How to Register a UK Car in Spain: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Expats in Murcia (2026)

Registering a UK car in Spain typically takes 30-60 days and costs €600-€1,200 in Murcia. You'll need your NIE number, UK V5C logbook, ITV inspection (€45-€90), and Spanish insurance policy. The process involves five main steps: (1) Obtaining a certificate of fiscal value (€60), (2) Passing the ITV vehicle inspection, (3) Calculating and paying registration tax (varies by CO2 emissions), (4) Submitting documents at Tráfico, and (5) Receiving your Spanish plates within 15 days. You can legally drive on UK plates for 6 months after becoming a Spanish resident. Most expats hire a gestoría (€300-€500) to handle the paperwork and avoid common mistakes.

Introduction

Moving to Murcia is exciting—until you face the Spanish bureaucracy. If you're reading this, you've probably heard horror stories about registering a UK car in Spain: confusing paperwork, long queues at Tráfico, unexpected costs, and officials who don't speak English.

We get it. In our 30+ years helping expats settle in Murcia, car registration questions fill our inbox daily. Over 15,000 British expats move to the Murcia region annually, and car registration is consistently rated as the number one administrative challenge they face.

This guide breaks down the entire process into manageable steps, with real costs, actual timelines, and honest advice about what you can do yourself versus when to hire help. By the end, you'll have complete clarity on exactly what's required to get your UK car legally registered with Spanish plates.

Can You Keep Your UK Plates in Spain?

The 6-Month Rule Explained

Short answer: No, but you have 6 months to sort it out.

Once you become a resident in Spain, you have exactly 6 months to register your vehicle with Spanish plates. This isn't a guideline—it's a legal requirement under Spanish traffic law. If you're caught driving a UK-registered car after this period, you face fines ranging from €200 to €500, and in some cases, your vehicle can be impounded.

Here's what many expats don't realize: your 6-month clock starts from the day you register as a Spanish resident (when you obtain your NIE or TIE card), NOT from the day you arrive in Spain. This is a crucial distinction.

What about insurance?

Many UK insurance companies will cancel your policy once you change your official address to Spain. Even if they don't cancel immediately, your coverage may become invalid if you're no longer a UK resident. This leaves you in a tricky situation: you need insurance to drive legally, but your UK insurance might not cover you once you're a Spanish resident.

Special cases where you might not need to register:

Second homes: If you're not a permanent Spanish resident and your car isn't permanently based in Spain, you may continue using UK plates. However, this requires you to genuinely split your time between countries.

Tourists and temporary visitors: If you're visiting Spain temporarily (under 6 months) and haven't registered as a resident, you can drive on UK plates with valid UK insurance.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Your 6-month countdown begins the moment you become an official Spanish resident, not when you arrive. Plan accordingly and start the registration process as soon as you have your NIE.

💡 Need temporary insurance for UK plates while you sort out registration? We can help with short-term coverage that keeps you legal during the transition period. Get a quote in English today.

How Long Does the Registration Process Take?

Realistic Expectations: 30-60 Days (Or Longer If You Hit Problems)

Let's be honest: the "official" timeline of 30 days almost never happens in real life. Here's what to actually expect:

Best-case scenario (everything goes smoothly): 30-45 days

• Week 1: Gather documents, get certificate of fiscal value

• Week 2-3: Book and pass ITV inspection

• Week 3-4: Calculate and pay registration tax

• Week 4-5: Submit at Tráfico

• Week 5-6: Receive Spanish plates and registration certificate
  

Realistic scenario (typical experience): 45-60 days

This accounts for normal delays like waiting for ITV appointments, minor document corrections, or processing times at Tráfico during busy periods.

Problem scenario (common complications): 60-180 days

Unfortunately, many expats experience significant delays due to:

• ITV appointment availability: In peak season (May-September), you might wait 2-3 weeks just to get an inspection slot

• Document rejections at Tráfico: Minor errors (missing signature, wrong form version, expired documents) send you back to square one

• Homologation issues: Some UK car models or modifications require additional technical approval, adding weeks or months

• Gestoría backlogs: If you're using a gestoría during busy season, they might be handling hundreds of cases

• Missing UK documentation: If your V5C has errors or you need to order documents from DVLA, add 2-4 weeks
  

Peak season warning: May through September is when most expats move to Murcia. Expect everything to take 50% longer during these months.

