Index

1. Can you transfer a car online?

2. What you need to complete the transfer online

3. Step by step: online transfer on the DGT electronic office

4. How much the online transfer costs

5. How long it takes to complete

6. Which procedures CANNOT be done online

7. Online transfer vs in-person vs agency

8. Frequently asked questions

Going to a traffic office to change a car's ownership used to mean booking an appointment weeks in advance, travelling there, waiting for your turn and spending an entire morning on the paperwork. In 2026, much of that process can be done from your home computer.

The DGT has progressively digitised its services through its electronic office (sede.dgt.gob.es), and vehicle transfers are one of the procedures that can already be managed online in many cases. Not in all (there are exceptions that we will look at), but for most transactions between individuals and between individuals and professionals, the online route works.

In this article, we explain how to do it step by step, what you need and when it is worth doing compared to the in-person route or using an agency.

Can you transfer a car online?

Yes, with nuances. The DGT electronic office allows you to process changes of vehicle ownership online. However, there are requirements and limitations.

Requirements to be able to do it online:

Both the seller and the buyer must have a valid electronic ID: digital certificate, electronic DNI or Cl@ve permanente. Without this, the online route is not possible.

The vehicle must be free of charges, liens and retention of title. If there is any registration issue, the transfer may require in-person management or prior resolution of the issue.

The ITP (Property Transfer Tax) must be paid before processing the transfer. The DGT does not accept the transfer without the presented ITP receipt.

When it CANNOT be done online:

If either party does not have a digital certificate or Cl@ve. If the vehicle has registration issues that require in-person resolution. If there are discrepancies in the vehicle data that the platform cannot resolve automatically. In these cases, the in-person route (traffic office with an appointment) or an agency are the alternatives.

What you need to complete the transfer online

Seller's documents and details

• Valid DNI

• Digital certificate, electronic DNI or active Cl@ve permanente

• Vehicle registration certificate

• Bank details (if fee payment applies)

Buyer's documents and details

• Valid DNI

• Digital certificate, electronic DNI or active Cl@ve permanente

• Proof of payment of the already settled ITP (Property Transfer Tax)

• Proof of payment of the IVTM (road tax) for the current year (or declaration from the seller that it is paid up to date)

• Vehicle insurance policy in the buyer's name (or commitment to purchase policy)

For the full list of documentation, see the documents needed to sell a car.

Vehicle details

• Number plate

• Chassis number (VIN)

• Technical specifications sheet details

Payment of the DGT fee

The DGT 1.2 fee for transfer is €55.70 for passenger cars (€27.85 for mopeds). It can be paid online with a card during the online process.

Step by step: online transfer on the DGT electronic office

Step 1: Settle the ITP before starting

The transfer at the DGT cannot be processed without proof of payment of the ITP. This tax is paid by the buyer and is submitted to the Tax Agency of the autonomous community where the buyer resides.

Each community has its own self-assessment system (Form 620 or 621, depending on the community). Many allow online payment. Consult our guide on how to calculate the ITP on a second-hand car for details on calculation and submission.

Once settled, save the receipt (electronically stamped PDF or payment receipt).

Step 2: Access the DGT electronic office

Go to sede.dgt.gob.es. Log in with your digital certificate, electronic DNI or Cl@ve permanente. Search for the "Vehicle Transfer" or "Change of Ownership" procedure.

Step 3: Start the application

Enter the vehicle registration plate and the buyer’s details (DNI, name). The system will verify that the vehicle is in your name and that there are no registration issues preventing the transfer.

Step 4: Attach the documentation

Upload the required documents in digital format: proof of payment of the ITP, purchase agreement (if requested by the platform), and any other document the system requests depending on the case.

Step 5: Pay the DGT fee

The system will redirect you to the payment gateway to pay fee 1.2 (€55.70). You can pay by bank card.

Step 6: Electronic signature

Both the seller and the buyer must electronically sign the application. Depending on the system, it may require both parties to log in simultaneously or each to sign at different times (with a verification code).

Step 7: Confirmation and new registration certificate

Once the application is processed, the DGT issues a new registration certificate in the buyer's name. The document can be downloaded in digital format. The physical certificate (card) is sent by post to the new owner's address in the following days or weeks.

