All About The Car ITV Test In Spain 2026 Guide

Expat Tips Published: 14 May 2021 12:14 CET Updated: 11 February 2026 12:14 CET

Updated for 2026: 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, recent updates, and what happens if your car passes or fails.

The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) 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, typical 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.
Vehículo Mixto Adaptable (MPVs): After 2 years → every 2 years until age 6 → yearly until age 10 → every 6 months thereafter.

Vehicles officially classified as vehículo histórico and over 60 years old are now exempt from periodic ITV inspections. Historic mopeds in this category are also exempt, although owners can still choose to take them for a voluntary ITV.

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

What documents do you need for the ITV?

Ficha Técnica — the technical card.
Permiso de Circulación — registration document.
Insurance proof — recent receipt or certificate.
DNI/NIE — ID of the vehicle owner.
If someone else presents the vehicle, they should bring a photocopy of the owner’s DNI/NIE or CIF.

How much does the ITV cost?

ITV prices vary by region, fuel type and vehicle category. As a ballpark guide, typical fees in many parts of Spain are:

Mopeds and small motorcycles (up to 125cc): roughly €25–€35
Motorcycles over 125cc: roughly €35–€50
Cars (petrol ≤1600cc): roughly €30–€45
Cars (petrol >1600cc): roughly €40–€50
Cars (diesel): roughly €40–€60 depending on region
Vans and light goods vehicles ≤3500kg: roughly €45–€55
Caravans and trailers: roughly €45–€70 depending on weight
Agricultural vehicles: typically around €30–€40
Special and heavy vehicles: can range from about €60 up to €100+

These figures are indicative only. For example, in Andalucía the official 2025–2026 tariffs for standard petrol cars start from around €33–€44 and diesel cars from around €38–€52, while other regions can be slightly cheaper or more expensive.

For current, official prices in Andalucía, see the full tariff list: VEIASA ITV Fees. Other regions publish their ITV tariffs on their own operator websites or on the regional government portal.

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 (mandatory for newer vehicles)
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 (some stations only charge a reduced retest fee if you return within their deadline).

How long can you drive with an expired ITV?

You cannot legally drive at all — not even to the inspection station. If your ITV is expired, you should tow the vehicle. Police fines are immediate and substantial, and an accident without valid ITV can cause serious insurance problems.

Tow bars and other modifications

All tow bars must be manufacturer-approved, listed on the ficha técnica, and installed by an authorised mechanic. Incorrect or undocumented modifications are a common cause of ITV failures.

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

You can renew up to 30 days early without altering the next renewal date.
Mandatory OBD emissions diagnostics for many newer vehicles.
Traffic cameras and automated systems used to detect expired ITV.
Foreign ITV results may be recognised only as part of an EU vehicle registration process.
Insurance providers increasingly require valid ITV for full coverage.
Historic vehicles over 60 years old (and historic mopeds) are exempt from periodic ITV once properly classified as historic.

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 — Cinturón
Handbrake — Freno de mano

FAQs: ITV in Spain

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 should 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 it is subsequently registered in Spain.

What if my car fails?

You normally have around 30 days to return for a re-inspection after repairs; check the exact deadline on your result sheet.

Can I renew my ITV early?

Yes — you can usually renew up to 30 days early without affecting the next expiry date.

How long does an ITV take?

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

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