A Comprehensive Guide: Registering vehicle in Spain

If you’re relocating to Spain with your vehicle, understanding the car registration process might seem complex. Comprehension of the steps involved is crucial to obtaining your new set of Spain number plates efficiently. Let’s dive into the intricacies of the Spanish car registration system and the specifics surrounding Spain license plates.

Understanding the Spanish Car Registration Process

Spain’s vehicle registration is overseen by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), responsible for assigning license numbers to vehicles. To successfully register your car, follow these essential steps:

1. Legal Translation of Documents

Documents such as your car’s registration document, technical sheet, and purchase invoice must be translated into Spanish by an officially approved translator if they are not already in the language.

2. European Certificate of Conformity (COC)

Acquiring an EU Certificate of Conformity verifies your vehicle’s safety compliance for European roads. Consider obtaining one promptly through EUROCOC, ensuring a hassle-free process.

3. Technical Inspection

Schedule a technical inspection via ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos). Ensure you have your vehicle registration documents, COC, and purchase invoice ready for this inspection.

4. Tax Obligations

Pay the Registration tax, usually up to 15% of your vehicle’s value, contingent on your vehicle’s model and CO2 emissions. Filling the Modelo 576 form is essential for this tax. Additionally, pay the Road tax (IVTM) to the respective Spanish province based on your vehicle’s specifications.

5. DGT Payment

Complete the process by paying administrative fees to the DGT for an official registration card, which presently costs €99.75. Payment options include online transactions or scheduling a physical appointment.

Transitioning Left-Hand Drive Cars to Spain

Shifting a vehicle from a left-hand drive country like the UK to Spain might pose challenges due to Spain’s right-hand drive system. Instead, consider purchasing used left-hand drive cars already in Spain, some sporting UK plates, while others feature Spanish plates.

Application for Spain Number Plates

After obtaining your license number from the registration card issued by the DGT, seek assistance from a specialist to create a new pair of license plates, typically costing between €6 and €50, depending on the professional.

Fee Structure for Car Registration in Spain

Fees for registering a car in Spain fluctuate depending on location and vehicle type. Expect expenses such as road tax (€20 to €200), registration tax (up to 50% of vehicle value), license fees (€99.75), and charges for manufacturing license plates.

 Spain Car Number Plates: A Detailed Overview

The official color for regular Spain license plates is white with black characters, designed for both front and rear plates. Here are some specific details:

• The plates for cars in Spain are rectangular and wider than they are tall. Motorcycle plates differ, leaning towards a square shape.
• A blue section on the left side features 12 yellow stars encircling the letter ‘E’, denoting Spain’s international vehicle registration code.
• The current system doesn’t reveal the vehicle’s registration region on Spanish plates, displaying only its registration number and the EU flag.

Format and Characteristics of Spain Number Plates

Spanish plates for private vehicles consist of 7 characters, arranged as AAAA BBB. Key features include:

• The first four characters (AAAA) are numbers, while the last three (BBB) are letters.
• None of the characters are vowels, except for ‘Q’, with all other consonants utilized on the plates.
• The numbers and letters on Spain license plates are sequential, assigned based on the vehicle’s registration order.

Types of Spain License Plates

Several types of Spanish number plates are distinguished by color, such as taxicabs (white on blue), trailers (black on red), and temporary plates (white on red).

Customizing Spain Number Plates

Customizing plates in Spain isn’t permitted due to the sequential nature of the registration numbers, necessitating display of the assigned registration number during the registration process.

Navigating the intricacies of registering your car in Spain and acquiring Spain number plates demands attention to detail and adherence to specific procedures. Understanding these processes ensures a smoother transition for your vehicle in its new Spanish setting. Don’t let bureaucratic hurdles delay your vehicle’s transition—take the proactive step today by ordering your COC through EUROCOC and experience a hassle-free registration process in Spain.