested during the ITV?

Inspections include checks of:

Lights, indicators, brake lights
Seat belts, horn
Brakes and handbrake
Suspension and steering alignment
Emissions and OBD diagnostics (new for 2023+)
Leaks, tyres, chassis integrity

What happens if your vehicle passes?

You receive a certificate and a coloured ITV sticker. Place it on the top-right (passenger side) of the inside windshield.

What happens if your vehicle fails?

Your result will be marked Desfavorable. You must repair the faults and return within 30 days to avoid paying another full inspection fee.

How long can you drive with an expired ITV?

You cannot legally drive at all — not even to the inspection station. If expired, you must tow the vehicle. Police fines are immediate and substantial.

Tow bars and other modifications

All tow bars must be manufacturer-approved, listed on the ficha tecnica, and installed by an authorised mechanic. Incorrect documentation will cause an ITV failure.

Foreign vehicles and the ITV

Foreign-plated vehicles may take the ITV, but the result is only a voluntary certificate. It does not make the vehicle road-legal in Spain unless it is being registered on Spanish plates.

Recent ITV rule changes (2023–2025)

Renew up to 30 days early without altering the renewal date
Mandatory OBD emissions diagnostics
Traffic cameras used to detect expired ITV
Foreign ITV may be recognised only during EU vehicle registration
Insurance providers increasingly require valid ITV for full coverage

Useful phrases for the ITV

“Move the steering wheel” — Mueva el volante
“Press the brake” — Pise el freno
Headlights — Faros
Brake lights — Luces de freno
Seat belt — Cinturon
Handbrake — Freno de mano

FAQs: ITV in Spain (2025)

Can I drive to the ITV station if my ITV is expired?

No. You must tow the vehicle — driving is prohibited and police can issue immediate fines.

Do I need an appointment to pass the ITV?

Almost always yes. Walk-ins are rare and many stations refuse vehicles without an appointment.

Can someone else take my car for the ITV?

Yes, but they must bring a photocopy of your DNI/NIE or CIF.

Can a foreign vehicle pass the ITV?

Yes, but it only receives a voluntary certificate. It does not make the vehicle legal unless registered in Spain.

What if my car fails?

You have 30 days to return for a re-inspection after repairs.

Can I renew my ITV early?

Yes — up to 30 days early without affecting the validity period.

How long does an ITV take?

Normally 15–25 minutes depending on queues and whether further checks are needed.

Driving in Spain? Make sure you’re protected.

Passing your ITV keeps your vehicle legal — but you also need private medical cover in case of a traffic accident. The Sanitas Top Quantum plan includes full accident cover, English-speaking support, and fast access to private hospitals.

Get an instant quote