All About The Car ITV Test In Spain 2025 Guide
Expat Tips
Published: 14 May 2021 12:30 CET
Updated: 15 September 2025 12:30 CET
If you live in Spain and drive a vehicle on Spanish roads, you will need an ITV, which is the equivalent of an MOT in the UK. The inspection determines whether your vehicle is roadworthy or not.
In this article, you are going to learn everything you need to know about getting and renewing your ITV test in Spain.
You will find out more about:
- How often you need to test your vehicle
- What documents are required
- The cost of an ITV inspection in Spain
- Where to get your ITV carried out
- How to book an ITV appointment
- What happens if your vehicle passes or fails the test
- Recent changes to ITV rules and requirements
- And lots more.
Let’s dive in and find out more!
ITV Spain – Getting Your Car’s MOT in Spain
In the UK, we have the annual M.O.T. for keeping our cars roadworthy. The Spanish equivalent of this is the I.T.V., which stands for Inspección Técnica de Vehículos.
How Often Should I Have an ITV/MOT Inspection in Spain?
If your car is less than four years old, it does not need to undergo this inspection. Once your car is between four and ten years old, an ITV test must be done every two years. Then, when your car is over ten years of age, an inspection must take place yearly.
Motorcycles are exempt for the first four years and then inspected every two years. Mopeds are exempt for the first three years and then also inspected every two years.
For vans and light goods vehicles that are over ten years old, ITV must be done every six months.
Caravans or trailers over six years old must be inspected every two years.
MPVs classed as Vehículo Mixto Adaptable require ITV after two years, then every two years until age six, every year until age 10, and every six months thereafter. If classified as “tourist vehicles,” they require ITV yearly after ten years instead.
Update: As of 2024, vehicles officially classified as “vehículo histórico” and over 60 years old are now exempt from ITV. Mopeds in this category are also exempt.
You can check your vehicle's ITV schedule at VEIASA’s website.
What Documents Do I Need to Take With Me for an ITV Test in Spain?
- Ficha Técnica – The technical data sheet from your last ITV.
- Permiso de Circulación – The vehicle’s registration document.
- Insurance proof – Recent payment receipt or certificate.
- DNI/NIE – Identification document of the vehicle owner.
2025 Update: If someone else is presenting the vehicle for inspection, they must bring a photocopy of the owner's DNI or CIF.
How Much Does an I.T.V Inspection Cost in Spain?
Below are approximate 2025 prices (may vary by region):
- Two-wheel mopeds – €34.00
- Motorcycles up to 125cc – €34.00
- Motorcycles over 125cc – €47.00
- Cars (gasoline ≤1600cc), hybrids, adapted – €36.00
- Cars (gasoline >1600cc), vans, campers – €48.00
- Cars (diesel ≤1600cc) – €42.00
- Cars (diesel >1600cc) – €54.00
- Public transport vehicles (gasoline) – €101.00
- Public transport vehicles (diesel) – €118.00
- Goods vehicles (≤3,500kg gasoline) – €52.00
- Goods vehicles (≤3,500kg diesel) – €58.00
- Goods vehicles (>3,500kg gasoline) – €47.00
- Goods vehicles (>3,500kg diesel) – €69.00
- Towed caravans/trailers ≤3,500kg – €58.00
- Towed caravans/trailers >3,500kg – €69.00
- Agricultural vehicles – €39.00
- Special vehicles – €96.00
See full rate list at VEIASA Tarifas.
Where Do I Go to Get an ITV Inspection?
You can find your nearest ITV station at this VEIASA directory.
How Do I Know When my ITV is Due?
Sign up for email/SMS notifications at notificaciones.veiasa.es.
Do I Have to Book an ITV Appointment?
Yes. Book online at itvcita.com or via telephone (regional numbers provided on that site).
What Is Tested During a Spanish ITV Test?
Expect checks for:
- Lights, indicators, seat belts, horn
- Suspension and alignment
- Brakes, handbrake
- Emissions, oil and fluid leaks
New (2023+): On-board diagnostics (OBD) are scanned to check for emission system faults or tampering.
What Happens if My Car Passes the Test?
You’ll receive an inspection certificate and a colored ITV sticker. Stick it to the inside top-right of your windshield.
What Happens if My Car Fails the ITV Test?
You’ll receive a report with the label Desfavorable. Fix the issues and return within 30 days to avoid retesting fees.
How Long Can You Drive Your Vehicle Once Your ITV Has Expired?
You cannot drive it at all. Not even to the ITV station. Use a tow truck if it has expired.
Tow Bars and Other Modifications
All tow bars must be approved, listed on the ficha técnica, and installed by an authorized garage. Failure to present correct documentation may result in ITV failure.
Foreign Vehicles and the ITV
Foreign-plated vehicles may be tested, but only receive a voluntary certificate. It does not make the vehicle road-legal in Spain unless it’s on Spanish plates. See:
Recent ITV Changes (Summary)
- Renew early – up to 30 days in advance without changing the renewal cycle
- Recognition of foreign ITV when registering EU vehicles
- Mandatory OBD diagnostics scan
- Traffic cameras used to check ITV status
- Insurance policies may be tied to valid ITV in 2025
Useful Vocabulary
- Headlights – Faros
- Brake lights – Luces de freno
- Seat belt – Cinturón
- Handbrake – Freno de mano
- “Move the steering wheel” – “Mueva el volante”
- “Press the brake” – “Pise el freno”
Need Help?
If your Spanish isn’t great, many local garages offer to take your vehicle for the test for a fee. This can be a stress-free option.
Driving in Spain? Make sure you're fully protected.
Passing your ITV is essential — but so is having health insurance that covers you in case of a traffic accident. Our Sanitas health insurance for expats include fast emergency care, English-speaking support, and coverage that keeps you safe on the road — even if the unexpected happens.
Stay legal. Stay insured. Stay safe.
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