Vehicle Import and Re-registration (Matriculación)
Vehicle Import and Re-registration (Matriculación)
Import and re-register a foreign vehicle in Spain. Customs declaration, ITV inspection, registration tax (IEDMT), and Spanish plates.
Fines for driving with foreign plates after deadline. Vehicle may be impounded.
Ready to start this procedure?
Use our interactive tool with form generation, document checklists, and appointment booking.
Based on Your Profile
Step-by-Step Process
Deregister vehicle in home country
Cancel registration and obtain export/deregistration certificate. Some countries call this "baja temporal" or "export plate".
Drive or transport vehicle to Spain
Can drive on foreign plates for up to 60 days after establishing residency. Non-EU: customs declaration at border.
Get ITV inspection
Book inspection at ITV station. Vehicle must pass Spanish technical standards. Bring all vehicle documents.
Pay IEDMT registration tax (Modelo 576)
File Modelo 576 at AEAT. Rate: 0% for vehicles ≤120g CO2/km, up to 14.75% for high emissions.
Apply for Spanish plates at DGT
Submit all documents at DGT. Receive new Spanish matricula (plates).
Get Spanish insurance and plates fitted
Arrange Spanish vehicle insurance. Get plates made and fitted. Register vehicle in DGT system.
Required Documents
From country of origin. Original + copy.
Purchase invoice, or contract of sale, or registration in your name.
Required for registering any vehicle in Spain.
Proves your residence address for vehicle registration.
Spanish technical inspection (equivalent of MOT/TÜV). Book at ITV station.
Registration tax. Rate based on CO2 emissions. Many vehicles under 120g/km are exempt (0%).
Download FormProof vehicle was deregistered in country of origin.
Vehicle specifications. May need official translation.
Must have Spanish vehicle insurance before driving on Spanish plates.
Tips & Common Pitfalls
You have 60 days from establishing residency to re-register. After that, fines and potential impound.
Driving with foreign plates after the deadline is illegal even if insured.
Right-hand drive (UK) vehicles: headlights must be adjusted for continental driving before ITV.
IEDMT tax can be significant for high-emission vehicles. Calculate in advance.
Hiring a gestor (administrative agent) for €200–500 can save weeks of bureaucracy.
Electric and low-emission vehicles (≤120g CO2/km) pay 0% IEDMT tax.
Keep your old plates — some countries require them for deregistration proof.
Regional Variations
ITV stations busy. Book 2–4 weeks in advance. Barcelona ITV Castellbisbal and Montmeló recommended.
Multiple ITV stations. Wait times 1–3 weeks. Try stations outside M-30 for faster slots.
ITV wait times shorter outside summer. Málaga and Sevilla busiest.