Selling a second-hand car in 2025 requires dealerships to comply with a series of documentary requirements that ensure a legal, safe and transparent transaction. The Spanish legal framework has advanced in digitalisation and traceability, which requires dealerships to stay up to date with both administrative and technological requirements. In this guide, we set out all the documentation needed to complete the sale of a used car correctly and without complications.
Mandatory documentation for selling a used car in 2025
Vehicle technical data sheet (ITV card)
The technical data sheet, also known as the ITV card, contains all the vehicle’s technical details: power, engine capacity, emissions, chassis number, etc. To sell a used car legally, this document must show that the ITV is valid, with the latest stamp or corresponding electronic entry. In 2025, the information is also validated digitally by consulting the DGT database, although the physical document is still required in many in-person transactions.
Registration certificate
This is the document that proves the car is authorised to be driven on public roads. Issued by the Directorate-General for Traffic, it must be handed over to the new owner at the time of sale. If the vehicle has undergone any modification (for example, an engine change or major alterations), the certificate must be up to date to reflect those changes.
Proof of payment of Vehicle Tax
Also known as IVTM (Motor Vehicle Tax), this is a mandatory municipal tax that must be paid up to the current year. Although legally it does not prevent the transfer if it is unpaid, many buyers require it as proof that there are no debts associated with the car. In addition, some councils may block the transfer if there are repeated arrears.
Sale and purchase contract
Although the dealership usually issues an invoice as the main document, it is advisable to have a sale and purchase contract, especially when selling to a private individual. This contract serves as legal backing in the event of any future claim. It must include all the buyer’s and seller’s details, a description of the vehicle, the agreed price and the terms of the sale, as well as a clause of acceptance.
Sales invoice
This is the most important commercial document in the transaction. It must clearly detail the dealership’s information (company name, tax ID number, address), the buyer’s details, as well as all the information about the vehicle sold. It must also show the total price of the transaction, specifying VAT where applicable. In the case of vehicles under a special scheme (such as the margin scheme for used goods), the invoice must expressly state this.
DGT report (vehicle history)
In 2025, the dealership is required to consult the car’s full history through the official DGT report. This document makes it possible to check whether the vehicle is free of administrative encumbrances, whether it has any liens, whether it has been temporarily taken off the road, or whether it has issues such as vehicle clamps. It also includes information on recorded mileage and the number of previous owners, key data for transparency in the sale.
Certificate of no outstanding charges
Although not strictly mandatory, it is highly advisable to provide a certificate confirming that the car has no outstanding financial burden, such as an unpaid loan or lease. This document builds trust with the buyer and avoids later legal problems. It can be obtained through administrative agencies or by consulting the Register of Movable Assets.
Maintenance or accident history report
More and more buyers are demanding transparency about the vehicle’s history. This is where platforms such as Carfax come in, offering detailed reports on maintenance carried out, possible accidents, major repairs, and other relevant events in the car’s working life. Although not mandatory, having this type of documentation can be a decisive factor in closing a sale more quickly and with a better margin.
Digital requirements and document management in 2025
Digitalisation has completely transformed the way dealerships manage documentation. In 2025, paper-based processes are obsolete, and more and more transactions are carried out online, with digital signature and remote validation.
Dealerships must have an efficient document management system, such as the one offered by Dealcar. This type of software allows all vehicle information to be centralised from the moment it enters stock until it is sold. In addition, Dealcar offers a direct connection with the DGT, making it easier to consult reports, process transfers and check the car’s administrative status without leaving the platform.
Integration with Carfax is another strong point. From Dealcar’s own system, dealerships can generate up-to-date accident and maintenance reports, which not only saves time, but also adds an extra level of trust and professionalism to the sale.
Tips for keeping documentation up to date
One of the most common mistakes in dealerships is leaving document management until the last minute. This can cause delays in delivery and a poor customer experience. For that reason, it is advisable to implement an internal protocol that includes:
Immediate digitisation of all documents when the vehicle enters stock.
Periodic review of the document status of the cars on display, especially those that have been on sale for more than 30 days.
Updating DGT and Carfax reports whenever a test drive or important inspection is carried out.
Creating an internal checklist before finalising the sale, ensuring that all documents are ready and signed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can a dealership sell a car without an ITV?
No. A valid ITV is an essential requirement in order to transfer ownership of the vehicle. If the car has not passed the inspection, the sale cannot be completed legally.
Is it necessary to present the maintenance book?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. A complete maintenance history helps to justify the condition of the vehicle and gives the buyer greater peace of mind, especially if the car has a lot of mileage or is older.
How much does it cost to obtain a DGT report?
Simple reports can cost around 8 euros, while full reports are around 15 euros. These are minimal investments that add a great deal of value to the transaction.
Can the entire sales process be done digitally in 2025?
Yes. Thanks to platforms such as Dealcar, dealerships can manage the entire document cycle digitally, from consulting reports to signing and archiving the sale. This saves time, reduces errors and improves the customer experience.
Conclusion
Having all the paperwork in order is no longer just a matter of legality, but of efficiency and professionalism. In 2025, dealerships that rely on technological tools such as Dealcar can speed up their sales, offer greater transparency to their customers and reduce legal risks. The key lies in prevention, digitalisation and choosing the right technology partners to support your day-to-day operations.
At Dealcar we help you automate this process and keep your stock always ready to sell.
Selling a second-hand car in 2025 requires dealerships to comply with a series of documentary requirements that ensure a legal, safe and transparent transaction. The Spanish legal framework has advanced in digitalisation and traceability, which requires dealerships to stay up to date with both administrative and technological requirements. In this guide, we set out all the documentation needed to complete the sale of a used car correctly and without complications.
Mandatory documentation for selling a used car in 2025
Vehicle technical data sheet (ITV card)
The technical data sheet, also known as the ITV card, contains all the vehicle’s technical details: power, engine capacity, emissions, chassis number, etc. To sell a used car legally, this document must show that the ITV is valid, with the latest stamp or corresponding electronic entry. In 2025, the information is also validated digitally by consulting the DGT database, although the physical document is still required in many in-person transactions.
Registration certificate
This is the document that proves the car is authorised to be driven on public roads. Issued by the Directorate-General for Traffic, it must be handed over to the new owner at the time of sale. If the vehicle has undergone any modification (for example, an engine change or major alterations), the certificate must be up to date to reflect those changes.
Proof of payment of Vehicle Tax
Also known as IVTM (Motor Vehicle Tax), this is a mandatory municipal tax that must be paid up to the current year. Although legally it does not prevent the transfer if it is unpaid, many buyers require it as proof that there are no debts associated with the car. In addition, some councils may block the transfer if there are repeated arrears.
Sale and purchase contract
Although the dealership usually issues an invoice as the main document, it is advisable to have a sale and purchase contract, especially when selling to a private individual. This contract serves as legal backing in the event of any future claim. It must include all the buyer’s and seller’s details, a description of the vehicle, the agreed price and the terms of the sale, as well as a clause of acceptance.
Sales invoice
This is the most important commercial document in the transaction. It must clearly detail the dealership’s information (company name, tax ID number, address), the buyer’s details, as well as all the information about the vehicle sold. It must also show the total price of the transaction, specifying VAT where applicable. In the case of vehicles under a special scheme (such as the margin scheme for used goods), the invoice must expressly state this.
DGT report (vehicle history)
In 2025, the dealership is required to consult the car’s full history through the official DGT report. This document makes it possible to check whether the vehicle is free of administrative encumbrances, whether it has any liens, whether it has been temporarily taken off the road, or whether it has issues such as vehicle clamps. It also includes information on recorded mileage and the number of previous owners, key data for transparency in the sale.
Certificate of no outstanding charges
Although not strictly mandatory, it is highly advisable to provide a certificate confirming that the car has no outstanding financial burden, such as an unpaid loan or lease. This document builds trust with the buyer and avoids later legal problems. It can be obtained through administrative agencies or by consulting the Register of Movable Assets.
Maintenance or accident history report
More and more buyers are demanding transparency about the vehicle’s history. This is where platforms such as Carfax come in, offering detailed reports on maintenance carried out, possible accidents, major repairs, and other relevant events in the car’s working life. Although not mandatory, having this type of documentation can be a decisive factor in closing a sale more quickly and with a better margin.
Digital requirements and document management in 2025
Digitalisation has completely transformed the way dealerships manage documentation. In 2025, paper-based processes are obsolete, and more and more transactions are carried out online, with digital signature and remote validation.
Dealerships must have an efficient document management system, such as the one offered by Dealcar. This type of software allows all vehicle information to be centralised from the moment it enters stock until it is sold. In addition, Dealcar offers a direct connection with the DGT, making it easier to consult reports, process transfers and check the car’s administrative status without leaving the platform.
Integration with Carfax is another strong point. From Dealcar’s own system, dealerships can generate up-to-date accident and maintenance reports, which not only saves time, but also adds an extra level of trust and professionalism to the sale.
Tips for keeping documentation up to date
One of the most common mistakes in dealerships is leaving document management until the last minute. This can cause delays in delivery and a poor customer experience. For that reason, it is advisable to implement an internal protocol that includes:
Immediate digitisation of all documents when the vehicle enters stock.
Periodic review of the document status of the cars on display, especially those that have been on sale for more than 30 days.
Updating DGT and Carfax reports whenever a test drive or important inspection is carried out.
Creating an internal checklist before finalising the sale, ensuring that all documents are ready and signed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can a dealership sell a car without an ITV?
No. A valid ITV is an essential requirement in order to transfer ownership of the vehicle. If the car has not passed the inspection, the sale cannot be completed legally.
Is it necessary to present the maintenance book?
It is not mandatory, but it is highly recommended. A complete maintenance history helps to justify the condition of the vehicle and gives the buyer greater peace of mind, especially if the car has a lot of mileage or is older.
How much does it cost to obtain a DGT report?
Simple reports can cost around 8 euros, while full reports are around 15 euros. These are minimal investments that add a great deal of value to the transaction.
Can the entire sales process be done digitally in 2025?
Yes. Thanks to platforms such as Dealcar, dealerships can manage the entire document cycle digitally, from consulting reports to signing and archiving the sale. This saves time, reduces errors and improves the customer experience.
Conclusion
Having all the paperwork in order is no longer just a matter of legality, but of efficiency and professionalism. In 2025, dealerships that rely on technological tools such as Dealcar can speed up their sales, offer greater transparency to their customers and reduce legal risks. The key lies in prevention, digitalisation and choosing the right technology partners to support your day-to-day operations.
At Dealcar we help you automate this process and keep your stock always ready to sell.
