Buying a car in Spain

Overview

Buying a car in Spain is straightforward once you know what to check — the main differences from buying elsewhere are around the specific documents involved and the registration process that follows.

Requirements

• An NIE, needed for both the purchase itself and vehicle registration
• Spanish insurance arranged before the vehicle can legally be driven

Step-by-step process

• Decide between a new vehicle (from a dealer) or used (dealer or private sale)
• For a used vehicle, check its ITV status and history — a vehicle without a valid, current ITV where one is due can't legally be driven until it passes one
• Agree the price and complete a sale contract, especially important for a private sale to have clear proof of the transaction
• Complete the change of ownership and registration (see 'Changing vehicle ownership')
• Arrange Spanish insurance before taking delivery or driving the vehicle away

Required documents

• NIE/TIE
• Sale contract or dealer invoice
• Vehicle's permiso de circulación and ficha técnica, for a used vehicle
• Valid ITV certificate, where applicable to the vehicle's age

Common mistakes

• Not checking a used vehicle's ITV history and outstanding fines before buying — unpaid fines linked to the vehicle can occasionally complicate a change of ownership
• Driving the vehicle away before insurance is actually active

Practical tips

• For a private sale, a written contract protects both buyer and seller — don't rely on a verbal agreement
• Ask specifically whether the seller or dealer will handle the change-of-ownership paperwork, or whether it's on you to complete it

How Tuchati can help

Tuchati can help you understand what to check before buying, and guide you through registration afterwards.