Transferring a Car in Spain – Cambio de Titularidad / Cambio de Nombre 

When buying or selling a used car in Spain, the buyer must complete the cambio de titularidad (change of ownership/registration) with the DGT within a maximum of 30 days from signing the sales contract. Failing to do so can result in fines (up to €500+), the old owner remaining liable for fines/taxes, or insurance issues.

The buyer is responsible for the transfer (not the seller). The vehicle must be in good standing: administratively active (alta), no outstanding fines related to the vehicle, ITV (MOT) valid (not required for the transfer itself but needed to drive), and Impuesto de Circulación (road tax) paid for the previous year.

Main Steps to Transfer a Car in Spain

  1. Sign the Sales Contract (Contrato de Compraventa)
    • Both buyer and seller sign a private contract (or use a standard template from DGT/gestorías). Include:
      • Full names, DNI/NIE, addresses of buyer and seller.
      • Vehicle details: matrícula (plate), bastidor (VIN/chassis), marca/modelo, fecha primera matriculación.
      • Sale price, date, and signatures.
    • Make copies for both parties.
  2. Pay the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP) – Buyer’s Responsibility
    • This is the main tax on used car sales (not VAT unless from a dealer).
    • File Modelo 620 (or 621 in some cases) in the tax office (Hacienda) of the buyer’s autonomous community.
    • Rate: Usually 4–8% of the vehicle’s fiscal value (valor fiscal, often higher than sale price; check tables on regional Hacienda websites). In Andalucía: ~8%.
    • Pay within 30 days of signing. Get the stamped receipt (justificante de pago / autoliquidación) – essential for DGT.
    • Exemptions possible (e.g., family transfers like parent to child, disabled persons, or very low-value vehicles) – declare as “exento” if applicable.
  3. Gather Required Documents
    • DNI/NIE/passport of buyer and seller (original + copy).
    • Permiso de Circulación (green registration document).
    • Ficha Técnica (technical sheet/ITV card).
    • Signed sales contract (original + copy).
    • Justificante de pago del ITP (Modelo 620/621).
    • Proof of payment of Impuesto de Circulación (IVTM) previous year (from Ayuntamiento).
    • If applicable: power of attorney (if someone acts on behalf), or special cases (inheritance, divorce docs).
  4. Pay the DGT Transfer Fee (Tasa)
    • €55.70 for cars (tasa 1.5) in 2026.
    • €27.85 for motorcycles/ciclomotores (tasa 1.2).
    • Pay online (sede.dgt.gob.es) or at a bank with the generated form.
  5. Submit the Transfer Application to DGT
    • Online (recommended – fastest, no appointment needed):
      • Go to sede.dgt.gob.es → Vehículos → Transferencias.
      • Use Cl@ve, DNI electrónico, or certificado digital to log in.
      • Fill in the electronic form, upload scans of documents, attach proof of ITP payment.
      • Pay the tasa if not already paid.
      • Submit – you’ll get immediate confirmation and can download the new permiso de circulación digitally.
    • Presencial (in person):
      • Book cita previa at dgt.es or call 060.
      • Go to your local Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico with all originals + copies.
      • Submit everything + pay tasa on-site if needed.
    • Via Gestoría (easiest if you want help): Many gestorías handle everything for €100–€250 extra (including ITP filing).
  6. After Approval
    • DGT updates the register (usually immediate online; 1–2 weeks for physical new permiso/plates if requested).
    • Buyer gets new permiso de circulación (often digital first).
    • Change insurance to the new owner immediately.
    • Pay new Impuesto de Circulación (IVTM) at your local Ayuntamiento when due.

Approximate Costs (2026)

  • DGT tasa: €55.70 (cars).
  • ITP: 4–8%+ of fiscal value (e.g., €400–€1,200+ for a €10,000–€15,000 car; varies by region).
  • Gestoría (optional): €100–€300.
  • Total typical: €200–€2,000 depending on car value and region.

Tips & Warnings

  • Always get a informe reducido del vehículo from DGT (€8.67 online) before buying – checks for debts, embargos, mileage tampering, etc.
  • The seller should keep a copy of everything to prove they no longer own it.
  • For family transfers (regalo/donación): Often exempt from ITP but still need DGT transfer + possible declaration of gift tax.
  • Use the official DGT asistente online: sede.dgt.gob.es/es/asistentes/asistente-transferencias – guides you step-by-step.
  • Sources: Official DGT website (sede.dgt.gob.es), updated 2026 rules.

If this is for a specific case (e.g., from family, inheritance, company vehicle, or in Andalucía/Mijas), provide more details for tailored advice. ¡Buena suerte con la transferencia! 🚗

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