How to register your car in Spain for 2025: A guide for expats

What to expect when you make your car legally road-legal in Spain

Are you thinking about bringing your vehicle to Spain? You’ll have to register your car if you stay more than 6 months in Spain, whether you are relocating to Spain permanently or just for a few months. And with some changes in the rules for 2025 – especially around emissions and paperwork – it’s worth knowing what you’re in for.

This is not something to take lightly but it can be done. We’ll show you how to navigate the Spanish language system, including what to do (and what not to do).

First of all, do you really need to register a car in Spain or not?

If you’re planning to live in Spain for more than 183 days a year – even if it’s not all in one go – yes, registration is mandatory. Using a foreign-plated car beyond that six-month mark can land you in trouble, including fines of up to €2,000 or even having your vehicle impounded.

In addition, Spanish cities are increasingly cracking down against high-emission cars. Even if you only visit the city every now and again, your car may not be welcomed.

How to register your vehicle in Spain without stress

It’s no secret that Spanish bureaucracy can be slow and complicated. Knowing what to expect can make a big difference.

Step 1: Get your NIE sorted

Before anything else, you’ll need a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) – your official ID as a foreigner in Spain. It is used in almost every formal procedure. You can get it from a local police department or a Spanish Consulate abroad. Don’t skip this step – nothing moves forward without it.

Step 2: Gather all your paperwork

Prepare to show:

• Your passport or ID
• Proof of Address in Spain: Rental contract or utility bill
• Your NIE certificate
• Original title or invoice of purchase for the vehicle
• The Certificate of Conformity (CoC) is proof that the vehicle meets EU standards
• If the vehicle is not from the EU, it will need to be cleared by customs.

Step 3: Book a ITV appointment

This is Spain’s version of an MOT – called Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV). You will need to bring your car to an ITV center, where it will be checked for road-safety and emission compliance. Before you can proceed, the car must pass.

Step 4: Pay all taxes

The fun part is (not really). Taxes. Taxes vary depending on where you live and your car’s emission levels. You will need to pay for:

• Registration tax (Impuesto de Matriculación) – based on CO2 emissions. Cleaner cars may pay less or even nothing.
• Road tax (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica) – an annual fee paid to your local town hall.
• If your car is from outside of the EU, you may have to pay import or VAT duties.

Step 5: Register at the DGT

Once you’ve passed the ITV and paid your dues, head to your local DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office. Bring your documents. You’ll receive your official Permiso de Circulación (registration certificate) and get your Spanish licence plates.

Step 6: Don’t forget insurance

Once your vehicle is registered, it’s mandatory to have car insurance. Minimum third-party coverage is required.

What’s changing in 2025: stricter emissions and bigger incentives for Eco-friendly car owners

Spain made its environmental laws even stricter in 2018. The Low Emission Zones in major cities are expanding, meaning that cars that do not meet EU standards for emissions could be heavily taxable or even banned.

If you are registering an electric or hybrid vehicle, then you’re on the right track. Green vehicles qualify for reduced road tax, ITV and registration fees. This is one of the rare moments when bureaucracy rewards you.

Bring a vehicle from outside of the EU? Here are the things you should know

You’ll have to clear customs if your car comes from the UK, or any other non-EU country. Your car may also need to be modified to meet EU standards. There are a few additional steps to take, but it’s possible.

Planned stay is less than six-months? For this period, your foreign plates can be kept as long as your car has been insured and is roadworthy. But keep track – once you hit that six-month mark, Spain expects you to register the car locally.

How much will it cost to register in Spain?

Costs can range anywhere from €300 to €2,000, depending on factors like your car’s age, emissions rating, and whether it’s imported. The whole process should take between 4 and 6 weeks if everything goes well.

If you’re not fluent in Spanish or just want to avoid the hassle, consider hiring a gestor – a professional admin assistant who handles the process for you. Many expats agree that it is money well spent.

The most common questions about car registration in Spain

We’ll answer some of the common questions that people have when it comes to registering for a Spanish passport.

The NIE is the first thing to get. If you don’t have this number – your official ID as a foreign resident – you won’t get far. It isn’t just a matter of formality. No NIE, no registration.

You can only do some things online. You may be able handle some tax payments electronically, saving time. But the main steps – including your ITV inspection and registration at the DGT office – still need to be done in person. Bring your paperwork with you.

Are you wondering about insurance? It’s not necessary to start the registration process. However, once you’ve registered your vehicle, it’s impossible to drive without third-party insurance. It’s important to get it sorted before driving.

You’ll be happy to know that if you are bringing your electric car with you, there is good news. Most electric vehicles currently enjoy exemption from registration tax, and in some regions even reduced road taxes. You should always check the local rules to ensure you are aware of any changes.

And lastly, the question that is asked all the time. Can you use your foreign plates until everything has been processed? If you’ve just arrived in Spain, yes – you’ve got up to six months to use your foreign-registered car. The vehicle must be registered in Spain after that to remain road legal.

Registering a car in Spain in 2025 isn’t exactly a thrilling experience – but it doesn’t have to be a nightmare either. Prepare yourself, go step-by-step, and ask for assistance if necessary. After you’ve sorted it out, you will be able to travel around Spain in a legal and stress-free manner.

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