Car Ownership Transfer

Sometimes it feels like Spain tries to make things as difficult as possible and buying or selling a car falls right into this category. It’s not just a case of filling in new owner data and popping it in the post, oh no, it’s a trip to Trafico at the very least.

 

When you buy or sell a car it’s important to make sure the paperwork is correctly done or you could end up paying hundreds of euros in fines and charges.

 

Buying a Car

 

When you buy a car from a garage it is normal for them to do the transfer for you, if you buy it privately though you need to make sure you get all the necessary paperwork from the previous owner, this includes:

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• Copy of sellers passport and NIE number or residencia

• Permiso de circulación (log book)

• Ficha tecnica (ITV / MOT certificate)

• Last paid SUMA (road tax)

 

You also both need to sign a sale and purchase contract as well as the application form for the transfer from Trafico.

If the ITV is not up to date the transfer can still go ahead but if there is any outstanding road tax Trafico will reject the transfer until it has been paid up to date, so it is always wise to ask to see a copy of the last paid SUMA (paid in May of each year).

 

As well as the cost of the car there is a transfer fee to pay (which is calculated on the age, engine size and value of the car) plus a Trafico fee for preparing the new log book. If the car is under twelve years old the transfer fee also has to be registered at the conselleria before presenting it to Trafico.

 

Selling a Car

 

Although it’s the buyers responsibility to transfer the car into their name there are many instances where this hasn't been done properly and years down the road the previous owner receives an embargo on a car they have sold. If you cant provide proof of the sale via a contract of sale and purchase you may be liable for the fines so it’s not always buyer beware.

 

If you have any doubt about the buyer’s responsibility or just want to belt and brace the process you can do a notification of sale at Trafico, this lets them know the new owners details and absolves you from any future disasters!

 

Remember though, when you sell your car you need to provide the new owner with a copy of your passport and NIE number or residencia, there is nothing sinister in this, Trafico just want clarification of your identification and the validity of the sale or purchase contract.