How to register an English car in Spain: Complete Guide

If you own an English car and live in Spain, you have probably wondered how to register it to continue driving. Registering an English vehicle in Spain is a complicated process, but with the right information and expert help, you will be able to enjoy your English vehicle on Spanish roads in no time. At Relomar we explain everything you need to know about registering your English car or vehicle in Spain.

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Registering an English car in Spain: The most important steps to take

1. Importing your British car into Spain: Before you can register your British car in Spain, you must ensure that the British car enters Spain legally. To do this, you must complete customs formalities involving payment of import duties and taxes, presentation of documents or preparing your English car for a possible customs inspection. For more information on this step, you can go to the section of this page where we explain the customs formalities in detail.

2. Documentation needed to register your English car in Spain: The first step in registering an English car in Spain is to collect the necessary documentation. Make sure you have the vehicle’s European Certificate of Conformity (COC), which is essential for homologation. You will also need your Spanish residence permit and a copy of your identity card or passport.

3. Homologation of the English vehicle: Homologation is a crucial process to adapt your English car to Spanish regulations. This involves making technical and mechanical modifications, such as steering wheel conversions and light adjustments to comply with Spanish safety regulations. Make sure you choose a homologated workshop or get advice from registration specialists to make these adaptations to your English car.

4. Check the MOT status of a vehicle (MOT): After homologation, your English car must undergo a technical inspection at an ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) station in Spain. During this inspection, the technical and safety aspects of your vehicle will be checked to ensure that it meets Spanish standards.

5. Application to register your English car: With the documentation in order and the homologation completed, you can submit the application to register your English car at the Jefatura de Tráfico (DGT) in your province of residence. This process includes payment of the registration fee and obtaining the Spanish plates for your vehicle.

6. Take out car insurance: Finally, don’t forget to take out car insurance in Spain, as it is compulsory for driving on Spanish roads. You can compare different options and choose the one that best suits your needs.

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Registration of an English car in Spain due to a change of residence

Registering an English car in Spain by change of residence is a simplified process compared to regular vehicle importation. Here are the steps, including additional information:

  • Change of residence: You must be resident in Spain and have documentary evidence of your change of residence from the UK to Spain. This could include a work contract, a certificate of empadronamiento in Spain or any other document proving your residence in the country.
  • Check the age of the vehicle: Spanish regulations state that the English car must be at least six months old and 6,000 kilometres driven before the date of the change of residence. Make sure you meet these requirements before starting the process.
  • Car documentation: Gather the English vehicle documentation, which includes the European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the ownership documentation, and the UK registration certificate. The latter must be in your name and show your new address in Spain.
  • Taxes: You will need to pay the relevant taxes, such as the Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica (IVTM) and Impuesto sobre Circulación (Impuesto sobre Circulación).

In addition to the additional information described above on how you can register your English car in Spain due to a change of residence, you should not forget the steps mentioned above: Your English car must go through the MOT, homologation of the vehicle, you will have to apply for the registration of the vehicle in Spain and finally take out car insurance.

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Some advantages of registering your English car in Spain by change of residence…

  • Registration by change of residence is usually quicker and simpler compared to traditional importation, as it is considered a transfer of a vehicle within the European Union.
  • You can take advantage of certain tax benefits, such as exemption from duties and registration fees, when registering your English car for change of residence in Spain.

How much does it cost to register a UK car in Spain?

If you own a UK car and are considering registering it in Spain, you may also be wondering about the cost of registering your UK car in Spain. The cost of registering an English car in Spain varies depending on a number of factors, here is a general estimate of the price and costs involved in registration:

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1. Price of homologating your English vehicle in Spain, between 500€ and 3.000€ As you know from the previous point, homologation is one of the first steps and the price for this operation can range from a few hundred euros to more than a thousand euros, depending on the technical adaptations required by the vehicle to comply with Spanish regulations.

2. Price of import taxes for the English vehicle to Spain: When bringing a vehicle from the UK to Spain, you will have to pay the corresponding import taxes. The price of import taxes when registering an English car in Spain may vary depending on the value of the vehicle and the regulations in force at the time of import. As a rough guide, the import tax is usually between 8% and 15% of the value of the car, plus Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently 21% in Spain.

*Therefore, to calculate the price for import taxes, you should first determine the value of the car and then apply the corresponding percentage. For example, if the value of your English car is €10,000, the import taxes could be in the range of €2,900 to €3,950, considering the 21% VAT. Please note that this is a general estimate and that import taxes may vary depending on the autonomous community in which you are located and the specific regulations in force at the time of import. We recommend consulting with your local customs authority or an import professional to get a more accurate estimate for your situation.

  • Price for vehicle registration fees: When applying to register your English car in Spain, you will have to pay a fee of between €100 and €200, depending on the autonomous community and the characteristics of the vehicle to be registered.
  • Price for passing the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV): The technical inspection of an English vehicle to be registered in Spain is a mandatory requirement and can cost around €50 to €100, depending on the ITV centre and the complexity of the inspection.
  • Price of obtaining Spanish number plates for the vehicle: Obtaining Spanish number plates for the car has an additional cost, which is generally around €10 to €20.
  • Taking out car insurance: Insuring your English car in Spain is essential and the price of insurance can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the model of vehicle, car insurance cover and your driving record. Depending on the type of car insurance you choose, whether it is more basic or offers comprehensive cover, it can cost between €200 and €1,200 per year.

