ITV and Vehicle Requirements
The ITV vehicle inspection
What Spain's mandatory periodic vehicle inspection (ITV) involves and how often you need it.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15The inspection itself typically takes 20-30 minutes; book ahead, especially near your due date, as slots fill up.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
The ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) is Spain's mandatory periodic roadworthiness test. Frequency depends on the vehicle's age, and driving without a valid ITV where one is due is an offence.
Requirements
- New cars: first inspection generally due at 4 years old, then every 2 years until 10 years old, then annually
- Rules vary somewhat by vehicle type (motorbikes, vans, etc.)
Step-by-step process
- Book an appointment at an authorised ITV station
- Attend with the vehicle and required documents
- Address any faults identified and, if needed, return for a re-test within the allowed window
- Receive your updated ITV sticker and documentation once passed
Required documents
- Vehicle registration document (permiso de circulación)
- Previous ITV certificate, if applicable
- Proof of valid insurance
Common mistakes
- Leaving the booking until the deadline and finding no nearby appointment available in time
- Ignoring a minor fault that causes a straightforward re-test to fail unnecessarily
Practical tips
- Address obvious issues (lights, tyre tread, wipers) before your appointment — they're common, avoidable fail points
- Book a few weeks ahead of your actual due date to have room for a re-test if needed
How Tuchati can help
If you're not sure when your vehicle's ITV is due or need help finding a station with availability, Tuchati can check for you.