How To Change Ownership Of A Car In Spain

Whether you’re buying a second-hand car from a private seller or selling your own vehicle in Spain, the transfer of ownership is a legal requirement and must be handled correctly through the DGT — Spain’s national traffic authority. In 2025, the process remains largely manual, but with improved online services to help guide you.

Many expats use a gestoría (administrative agent) to handle paperwork, but you can save hundreds of euros by doing it yourself — especially if you have some Spanish and know what to expect.

Check for Road Tax, Legal Blocks, and Fines

Before beginning the ownership change, both the buyer and seller must ensure the vehicle is free of issues that could prevent the transfer:

• IVTM road tax must be paid in full. This municipal tax is managed locally, so the seller should provide the most recent receipt or a digital certificate from their ayuntamiento (town hall).
• Unpaid fines linked to the vehicle must be cleared before proceeding. You can check and pay these via the DGT traffic fines portal.
• The vehicle must not have any embargoes, leasing contracts, or outstanding debts. If there’s any legal restriction, the DGT will block the process.

Buyers should always request a full report of the vehicle’s status, which shows any pending debts, administrative blocks, previous owners, or damage records. You can order one through the DGT’s Informe de Vehículo portal for €8.67.

Don’t Skip the Sales Contract

The sale must be formalised with a signed contract — verbal agreements are not recognised by the DGT. Use the official DGT sales contract template or a privately drafted version with full vehicle and personal details.

Include the sale date, exact time, agreed price, vehicle ID (including chassis number), and both parties’ full identification. Sign two copies and exchange photocopies of ID — passport, NIE, or DNI — for your records.

Seller: Notify the DGT Immediately

Once the car is handed over, the seller has 10 calendar days to notify the DGT to be released from liability. This can be done in person or online through the Notificación de Venta platform.

You’ll need to pay a fee of €8.67. If you’re doing it in person, locate your nearest traffic office using the DGT office locator. A digital certificate is required for online notifications.

Also remember to contact your car insurer to cancel or transfer the policy once the vehicle is sold.

Buyer: Pay the Transfer Tax First

Before visiting the DGT to change the logbook, the buyer must pay the transfer tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales or ITP). The rate is around 4% of the vehicle’s fiscal value (not the market price), though it can vary by region.

To do this, complete Modelo 620, available on the Agencia Tributaria website. Note: some regions like Catalonia use Modelo 621 — check your comunidad’s local tax portal to be sure.

Once paid, get an official stamped copy of the receipt or a digital certificate — this will be required by the DGT.

Book Your DGT Appointment and Bring All Documents

Appointments must be booked via the DGT online system or by calling 060. Don’t attempt a walk-in — you won’t be seen without a cita previa.

At the appointment, the buyer must bring:

• Application form — download it from the DGT change of ownership page
• Signed sales contract
• Original Permiso de Circulación
• Valid ITV report (if the car is over 4 years old)
• Last paid IVTM road tax receipt
• Proof of tax payment (Modelo 620 or 621)
• Photocopies of both parties’ ID

The transfer fee is €55.70 (€27.85 for mopeds), paid at the time of the appointment.

Watch Out for Delays in Tourist Areas

In high-demand areas like Málaga, Valencia, or Alicante, appointments can book out several weeks in advance — especially between May and September. If you're buying during peak season, book your DGT appointment as soon as your tax form is paid.

After the Transfer

Once the DGT issues the new Permiso de Circulación in your name, you are legally the new owner. The buyer is required to provide a copy of the new logbook to the seller within 15 days to close the process officially. You should also inform your insurer of the change immediately.

If the seller hasn't received confirmation after two weeks, they can contact the DGT using the reference code from their Notificación de Venta.

Dealer Sales

Car dealerships usually manage the transfer for you, but it’s still the buyer’s responsibility to verify that:

• The car is registered in their name — not the dealer’s name
• All relevant taxes and fees have been paid
• The vehicle’s technical file (ficha técnica) and logbook are included

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