My car has foreign plates – do I need to re-register it in Spain?

According to the Spanish Road Traffic and Vehicle Safety Act (LSV), foreign vehicles must be registered in Spain under certain conditions. The time frame for changing your plates to Spanish ones depends on whether you’re a resident. Failing to register your vehicle within these deadlines could result in a fine of €500 to €1,500, as stated in the LSV penalties regime.

What you need to know about foreign-plated car registration in Spain

• If you're a foreign citizen driving a car with foreign plates, you can do so in Spain for up to six consecutive months. After 183 days, Spain considers it your habitual residence, and you must register your vehicle.
• If you're a resident of Spain or have a business here, you must register your car within 30 days.
• If you're moving to Spain and bringing a vehicle with you, you have up to 60 days to register it.

How to register a foreign-plated car in Spain

The process and required documentation may vary slightly depending on whether your car comes from within the EU or from outside.

Steps to register a vehicle from the EU:

• Provide proof of ownership of the vehicle.
• Obtain the Spanish technical inspection certificate (ficha técnica).
• Pay the taxes related to the registration of the vehicle.
• Apply for registration with the DGT (Traffic Department).
• Once your plates arrive, affix them to your vehicle. If there’s a delay, you can request temporary plates (green plates), which allow you to drive in Spain for up to two months, extendable.
• For more details, visit ‘Registering a vehicle coming from the EU in Spain’ from the official Spanish government website.

Steps to register a vehicle from outside the EU:

• Provide proof of ownership of the vehicle. As with the previous case, you will need a signed purchase contract or invoice, along with the original documentation.
• The vehicle must pass through customs. After paying the relevant taxes and fees, you will receive the Documento Único Administrativo (DUA), which is needed for registration.
• Obtain the Spanish technical inspection certificate (ITV).
• Pay the registration tax and local road tax at the municipality where you will reside.
• Apply for registration with the Traffic Department.
• Once your plates arrive, affix them to your car. Meanwhile, you can use temporary green plates.
• If you live in Spain and you want to import a vehicle purchased in a non-EU country or in territories excluded from the customs and tax legislation of the European Union, or if you’re changing your residence from a non-EU country to Spain, you can find more info and assistance on the page ‘Import a vehicle’ from the official Spanish Tax Agency website.

Important note for UK car owners:

Since the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, the process for registering a UK-registered car has changed. Now, any vehicle imported from the UK must follow the same procedures as vehicles from outside the EU.

Also, it’s important to know that if you're moving to Spain from a non-EU country, you may qualify for an exemption from import duties, allowing you to bring personal belongings—such as mopeds, motorcycles, cars, trailers, and caravans—duty-free. However, commercial vehicles and cars for resale are not eligible. To apply, you must do so through the Spanish Tax Agency and provide the necessary documents, such as proof of identity, proof of residence, and de-registration of your vehicle in the country of origin.

Vehicle insurance in Spain

Under Spanish law, all vehicles on the road, without exception, must have at least third-party liability insurance. This covers damage to property and people in the event of a road accident, but it does not cover damage to your own vehicle. There are also other options, such as comprehensive insurance (with or without a deductible), which covers both third-party and own damage.

Get temporary insurance for your foreign-plated car in Spain

If your car has foreign plates and you need to drive in Spain while waiting for your Spanish registration, you may find that only a few insurers offer temporary cover. With Generali Expatriates, you can take out a temporary third-party insurance policy for up to 3 months, allowing you to drive legally until your new plates are issued. This way, you can bring your car with confidence and stay covered throughout the registration process.

Conditions for taking out temporary insurance:

• The vehicle must have European plates (German, French, Belgian, Swedish, etc.).
• The driver must be over 25 years old.
• The driver must have held a full driving licence for at least two years.
• A valid ID (DNI/NIE) and driving licence are required.

Get a quote for temporary insurance today and drive with peace of mind!

If you need more information about the types of insurance and coverage we offer at Generali Expatriates, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can find your nearest agent or broker here or fill in our form to ask for more information or a quote. One of our insurance experts will be happy to help you in your own language!