Get help importing your English vehicle into Spain

Do you have an English vehicle and want to drive it on Spanish roads? At Relomar, we understand your passion for your car and we are here to help. We know that the registration process is complicated, so as well as helping you to register your English car, we can take care of the whole process of importing it into Spain.

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Our outstanding services in transporting and importing vehicles from the UK to Spain:

  • Homologation of your English vehicle: We take care of the technical adaptations of your English car and the homologation of your vehicle to comply with Spanish regulations.
  • Documentation management: We know that documentation can be overwhelming. We take care of all the necessary paperwork to import your English car into Spain and make sure everything is in order.
  • Registration of foreign car in Spain: We apply for registration at the Jefatura de Tráfico (DGT) in your province of residence.
  • ITV: We take care of passing the Technical Vehicle Inspection (ITV).

How to register an English car in Spain in 2023

Registering an English car in Spain in 2023 remains a crucial process to ensure the legality and safety of your vehicle on Spanish roads. Here are a few tips, which together with the basic steps outlined above, will help you to register your English car in Spain with complete peace of mind and legal compliance.

  • Knowledge of the specific homologation requirements in 2023: In 2023, the homologation regulations for British cars in Spain have undergone changes, due to European regulations and trade relations between the UK and the European Union. It is essential to keep up to date with the specific vehicle type approval requirements, as this will allow you to adapt your English car imported from the UK to the technical requirements demanded in Spain. You can find out about the regulations by consulting the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/443, regarding type-approval procedures with regard to emissions for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, from the State Agency BOE on its website. However, the easiest and simplest way to find out the requirements for homologating your English car in Spain is to consult directly with a transport and vehicle registration agent in Spain.
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  • Importance of specialised professionals: Registering an English car in Spain in 2023 may be more complex than in previous years due to possible regulatory and customs changes. Having the advice of professionals specialised in the registration and homologation of English cars in Spain can save you time and effort. These experts can guide you through the process of registering your car in Spain.

Impact of Brexit on British car registrations in Spain

Brexit has had a strong impact on the registration of British cars in Spain. Since the UK’s exit from the European Union, customs procedures and regulations have changed slightly. Here is a brief explanation of how Brexit affects the registration of your UK car or vehicles from the UK:

  • Increased cost for customs control: From January 2021, vehicles registered and put into service in the UK are no longer considered part of the EU market. This means that when importing a car from the UK to Spain, customs duties and VAT must be paid in the country of destination (Spain), which means a higher financial outlay.
  • Homologation and registration of vehicles from the UK: These British vehicles must comply with European safety, emission and feature standards. However, it is important to note that only vehicles registered in the UK before 01/01/2021 have the same status as vehicles registered in the EU. Vehicles registered after this date will require documents proving compliance with the required approvals.
  • Impact on the price of new vehicles: Brexit has also had an impact on the price of new British vehicles due to customs duties, which may affect Spanish buyers who want to import a British car bought outside Spain.
  • Driving licences: Driving licences are another area affected by Brexit. British residents in Spain must exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one or obtain an international driving licence within 9 months. The same applies to European and Spanish drivers working or living in the UK.
Start registering your English car in Spain

In summary, Brexit has led to changes in the procedures and costs associated with importing and registering British cars in Spain. These changes require greater attention to homologation requirements and legal aspects to ensure the legality and compliance of imported vehicles.

Other frequently asked questions related to the registration of UK vehicles in Spain

Is it possible to register a right-hand drive car in Spain?

Yes, it is possible to register a right-hand drive car in Spain. However, registering a right-hand drive car in Spain involves some additional steps. The vehicle must be homologated and adapted to comply with Spanish safety and traffic regulations. This may include converting the lighting system so that the headlights are set correctly for right-hand drive and other technical adjustments. If the car is right-hand drive, it is important to check whether changes to the steering wheel are necessary to adapt it for left-hand drive in Spain.

It is important to note that registering a right-hand drive car in Spain can be a more complicated process than registering a left-hand drive car, due to the adaptations required. It is advisable to take advice from specialists in homologation and registration of English vehicles in Spain to ensure that everything is done in accordance with Spanish regulations.

How to register a British motorhome in Spain?

Registering an English motorhome in Spain follows a similar process to registering an English car in Spain, with some specific requirements and considerations related to the type of vehicle:

To register an English motorhome in Spain, you must be resident in Spain and change your residence from the UK. The motorhome must be at least six months old and 6,000 kilometres driven. You must collect the vehicle documentation, including the European Certificate of Conformity (COC) specific for motorhomes. The motorhome must comply with Spanish safety and emissions regulations and, if necessary, make technical adaptations. After passing the Inspección Técnica de Vehículos (ITV), you can apply for registration at the Jefatura de Tráfico (DGT). You must pay taxes and obtain insurance. In addition, additional inspections may be required depending on the specifications of the motorhome. Keeping informed about current regulations and seeking specialist advice is important to ensure your English caravan is properly registered in Spain.

How to register an English motorbike in Spain
To register an English motorbike in Spain, the process largely follows the same steps as registering an English car or motorhome in Spain due to a change of residence. However, although the process of registering an English motorbike in Spain shares some steps with that of cars and motorhomes, the key differences focus on the specific technical adaptations for motorbikes and the specific ITV for this type of vehicle.