What Documents Do You Need?

Complete Checklist - Don't Go to Tráfico Without These

Getting your documents right the first time is crucial. Here's exactly what you need:

From the UK:

• Original V5C logbook (vehicle registration certificate) - not a photocopy

• MOT certificate if your car is over 3 years old

• Proof of purchase or invoice showing the price you paid for the vehicle

• Letter from UK insurance confirming no-claims history (optional but valuable for Spanish insurance)
  

Spanish Documents You Must Already Have:

• NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) or TIE residence card

• Empadronamiento - official proof you're registered as living in Murcia

• Valid driving license (UK or EU license is fine; you don't need to exchange it immediately)
  

Documents You'll Obtain During the Registration Process:

• Certificate of Fiscal Value (Certificado de valoración fiscal) - from the tax office

• ITV Inspection certificate and Ficha técnica (technical sheet) - from ITV station

• Proof of registration tax payment - Modelo 576 form stamped by bank

• Spanish insurance policy - must be active from the day you submit at Tráfico
  

Optional But Highly Recommended:

• Power of attorney (Poder notarial) if you're using a gestoría to handle everything

• Certified translation of your V5C - not always required but can prevent delays if Tráfico staff are unsure about UK documents
  

💡 TOP TIP: Make three photocopies of absolutely everything. Tráfico will keep some original documents, and you'll want backup copies for your records. Spanish bureaucracy loves paperwork, and having extras saves trips back home to make more copies.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

Now let's walk through each step with exact costs and specific locations in Murcia.

Step 1: Get Your Certificate of Fiscal Value

Duration: 3-7 days | Cost: €60

This certificate establishes the official tax value of your vehicle for Spanish purposes. It's not the market value—it's a standardized calculation based on your car's age, make, and model.

Where to go in Murcia:

📍 Agencia Tributaria (Spanish Tax Office)
Avda. de la Libertad, 7, 30009 Murcia
Phone: 968 766 300
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-14:00 (arrive before 12:30 to avoid being turned away)

What to bring:

• Your original UK V5C logbook

• NIE or TIE card

• €60 in cash or card payment
  

What happens:

The tax office clerk will input your vehicle details into their system. They calculate the "valor fiscal" based on official tables maintained by the Spanish government. You'll receive a printed certificate on the spot or within a few days.

Typical wait time: Arrive early—by 9:30am if possible. Queues can be 45-90 minutes long, especially mid-month when businesses are processing their tax obligations.

Common issue: If your car is an unusual model or very new, they might not have it in their database. In this case, they'll need to request valuation from a higher office, adding 5-10 days to the process.

Step 2: Pass the ITV Vehicle Inspection

Duration: Book 1-2 weeks ahead | Cost: €45-€90

ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain's equivalent of the UK's MOT—a mandatory roadworthiness test. For registration purposes, you need a full ITV inspection and certificate.

ITV Stations Serving Murcia:

📍 ITV Murcia - Espinardo
Polígono Industrial Oeste, 30100 Espinardo
Book online at: www.itvcita.com
Cost: €45 for standard cars, €62 for SUVs/large vehicles

📍 ITV Alcantarilla
Carretera de Madrid, km 388, Alcantarilla
Book by phone: 968 898 585

Booking your appointment:

You must book in advance online or by phone. In busy periods, slots fill up 2-3 weeks out. Don't wait until the last minute.

What they inspect:

• All lights (headlights, brake lights, indicators, fog lights)

• Braking system (must pass electronic brake test)

• Tire condition (minimum 1.6mm tread depth across the tire)

• Emissions levels (must meet Euro standards for your vehicle's age)

• Structural integrity (rust, welding, frame damage)

• Safety equipment (seatbelts, airbags, reflective triangles, hi-vis vest)
  

Common failures for UK cars:

⚠️ Headlight beam pattern: UK headlights aim slightly to the left for driving on the left side of the road. Spanish regulations require them to aim right. Most garages can adjust them for €40-€80. Some newer cars need complete headlight unit replacement (€150-€300).

⚠️ Window tinting: Spain has strict rules. Front side windows must allow at least 70% light transmission. Many UK cars have darker tints that fail inspection. Removing tint costs €50-€100.

⚠️ Undeclared modifications: If your car has modifications not listed on the V5C (sports exhaust, lowered suspension, aftermarket wheels), ITV may refuse to pass you without proper homologation documents.

If you fail the ITV:

You get ONE free re-inspection within 2 months. Fix the issues immediately and book a re-test. If you wait longer than 2 months, you pay the full €45-€90 again.

What you receive:

After passing, you'll get:

• ITV certificate (Certificado de la ITV) - valid for the registration process

• Ficha técnica (technical data sheet) - essential document for Tráfico
  

Keep both documents safe—you cannot complete registration without them.

Step 3: Calculate and Pay Registration Tax (Impuesto de Matriculación)

Duration: 1-2 days | Cost: €0 to €5,000+ (depends on your car's CO2 emissions)

Here's where costs can vary dramatically. Spain taxes vehicles based on their environmental impact, specifically CO2 emissions.

2026 Registration Tax Rates:

For cars emitting 0-120 g/km CO2: 0% tax - You pay nothing
For cars emitting 121-160 g/km: 4.75% of vehicle value
For cars emitting 161-200 g/km: 9.75% of vehicle value
For cars emitting over 200 g/km: 14.75% of vehicle value

Example calculations:

Scenario 1: 2020 Toyota Prius (95 g/km CO2), valued at €18,000
Tax owed: €0 (exempt due to low emissions)

Scenario 2: 2018 VW Golf (135 g/km CO2), valued at €15,000
Tax owed: €713 (4.75% of €15,000)

Scenario 3: 2017 Range Rover Sport (210 g/km CO2), valued at €35,000
Tax owed: €5,163 (14.75% of €35,000)

Where to find your car's CO2 emissions:

Look at your UK V5C logbook. There's a field labeled "CO2 emissions" with a number followed by "g/km". This is the figure Spanish tax authorities use.

Good news for some expats:

✅ Cars over 10 years old: Completely exempt from registration tax—you pay €0 regardless of emissions
✅ Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles: Exempt or heavily reduced rates
✅ Disabled drivers: May qualify for additional exemptions with proper documentation

How to pay:

1. Use the online calculator at www.agenciatributaria.es to confirm your exact tax amount

2. Complete form Modelo 576 (available online or at any tax office)

3. Pay at any Spanish bank or online through the tax agency website

4. Keep your payment receipt—it's mandatory for Tráfico submission
   

If the tax seems too high:

Some expats discover their registration tax would cost more than the car is worth, especially for older, high-emission vehicles. In these cases, you might consider:

• Selling the UK car and buying a Spanish-registered vehicle instead

• Buying a newer, lower-emission car before moving to Spain

• Accepting the one-time cost if you plan to keep the car long-term
  

Step 4: Submit Everything at Tráfico (DGT)

Duration: 1-2 weeks processing | Cost: €96.80 in administration fees

This is the big moment—submitting your complete application to Spain's Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the equivalent of the UK's DVLA.

Where to go in Murcia:

📍 Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Murcia
Ctra. de Cartagena, 30430 Molina de Segura, Murcia
Phone: 968 38 91 00
Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-14:00

CRITICAL: You must book an appointment in advance

Tráfico doesn't accept walk-ins. Book online at www.dgt.es/sede-electronica under "Cita Previa". Appointments fill quickly, so book as soon as your ITV and tax payment are complete.

Documents to submit:

• Completed application form "Solicitud de matriculación" (available at Tráfico or online)

• Original UK V5C logbook

• Certificate of Fiscal Value

• ITV certificate and Ficha técnica

• Proof of registration tax payment (Modelo 576 stamped receipt)

• NIE or TIE card

• Empadronamiento certificate

• Spanish insurance policy that's already active or starts the same day

• Payment receipt for €96.80 admin fees
  

The insurance requirement is non-negotiable:

Your Spanish insurance must be active before or on the same day you submit at Tráfico. They will call your insurance company to verify the policy exists. Without valid insurance, they'll reject your entire application.

What happens at the appointment:

A Tráfico officer reviews all your documents. If everything is correct and complete, they'll accept your application and give you a receipt. If anything is wrong—even a small error—they'll reject the application and you'll need to book another appointment (which might be weeks away).

Processing time:

Tráfico takes 7-15 working days to process your application if everything is in order. They'll mail your registration certificate (Permiso de circulación) and technical sheet to your Spanish address.

Common rejection reasons (avoid these):

• Missing signatures on forms

• Insurance policy not yet active

• ITV certificate older than 2 months (they require recent inspection)

• Wrong version of application form (regulations change; always download the latest)

• Photocopies instead of original documents

• Empadronamiento certificate older than 3 months
  

💡 This is why many expats use a gestoría: One small mistake costs you weeks of delays. A gestoría knows exactly what Tráfico wants and guarantees acceptance.

Step 5: Receive Your Spanish Plates

Duration: 7-15 days after Tráfico approval | Cost: €25-€40 for plates

Once Tráfico approves your registration, they'll mail your official documents to your Spanish address:

• Permiso de circulación: Your vehicle's registration certificate (like the UK V5C)

• Ficha técnica: Technical data sheet for your car
  

Now you need physical license plates:

Spanish plates follow a specific format: four numbers, space, three letters (example: 1234 ABC). You can order plates from:

• Any ITV station (most sell them on-site for €30-€35)

• Any gestoría office (€25-€40)

• Auto workshops and talleres mecánicos
  

Installing your plates:

You'll need:

• Front plate with four screws

• Rear plate with four screws

• Both plates must be reflective and meet EU standards

• Frame and installation typically included in the €30-€40 price
  

What to do with your UK plates:

Remove them and mail them back to DVLA in the UK within 14 days:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
United Kingdom

Include a note stating you've exported the vehicle. DVLA will automatically cancel your UK registration. If you don't return the plates, you might face penalties from UK authorities.

Update your insurance:

Call your insurance company with your new Spanish registration number. They'll update your policy within 24 hours. Some insurers want to see a photo of your new plates.

Congratulations—you're now legally registered in Spain!

Keep these documents in your car at all times:

• Permiso de circulación (registration certificate)

• Ficha técnica (technical sheet)

• Current insurance certificate

• Valid driving license
  

Total Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Pay

Let's talk real numbers. Here's what registration costs for different scenarios:

Standard car example (most common):

• Certificate of Fiscal Value: €60

• ITV Inspection (passed first time): €45

• Registration Tax (120-160 g/km CO2): €0-€713

• Tráfico admin fees: €96.80

• Spanish plates: €30

• One month Spanish insurance: €50-€100

• Total if DIY: €282-€1,045
  

If you use a gestoría (recommended):

• Everything above: €282-€1,045

• Gestoría service fee: €350-€500

• Total with gestoría: €632-€1,545
  

Best-case scenario (older, low-emission car):

2015 Toyota Yaris, 99g/km CO2, over 10 years old:

• All fees except registration tax: €282

• Registration tax: €0 (car is 10+ years old)

• Gestoría: €400

• Total: €682
  

Worst-case scenario (new, high-emission car):

2021 Range Rover Sport, 220g/km CO2, valued at €50,000:

• All standard fees: €282

• Registration tax (14.75%): €7,375

• Gestoría: €500

• Total: €8,157
  

Real case study from our client:

Sarah, 43, British expat, moved to Murcia in April 2024:

• Vehicle: 2018 Nissan Qashqai, 125g/km CO2, valued at €16,500

• Certificate: €60

• ITV: €45 (passed first time)

• Registration tax: €784 (4.75% of €16,500)

• Tráfico fees: €96.80

• Plates: €30

• Insurance: €68 (first month with Allianz, expat code discount applied)

• Gestoría: €420

• Total paid: €1,503.80

• Timeline: 42 days from starting process to receiving Spanish plates
  

Should You Use a Gestoría?

When It's Worth the €300-€500 vs. Doing It Yourself

This is the big question every expat faces. Here's honest advice based on hundreds of registrations we've seen.

Use a gestoría if:

✅ You don't speak conversational Spanish confidently
✅ Your car is unusual, modified, or a right-hand drive UK-only model
✅ You're working full-time and can't take multiple days off for appointments
✅ You want zero risk of mistakes that cause delays
✅ You value your time at more than €30/hour (you'll save 10-15 hours)

Consider DIY if:

✅ You speak reasonable Spanish or have Spanish-speaking friends who can help
✅ Your car is a common, unmodified model
✅ You enjoy administrative challenges and have patience for bureaucracy
✅ You want to save €300-€500 and don't mind multiple trips to offices
✅ You have flexible time and can take mornings off for appointments

What a gestoría actually does:

A gestoría is a licensed administrative agent who handles paperwork with government offices on your behalf. For car registration, they:

1. Collect all your documents and verify they're correct

2. Obtain the certificate of fiscal value for you

3. Book your ITV appointment and sometimes accompany you

4. Calculate and pay your registration tax

5. Submit everything at Tráfico under power of attorney

6. Handle any issues or rejections that arise

7. Collect your registration documents and plates
   

Typical service costs:

• Basic service (you provide all docs, they submit): €250-€350

• Full service (they handle everything start to finish): €400-€500

• Express service (priority handling, faster timeline): €550-€700
  

Timeline with gestoría:

Expect 30-50 days for the entire process, slightly faster than DIY because they know exactly what's required and have relationships with Tráfico staff.

Our recommendation:

For your first car registration in Spain, use a gestoría. Learn the process by watching what they do. If you buy a second car later or help a friend, you'll understand the system and can consider DIY.

💡 We work with trusted, English-speaking gestorías in Murcia who specialize in expat cases. Contact us for a referral and mention you're an Allianz client for a small discount.

Insurance Requirements During Registration

You Need Spanish Insurance Before Submitting at Tráfico

Here's a frustrating catch-22 that confuses every expat: You need Spanish insurance to register your car, but most Spanish insurers want your Spanish registration number before insuring you.

How to solve this:

Expat-specialist insurers (like Allianz) will issue a policy using your UK registration number temporarily. The policy becomes active on the day you submit at Tráfico. Once you receive Spanish plates, you simply update the policy with the new registration number—no need to cancel and reapply.

Spanish car insurance coverage levels:

Terceros (Third-party only): €350-€550 annually
This is the legal minimum. Covers damage you cause to other people and their property. Does NOT cover your own vehicle damage.

Terceros Ampliado (Third-party plus): €480-€720 annually
Adds coverage for fire, theft, vandalism, and windscreen damage to your car. Still doesn't cover collision damage to your car.

Todo Riesgo (Comprehensive): €650-€1,200 annually
Full coverage including collision damage to your car, even if you're at fault. Most expats choose this for newer vehicles.

Can you transfer your UK no-claims bonus?

Yes, but only with expat-specialist insurers.

At Allianz, we fully accept your UK no-claims history. This can save you 20-40% on your premium—often several hundred euros per year.

What you need to provide:

• A letter from your UK insurer confirming years of claims-free driving

• Must be dated within the last 3 months

• We verify it with your UK insurer and apply your discount immediately
  

Most Spanish insurers either don't accept UK no-claims or make the process extremely difficult. This is one of the biggest advantages of working with an insurer that specializes in expat cases.

Special considerations for expats:

Many standard Spanish insurers charge foreigners a 15-25% surcharge simply for not being Spanish nationals. At Allianz, we have special expat codes that remove this discriminatory pricing. You pay the same rate as a Spanish driver with equivalent history.

Additional benefits for expats:

✓ English-speaking claims support 24/7 (call +34 932 277 599)
✓ Roadside assistance throughout Spain and EU countries
✓ Coverage for UK and European travel included
✓ English-language policy documents
✓ Email and phone support in English

When to get your insurance:

Obtain your Spanish insurance quote about 2 weeks before your Tráfico appointment. Set the policy start date for the exact day of your appointment. This gives you coverage from the moment you submit without paying for unused days.

🚗 Get Your Spanish Car Insurance Quote in English

→ UK no-claims bonus accepted (save 20-40%)
→ Special expat rates with no foreign surcharge
→ Quote delivered within 24 hours
→ English-speaking agent assigned to your case

[Get Your Free Quote →]

Common Problems & How to Avoid Them

Based on hundreds of expat registrations, here are the seven problems that cause the most headaches—and how to prevent them:

Problem 1: ITV fails due to UK headlights

❌ What happens: UK headlights aim to the left for driving on the left side of the road. Spanish ITV stations automatically fail you if beams aren't adjusted for right-side driving.

✅ Solution: Before your ITV appointment, take your car to any mechanic (taller) and ask them to adjust the headlight beam pattern for Spanish roads. Most garages do this for €40-€80. Some newer cars with complex LED systems may need new headlight units (€150-€300).

Problem 2: V5C document has wrong information

❌ What happens: Your UK V5C shows incorrect details—wrong engine size, wrong color, modified features not recorded. Spanish authorities cross-reference everything, and mismatches cause rejection.

✅ Solution: Check your V5C carefully before starting registration. If anything is wrong, order a corrected V5C from DVLA in the UK BEFORE starting the Spanish process. This takes 2-4 weeks but prevents months of problems.

Problem 3: Can't get an appointment at Tráfico

❌ What happens: You check the online booking system and see no appointments available for 6-8 weeks. By then, your ITV certificate might expire (only valid 2 months).

✅ Solution: Check the booking system daily at 7:00am. Cancellations appear then and are snapped up within hours. Alternatively, this is where a gestoría's relationships help—they often have priority access to appointments.

Problem 4: Tráfico rejects your application for minor errors

❌ What happens: You spend hours preparing documents, wait weeks for an appointment, and Tráfico rejects you for a missing signature or wrong form version. Now you must rebook and wait weeks again.

✅ Solution: Triple-check every document and signature. Better yet, have a Spanish-speaking friend review everything, or use a gestoría. They guarantee acceptance because they submit dozens of applications weekly and know exactly what Tráfico wants.

Problem 5: Registration tax is shockingly expensive

❌ What happens: You calculate your registration tax and discover it's €3,000-€8,000 because your car has high CO2 emissions. This might cost more than the car's value.

✅ Solution: Calculate registration tax BEFORE moving to Spain with your car. If it's prohibitively expensive, consider selling your UK car and buying a Spanish-registered vehicle, or trading for a lower-emission model before the move. Remember: cars over 10 years old are exempt from this tax entirely.

Problem 6: Insurance company won't accept UK no-claims

❌ What happens: You contact mainstream Spanish insurers and they refuse to recognize your UK claims-free history. You're quoted as a brand-new driver despite 15 years without accidents.

✅ Solution: Work with an expat-specialist insurer from day one. At Allianz, UK no-claims acceptance is standard. We verify your history and apply discounts immediately. Don't waste time with insurers who don't understand expat situations.

Problem 7: Process takes 6+ months and UK insurance cancels

❌ What happens: Complications and delays push your registration beyond 6 months. Your UK insurer cancels your policy. Now you're uninsured and can't legally drive, but you still need the car to get to appointments to complete registration.

✅ Solution: Start the registration process IMMEDIATELY after receiving your NIE. Don't wait. If you see delays developing, get temporary Spanish insurance even if you still have UK plates. Spanish insurers can cover UK-registered cars for up to 6 months while registration completes.

After Registration: What Happens Next?

Once you have Spanish plates, your responsibilities change:

1. Return your UK plates to DVLA

Mail them to DVLA within 14 days to avoid UK penalties:

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA
United Kingdom

Include a brief note: "Vehicle exported to Spain, returning plates." DVLA automatically cancels your UK registration.

2. Update your insurance with new registration number

Call your Spanish insurer with your new plates. They update your policy within 24 hours. Most want a photo of the new plates for their records.

3. Keep required documents in your car always

Spanish traffic police (Guardia Civil) conduct frequent roadside checks. You must carry:

• Permiso de circulación (registration certificate)

• Ficha técnica (technical data sheet)

• Current insurance certificate (less than 3 months old)

• Valid driving license (UK/EU license is fine)

• Two reflective warning triangles

• Hi-visibility vest

Failure to produce these documents results in fines of €200-€500.

4. Understand your ITV schedule going forward

Unlike UK MOTs (annual after 3 years), Spanish ITV frequency depends on age:

• Cars 0-4 years old: No ITV required

• Cars 4-10 years old: ITV every 2 years

• Cars 10+ years old: ITV every year
  

Examples:

• 2024 car → First ITV due in 2028

• 2018 car → ITV in 2026, then 2028, then annually from 2030

• 2010 car → ITV required annually
  

5. Pay annual road tax (IVTM)

Spain has annual vehicle tax called IVTM (Impuesto sobre Vehículos de Tracción Mecánica). You pay this to your local town hall (ayuntamiento), not to Tráfico.

Cost depends on engine size and your town:

• Small cars (under 1.6L): €40-€80/year

• Medium cars (1.6-2.0L): €80-€120/year

• Large cars/SUVs (2.0L+): €120-€200/year
  

Murcia capital charges slightly more than smaller towns like Alcantarilla or Molina de Segura. You'll receive a bill by mail in your first year, then it auto-charges annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I drive my UK car in Spain while waiting for registration?

Yes, for up to 6 months after becoming a resident. You need valid insurance that covers Spain—either your UK policy if it covers EU driving, or temporary Spanish insurance for UK plates.

2. What if my car is right-hand drive?

No problem. Right-hand drive cars are perfectly legal in Spain and can be registered normally. You'll pass ITV just like any other car as long as it's roadworthy.

3. Do I need to modify my car to pass ITV?

Usually only headlights need adjustment (€40-€80 to repoint them for right-side driving). Excessively dark window tints might need removal. Otherwise, most UK cars pass if they're in good mechanical condition.

4. How much is registration tax for electric cars?

€0. Electric and hydrogen vehicles are completely exempt from registration tax in Spain, regardless of value.

5. Can I register a car that's not in my name?

Only if the V5C shows you as the registered keeper. If it's in someone else's name, you need either a power of attorney from that person or you must properly purchase the vehicle and obtain a V5C in your name first.

6. What if I lost my UK V5C logbook?

You must order a replacement V5C from DVLA UK before you can register in Spain. This costs £25 and takes 2-4 weeks. You cannot proceed without the original V5C.

7. Can I use my UK address on insurance during registration?

No. Your insurance must show your Spanish address matching your empadronamiento. Tráfico verifies this when checking your insurance is valid.

8. Do I pay road tax in Spain?

Yes, it's called IVTM and is paid annually to your town hall. Cost ranges from €40-€200/year depending on your car's engine size and which town you live in.

9. What happens to my UK registration once I get Spanish plates?

It's automatically cancelled when you return your UK plates to DVLA. Your car is removed from UK databases and becomes a Spanish vehicle permanently.

10. Can I keep my personalized UK number plate?

No. Personalized plates cannot transfer to Spanish registration. You'll receive a standard Spanish format plate: four numbers, space, three letters (example: 1234 ABC).

11. How long is Spanish car insurance valid for?

Policies are annual and auto-renew unless cancelled, exactly like UK insurance. You can cancel anytime with 30 days notice.

12. Do I need to tell DVLA I'm exporting my car?

Not anymore. Simply return your number plates when you receive Spanish plates, and DVLA automatically updates their records.

Conclusion: You're Ready to Register Your UK Car in Spain

Registering your UK car in Spain is a significant administrative task, but it's definitely manageable with proper preparation. Most expats complete the process in 30-60 days and spend between €600-€1,200 in total costs.

The key takeaways:

✓ Start the process immediately after getting your NIE—don't wait until month 5 of your 6-month limit
✓ Gather all documents before starting any steps
✓ Budget realistically based on your car's CO2 emissions
✓ Consider using a gestoría for your first registration—it's worth the peace of mind
✓ Get your Spanish insurance sorted early—you can't submit at Tráfico without it

The most important step? Getting proper Spanish car insurance.

You cannot complete registration without valid Spanish insurance, and you don't want to rush this decision at the last minute.

At Allianz, we've been helping expats in Murcia for over 30 years. We understand exactly what you're going through.

✓ We accept your UK no-claims bonus—saving you 20-40% on premiums
✓ We offer special expat rates with no foreign surcharge
✓ English-speaking support 24/7 for all your questions and claims
✓ Coverage throughout Spain and Europe included
✓ Quotes delivered within 24 hours

Ready to get your Spanish car insurance sorted?

Get your free, no-obligation quote in English today. We'll match you with coverage that fits your budget and accepts your UK driving history. Most expats save €200-€400 per year compared to standard Spanish insurers.

[Get Your Free Car Insurance Quote →]

Questions about the registration process?

We're here to help. Email us at PA642540@allianzmed.es or call +34 653 97 88 97 for advice in English. We can also refer you to trusted gestorías who specialize in expat registrations.

Your journey to Spanish plates starts with a single step—and proper insurance. Let's get you sorted today.