A Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Your UK Registered Car To Spain

For expats living or moving to Spain, registering a UK car with Spanish authorities and applying for new number plates can be daunting. Abbeygate works with close partners who can guide you through the process. No matter how intimidating the prospect of dealing with foreign bureaucracy seems, they can get your vehicle sorted out from the beginning – with Spanish car registration and getting your prized new number plates!

This blog post briefly overviews how to obtain Spanish number plates quickly and easily so that your travels in Spain are carefree and fully legal. Read on as we explain what paperwork is needed, the registration process, and the requirements that must be fulfilled before driving a UK car in Spain.

Applying for Registration of New Spanish Number Plates

The first step will be to organize all your documentation. Then you will need to arrange an appointment with the licensing authority called the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) and provide them with the following details:

• Proof of vehicle ownership
• Car registration documents
• Valid passport
• Proof that you plan on residing in Spain for at least 6 months.

Once accepted, they will issue you a registration certificate called the Ficha del Vehículo.

With this document, you can then proceed to the local vehicle testing centre, ITV Spain, where they will road test your car and, if successful, issue you with an ITV Certificate.

ITV Spain and DGT

All cars imported into Spain must pass an ITV test before they can be used on public roads. Scheduling an ITV vehicle test is relatively straightforward.

You'll need to contact the local ITV office in the province nearest you and make an appointment for a vehicle road safety and emissions test. When you arrive at the ITV test centre, you must provide them with the following:

• V5C form or its foreign equivalent.
• Current registration plates
• Ficha del Vehículo issued to you by DGT.

Once your car has been tested, you will be issued an ITV Certificate, much like a UK MOT.

Spanish Car Import Tax - Modelo 576

The cost of Spanish import tax for importing and registering a UK car can vary depending on your vehicle.

To import your car, you will have to register yourself with the tax authorities by filling in a Spain customs declaration form called the Modelo 576 which is written in Spanish and is mandatory.

You may need a Spanish-speaking person to help you complete this form. You must also possess an NIE (Spanish Tax Registration Number). Please note that if you make a mistake on the form after submission, it cannot be changed later.

• The first thing is to fill out the Modelo 576 (Calcular Impuesto Matriculation) and calculate your registration tax.
• To complete the Modelo 576, you will need your chassis number and the address where your car was registered.

Once you have signed the form, paid the tax import fee, and submitted it, you will be sent a CRN (Complete Reference Number).

The Number Plate System

The first thing to be aware of is that number plates look different in Spain than elsewhere in Europe. Cars in Spain have a 7-character registration number composed of four digits followed by three letters.

It's worth noting, too, that the letters use consonants except the letter q, and there are no vowels. Also, the numbering/lettering system on Spanish plates indicates the province or area where the vehicle was registered in Spain.

Waiting Until Your Application Has Been Approved

After you have your license number on the vehicle registration card supplied by DGT, you can consult a registration plates specialist to get a new pair of license plates for you. The cost can be anywhere between €10 and €100, depending on age, the format, and the car registration specialist.

Alternatively, ITV Spain may be able to supply your vehicle with new number plates. Although waiting for your registration for a new number plate may stir up a blend of excitement and anxiety, it is vital to remember that patience is the key in Spain.

Install Your New License Plates and Enjoy!

Installing a car registration plate for cars from Spain to the UK is one of the final steps to driving in Spain. It's an exciting moment, knowing that you have reached a new milestone and that you won't have to worry about having any problems with the registration or paperwork.

Having your number plates gives you the peace of mind to take advantage of Spain's beautiful countryside and roads without any worries. Make sure you install your number plates correctly and securely so that the local authorities in the province know your vehicle is registered in Spain. Don’t forget you will need to update your insurance.

Switching to Spanish plates is a great way to add personal flair to your car. You can choose various colors and designs to make your vehicle stand out in traffic. Plus, you’ll get the added protection and legality of having official license plates.

More Information on Spain Import Regulations

If you'd like more information on Spain's Import Regulations or advice on car insurance, contact Abbeygate Insurance on +34951277455 today!

They can help you with all aspects to ensure everything goes smoothly. Hopefully, this step-by-step guide to importing a car into Spain and getting a Spanish number plate has given you an overview of what you need. Good luck!

Key Takeaways:

• Gather all the necessary documents before beginning the importation process
• Acquire the Spanish number plates from the Dirección General de Tráfico
• Process payment of taxes and fees associated with importing a vehicle into Spain
• Obtain an ITV Certificate to prove it has been tested for public roads
• Registrations: Finalize the registration process with Spanish authorities, including insurance documents
• Contact Abbegate Insurance for additional advice on Importing a Car to Spain and acquiring new car number plates

Astra1999, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons