Updated: October 2026

The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain’s compulsory roadworthiness test, similar to the MOT in the UK or the TÜV in Germany. If you own a car in Spain, you will deal with it sooner or later. This guide explains when your car is due, how to book, what happens at the station and what to do if the car does not pass.

When does your car need the ITV?

All vehicles registered in Spain must pass periodic inspections to be driven on public roads. For a normal private car the schedule is:

Age of the car	How often
0–4 years	No inspection
4–10 years	Every 2 years
Over 10 years	Every year

Motorcycles, vans, taxis, campers and classic cars have their own schedules. The due date is shown on your ITV card (tarjeta ITV) and on the sticker on the windscreen. You can also check it in the DGT vehicle report or in the miDGT app.

According to the DGT, you can pass the inspection up to 30 days before the deadline without losing your due date, so passing early does not shorten your next period. You are also free to use any ITV station in Spain, not only one in your province.

Booking the ITV in Andalucía

In Andalucía the ITV stations are run by VEIASA, a public company owned by the Junta de Andalucía. On the Costa del Sol you should book an appointment (cita previa), because walk-ins are rarely possible and stations get busy, especially before summer and at the end of the year.

1. Go to VEIASA’s booking site (itvcita.com) or use its app.
2. Enter the number plate and either the first registration date or the chassis number.
3. Choose a station, date and time. Book at least a week or two ahead if your deadline is close.
4. Pay online when you book or at the station by card.

Prices are set regionally and depend on the type of vehicle and fuel. For a normal car in Andalucía the fee is usually below €50, and a re-inspection after a fail costs less. Check the current price list when you book. In other regions prices can be noticeably higher or lower, and some regions have private stations competing on price.

What to bring and what happens at the station

• Permiso de circulación: the vehicle registration certificate.
• Tarjeta ITV / ficha técnica: the technical card where previous inspections are recorded.
• Proof of insurance: usually not checked on paper, but the car must be insured.
• Booking confirmation: on your phone or printed.

Anyone can take the car to the inspection; it does not have to be the owner. At the station you drive into an inspection lane, and the inspector usually asks you to stay in the car to work lights, indicators, horn and wipers, and to brake on the rollers. The whole test normally takes around 20 to 30 minutes.

What the inspectors check

The DGT’s overview of the ITV lists the main areas:

• Identification: plate and chassis number must match the documents.
• Bodywork and glass: no dangerous rust or sharp edges, intact windscreen, working wipers and mirrors.
• Interior: seats firmly fixed, seatbelts working, demisting and speedometer working.
• Lights: all lights working and headlights correctly aimed.
• Emissions and noise: measured against limits for the car’s age and fuel.
• Brakes, steering, suspension and tyres: braking force and balance, play in the steering, worn shock absorbers, approved tyres with enough tread.
• Engine and underside: oil and fuel leaks, exhaust condition and mountings.

The results: favourable, unfavourable or negative

• Favorable (pass): you get a new stamp on the ITV card and a new sticker. Minor defects may be noted, and you should fix them, but you can drive until the next inspection.
• Desfavorable (fail): the car has serious defects. You may only drive it to a workshop and back to the station, and you must return for a re-inspection within the period stated on the report, normally two months.
• Negativa (dangerous): very serious defects. The car may not be driven at all and must be taken away on a tow truck.

The result is recorded in the DGT register, so it appears in the vehicle report together with the mileage at each inspection. That is one reason buyers of used cars check the ITV history first; see our guide to buying a car in Spain.

The windscreen sticker

After a pass you receive a sticker (distintivo) showing the month and year of the next inspection. It goes on the inside of the windscreen, in the top corner on the passenger side. Remove the old one first.

Tips to pass first time

• Walk around the car with someone and check every bulb, including number plate, brake and fog lights.
• Check tyre tread and look for cracks or bulges. All tyres must match the sizes allowed for the car.
• Make sure no warning lights are on, especially engine, airbag and ABS lights.
• Top up washer fluid and replace worn wiper blades.
• Drive for a while before the test so the engine is warm for the emissions check.
• If you have changed anything on the car, such as a tow bar, larger wheels or a camper conversion, check whether it needed approval (homologación). Unapproved modifications are a common reason to fail.

Since January 2026, cars in Spain must carry a connected V16 warning beacon instead of warning triangles. It is not part of the classic ITV test list, but make sure you have one in the car.

What if your ITV has expired?

There is no grace period. Driving with an expired ITV can lead to a fine, commonly €200 and reduced if paid early, and your insurer may refuse to cover damage to your own car after an accident. If your ITV has expired, book the earliest appointment you can. Strictly, the car should only be moved to the station, and many owners use a tow service to be on the safe side.

If you are bringing a foreign-registered car to Spain, the first Spanish ITV is part of the registration process and is more detailed. Read our guide to registering a foreign car in Spain, and make sure your car insurance is valid in Spain.

Useful links

• DGT: common questions about the ITV
• DGT: everything checked at the ITV
• DGT: understanding the vehicle report
• Buying a car in Spain
• Driving licence rules in Spain

FAQ: the ITV in Spain

Can I take my car to an ITV station in another province?

Yes. You can choose any ITV station in Spain, both for the main inspection and for a re-inspection after a fail.

Does the owner have to be present?

No. Anyone with the car’s documents can take it to the inspection.

If I pass a month early, do I lose that month?

No. If you pass within 30 days before the due date, the next deadline is counted from the original due date.

Is the inspection done in English?

Usually in Spanish, though staff on the coast are used to foreign drivers. Inspectors mostly use simple instructions such as luces (lights), freno (brake) and intermitente (indicator).

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Inspection rules, prices and fines can change – always check with the DGT or your regional ITV operator before you act.

Updated: October 2026

Sooner or later many newcomers in Spain decide to buy a car, especially outside the big cities. This guide explains what you need before you start, how buying new differs from buying used, which checks protect you from expensive surprises, and how the transfer of ownership works with Tráfico (the DGT).

What you need before you buy

• NIE or residence card: the DGT registers vehicles in the name of a person with a Spanish identification number. In person, a passport plus NIE is accepted.
• A Spanish address: the vehicle is registered to an address, and your identity document or supporting papers must show it. Registering on the padrón makes this, and the yearly road tax, much simpler.
• A valid driving licence: check whether you need to exchange your foreign licence in our driving licence guide.
• Insurance ready to start: a car cannot be driven on public roads without at least third-party insurance. See our guide to car insurance for expats.
• Digital access (optional but useful): a digital certificate or Cl@ve lets you do most DGT and tax steps online instead of booking appointments.

Buying a new car

Buying new from a dealer (concesionario) is the simplest route for paperwork. The dealer registers the car, gets the plates and the registration certificate (permiso de circulación) and the technical card (ficha técnica), and the price normally includes 21% VAT and the registration tax.

The registration tax (impuesto de matriculación) depends on the car’s official CO2 emissions. Cars with low emissions, up to 120 g/km, pay no registration tax, and the rate rises in bands for more polluting cars. Always ask for the full on-the-road price (precio final) including registration tax, transport and pre-delivery costs, because advertised prices often depend on financing or trade-in discounts.

• Guarantee: new goods sold to consumers in Spain carry a three-year legal guarantee, on top of any manufacturer warranty.
• Financing: dealer finance is common, but lenders usually ask for a Spanish bank account, payslips or tax returns. Newcomers without Spanish income history may need a larger deposit. An account with a Spanish bank helps.
• Electric and plug-in cars: government purchase incentives have changed several times. Ask the dealer which national or regional scheme is open when you buy, and how the payment works.

Buying a used car: dealer or private seller

Second-hand cars hold their value well in Spain, so prices can surprise people from other countries. You have two main options.

From a dealer

A professional seller must give consumers a legal guarantee on used cars, which can be shorter than for new goods but not less than one year. The dealer usually handles the transfer and includes it in the price, and the sale is invoiced with VAT, so you normally do not pay the transfer tax described below. Ask what is included: guarantee length, the transfer fee, a fresh ITV and a service.

From a private seller

Private sales are often cheaper, but you get no commercial guarantee, only limited protection against hidden defects. You also handle the paperwork and pay the transfer tax yourself. The checks in the next section matter most here.

Checks before you sign

The DGT’s own advice for buyers of used cars is worth following step by step.

1. Order a DGT vehicle report (informe de vehículo). The full report shows ITV history and results, recorded mileage readings, number of previous owners, whether the car is insured, and any charges such as unpaid finance (reserva de dominio), seizure (embargo) or leasing. It costs a small fee and can be ordered online with the number plate.
2. Check the ITV. The inspection must be valid. A car with an expired ITV may not be driven and has to be taken to the station on a tow truck. Read our guide to the ITV inspection.
3. Confirm taxes and fines are paid. The DGT will not transfer a car with unpaid fines or unpaid municipal road tax (IVTM) from previous years.
4. Inspect and test drive. Look at tyres (at least 1.6 mm tread), oil, bodywork, lights, brakes and steering. If you are not confident, pay a garage to inspect the car before you sign.
5. Need new tyres? If the tread is low, or you want winter tyres for trips to the mountains, you can compare prices and order online from Neumaticos (ad) and have them fitted at a local garage.
6. Match the documents to the car. The chassis number (bastidor) on the car must match the permiso de circulación and ficha técnica, and the seller must be the registered owner.

The paperwork: contract, tax and transfer

1. The sales contract

The contract (contrato de compraventa) must include both parties’ names and DNI/NIE numbers, the make, model and number plate, the price, and the date and time of signing. Both buyer and seller sign every page. Pay by bank transfer so there is a record.

2. The transfer tax (ITP)

In a private sale the buyer pays the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales to the region where they are tax resident, using form 620 or 621. In Andalucía the general rate for used cars is 4%, with a higher rate for powerful cars measured in fiscal horsepower. The tax is calculated on the higher of the price you paid and the official value in the Hacienda price tables, which is reduced for the car’s age. In Andalucía the deadline is two months from the contract date, and you file with the Agencia Tributaria de Andalucía, usually online. Other regions have their own rates and deadlines.

3. The change of ownership at the DGT

The buyer must complete the transfer of ownership within 30 days of signing. The standard DGT fee in 2026 is €55.70 (lower for mopeds). You need the signed contract, proof that the ITP has been paid, your identity document showing your address, and the fee. You can do it online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, or in person at a Tráfico office with an appointment.

Sellers should file a notificación de venta as soon as the sale is signed. It takes effect from the day it is filed and moves responsibility for fines to the buyer. If you are selling a car later, do this straight away.

Cost	Who pays	Notes
DGT transfer fee	Buyer	€55.70 for cars in 2026
ITP transfer tax	Buyer (private sales)	4% in Andalucía on the higher of price or table value; varies by region
DGT vehicle report	Buyer, before buying	Small fee, ordered online
Insurance	Buyer	Must start before you drive
Road tax (IVTM)	Owner on 1 January	Paid yearly to the town hall

Many buyers use a gestoría for the tax and DGT steps. It costs a fee, but they handle the forms in Spanish and know local deadlines. If you are bringing a car from abroad instead, read our guide to registering a foreign car in Spain.

Useful links

• DGT: buying a second-hand vehicle
• DGT: transfer of ownership
• DGT: seller’s sale notification
• DGT: how to read a vehicle report
• Car insurance in Spain for expats
• Registering a foreign car in Spain

FAQ: buying a car in Spain

Can I buy a car in Spain without being a resident?

You need an NIE and an address in Spain for the registration. Non-residents with an NIE can buy, but insurance and financing are usually easier once you are resident.

How long do I have to put the car in my name?

The buyer must complete the DGT transfer within 30 days of signing the contract. The transfer tax deadline in Andalucía is two months, but you need proof of payment for the DGT step, so pay it first.

Can I declare a lower price to pay less tax?

It does not help. The tax is based on the higher of the price and the official table value, and declaring less than the table value can trigger a check and extra payment.

What if the car still has finance on it?

The seller must get a cancellation letter from the lender and remove the reserva de dominio from the register before the transfer. Do not pay in full until this is done.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal or tax advice. Fees, tax rates and procedures can change and differ between regions – check with the DGT, your regional tax office or a gestor or lawyer before you buy.

Updated: October 2026

Spain is one of Europe’s favourite places to retire, and it is easy to see why: mild winters, good healthcare and a social life that does not stop at 65. But retiring here is more than buying a flat by the sea. This guide covers what changes for you as a retiree – how your pension is paid and taxed, how you get healthcare, and what to plan for in later life.

First: your right to live in Spain

How you get residency depends on your nationality:

• EU, EEA and Swiss citizens: register as residents at the police within three months. As a pensioner you show that you have enough income and health cover (often an S1 form). See our residency guide.
• Everyone else, including UK citizens arriving now: most retirees use the non-lucrative visa, which requires proof of a steady income and private health insurance. Our separate guide explains the income limits and the application step by step.

Whatever your route, register on the padrón at your town hall. You need it for healthcare, tax and almost every local service.

Getting your pension paid in Spain

Most foreign state and private pensions can be paid to you in Spain, either into a Spanish bank account or into an account at home. A few practical points make a big difference:

• Annual increases: the UK State Pension is only increased each year if you live in certain countries. The European Economic Area is one of them, so British pensioners in Spain keep their yearly increases.
• Life certificates: pension providers regularly send a “proof of life” form. Answer it on time, or your payments can be stopped.
• Keep your details updated: tell every pension provider when you change address or bank account.
• Currency: if your pension is paid in pounds, dollars or another currency, exchange rates affect your budget. Compare bank transfers with specialist currency services. Our bank account guide explains how to open a Spanish account.

If you have worked in more than one EU country, each country pays its own part of your pension. Periods worked in Spain count towards a Spanish pension, which you claim from the Spanish social security office (INSS).

Healthcare as a retiree

There are three main ways to get healthcare in Spain once you retire here.

The S1 form

If you receive a state pension from an EU country, or the UK State Pension, your home country may pay for your Spanish public healthcare through an S1 form. For UK pensioners the process is:

1. Request the S1 from the NHS Overseas Healthcare Services.
2. Register the S1 with the INSS, at your local office or online.
3. Receive your Spanish social security number by post.
4. Take it to your local health centre to register and get your health card.

Pensioners from EU countries follow a similar route through their own pension or health authority. With an S1 you use the public system much like a Spanish pensioner, including subsidised prescriptions.

Private health insurance

Non-lucrative visa holders need private insurance to get the visa, and many retirees keep it even after they have other options. Premiums rise with age, and some insurers will not take new customers above a certain age, so arrange cover early. Our guide to insurance in Spain explains what to look for.

Paying into the public system (convenio especial)

If you have no S1 and no other right to public care, you can join the public system through the convenio especial. You must have lived in Spain for at least one continuous year and be on the padrón. The monthly fee set by the Ministry of Health is €60 under 65 and €157 from 65. You apply to the health service of your region. Note that people whose healthcare is covered by an S1 cannot use the convenio especial.

More on how the public system works is in our guide to healthcare for foreign residents.

Tax residency and your pension

If you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain, or your main interests are here, you are normally a Spanish tax resident. As a tax resident you declare your worldwide income in Spain, including foreign pensions.

• Double taxation treaties: Spain has treaties with the UK and many other countries so you do not pay tax twice on the same income. Some pensions, typically government service pensions, may stay taxable only in the paying country – check the treaty for your country.
• Tell your home country: once you are tax resident in Spain, inform your pension provider and tax office so they can apply the treaty correctly.
• Foreign assets: tax residents may have to report assets held abroad, such as bank accounts, investments and property, above certain values (the Modelo 720 return).
• Regional differences: part of income tax, as well as wealth and inheritance tax, is set by the regions, so where you live affects what you pay.

Pension tax is where retirees make the most expensive mistakes. Read our guide to the Spanish tax system and get personal advice from a gestor or tax adviser before your first tax return.

Planning for later life

The first years of retirement in Spain are usually the easy part. Thinking ahead makes the later years easier for you and your family.

• Make a Spanish will: it helps your heirs avoid delays and extra costs. Make sure it does not conflict with any will you have at home, and state which country’s law should apply.
• Care is often family-based: in Spain families are generally expected to provide care. Public support under the dependency law (Ley de Dependencia) requires at least five years of residence, including the last two, and an assessment that can take a long time.
• Choose your home with the future in mind: a hillside villa is lovely at 65 but harder at 80. Being close to a health centre, shops and public transport matters more over time.
• Build a social circle: clubs, volunteering and Spanish classes help you settle. See our guide to building a social life in Spain.

Useful links

• Ministry of Health: convenio especial (paying into public healthcare)
• GOV.UK: healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain (S1)
• GOV.UK: State Pension if you retire abroad
• GOV.UK: planning for later life in Spain
• Spain’s non-lucrative visa in 2026
• Cost of living in Spain in 2026

FAQ: retiring in Spain

Will my UK State Pension increase every year if I live in Spain?

Yes. The UK government pays the annual increase to pensioners living in the European Economic Area, which includes Spain.

Do I get free healthcare as a retiree in Spain?

Only if you are covered by an S1 form or have another right to public care. Otherwise you need private insurance or, after one year of residence, the convenio especial at €60 a month under 65 or €157 from 65.

Is my foreign pension taxed in Spain?

If you are a Spanish tax resident, usually yes, but the double taxation treaty decides which country can tax each pension. Government service pensions are often taxed only in the paying country.

Which visa do non-EU retirees use?

Most use the non-lucrative visa. Our non-lucrative visa guide explains the income requirement and the application.

Disclaimer: This article is general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Pension, tax and healthcare rules change and depend on your nationality – always check with the official source and speak to a gestor, lawyer or tax adviser about your own situation.