How much the online transfer costs

The costs are the same as the in-person route. There is no additional cost for the online option.

Compared to using an agency (which charges between €40 and €100 extra to manage the procedure), the online route saves you the agency fee. Compared to the in-person route, it saves you travel and waiting times.

How long it takes to complete

If everything is in order (ITP paid, no registration issues, both parties with digital certificate), the online transfer can be completed in a single session. The digital registration certificate is generated instantly or within a few hours. The physical certificate (plastic card) arrives by mail in 1-3 weeks.

If there are issues (discrepant data, incomplete documentation, technical problems with the platform), the process can be delayed by days or weeks until they are resolved.

Compared to the in-person route: transferring at the traffic office depends on the availability of an appointment (which can take days or weeks depending on the city) and waiting on the day of the appointment. The online route eliminates both wait times.

Which procedures CANNOT be done online

The DGT electronic office has advanced a lot, but not all transfer procedures can be completed 100% online. These are the cases that may require in-person or assisted management.

Transfers with registration restrictions. If the vehicle has liens, retention of title or other charges, the online transfer may be rejected by the system. You need to resolve the issue first (often in-person or through an agency).

Transfers by inheritance. Transfers due to the death of the owner require additional documentation (inheritance deed, death certificate, ISD tax) which the online platform does not always process automatically. Consult our guide on how to sell an inherited car.

Transfers of imported vehicles. If the car was imported and the first registration in Spain coincides with the transfer, the procedure is more complex and may require in-person management.

When one of the parties does not have electronic ID. If the seller or buyer does not have a digital certificate or Cl@ve, the online route is not possible. The alternative is an agency (which can act on behalf of both parties with power of attorney) or the in-person route.

Online transfer vs in-person vs agency

Recommendation: if both the seller and the buyer have a digital certificate and the car is free of issues, the online route is the fastest and cheapest. If there are issues or either party lacks a digital certificate, using an agency is the most convenient option. The in-person route is the last resort: it requires an appointment, travel and waiting.

If you sell to a dealership (through Dealcar or directly), the professional handles the transfer for you. You don't need to worry about whether it is online, in-person or via an agency: the dealership has its own system and resolves it as part of the transaction.

For the full range of steps, view our guide on procedures for selling a car in Spain.

Dealcar: sell without worrying about the transfer

If what you want is to sell your car without managing the paperwork, with Dealcar the buying dealership takes care of everything: transfer, notification to the DGT and documentation. You just sign, get paid and forget about the rest.

• 100% free for you. No fees or hidden costs.

• Get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before handing over the car.

• Home collection. No travel needed.

• No paperwork. The buying dealership handles the transfer, DGT and all the admin.

• On average, €1,400 more than selling on Wallapop.

More than 12,000 cars sold and an average rating of 4.9 out of 5.

Use the free Dealcar evaluator.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a digital certificate to do the transfer online?

Yes. Both the seller and the buyer need a digital certificate, electronic DNI or Cl@ve permanente. Without electronic ID, the online route is not possible. Obtaining the digital certificate is free and is done through the FNMT (Fábrica Nacional de Moneda y Timbre).

Can I do the transfer online if the car has a retention of title?

Not directly. You first need to cancel the retention of title (by processing the cancellation letter with the financial company and presenting it to the Registry of Movable Property). Once the restriction is lifted, you can process the transfer online. See car retention of title.

Can the ITP be paid online as well?

In most autonomous communities, yes. Each community has its own self-assessment portal (usually electronic Form 620 or 621). Check the website of the regional Tax Office where the buyer resides.

How long does it take for the new registration certificate to arrive?

The digital certificate is generated upon completing the process (downloadable in PDF). The physical certificate (plastic card) is sent by post and takes between 1 and 3 weeks. In the meantime, you can drive using the digital receipt.

Is it worth using an agency if I can do it online?

If both parties have a digital certificate and the car is free of issues, the online route is faster and cheaper. If either party does not have an electronic ID, or if there are issues to resolve, an agency is well worth it for the convenience and expertise