The temporary deregistration of a car with the DGT is a useful and strategic process for used vehicle dealerships. It allows you to legally suspend the vehicle’s administrative activity, saving costs while it is not in circulation. In this article we explain everything you need to know if you manage a dealership and want to optimise your stock efficiently.
What is temporary deregistration of a car?
Temporary deregistration is an administrative procedure that provisionally suspends the activity of a vehicle in the Register of the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). While it is deregistered:
It cannot be driven on public roads or motorways.
It is not required to have insurance or a valid ITV.
It does not generate road tax (IVTM).
It is especially useful when the vehicle:
Is not operational due to a breakdown or modification.
Does not have an immediate commercial outlet.
Is awaiting documentation or administrative regularisation.
Temporary deregistration for dealerships: why do it?
For a dealership, temporarily deregistering a car allows you to:
Save fixed costs while the vehicle is not in use or on active display.
Avoid penalties if a vehicle remains on public roads without insurance or ITV.
Reduce tax pressure during periods of stock build-up or seasonal slowdowns.
Gain flexibility in inventory management, allowing the car to be reactivated when a sales opportunity arises.
This tool is especially useful for dealerships that work with rotating fleets, imported vehicles awaiting registration, or cars intended for export.
Requirements for temporarily deregistering a car with the DGT
Required documentation
To process temporary deregistration you need:
Original registration certificate for the vehicle.
Technical data sheet (ITV card).
Owner identification: ID number/tax ID or company tax ID of the dealership.
Proof of payment of the traffic fee.
Legal representation document if acting on behalf of the owner.
If the application is submitted online, you need to have a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Who can request it and how?
The request can be made by:
The vehicle owner.
An authorised representative, such as the dealership managing the stock.
Ways to request it:
In person at a Traffic Office (by appointment).
Online, through the DGT Electronic Office, which allows multiple vehicles to be managed without travelling.
How much does it cost to temporarily deregister a vehicle?
In 2025, the general fee for temporary deregistration is €8.67, according to the official DGT tariff. This is a per-vehicle fee, paid at the time of the request.
In addition, some local councils may apply additional fees if the vehicle is on a public road, or if a proportional refund of the IVTM is requested.
If you use a manager or platform such as Dealcar, you can delegate the entire process and receive personalised support, with a cost adjusted according to the volume of procedures.
Deadlines and duration of temporary deregistration
How long can a car remain temporarily deregistered?
Temporary deregistration has a maximum duration of 1 year from the processing date. This is a change from previous years, when it could be indefinite.
After that year:
The vehicle is reactivated automatically if no extension is requested.
Reactivation means that it becomes subject again to ITV, insurance and IVTM, even if it is not in circulation.
Can it be extended?
Yes. The extension must be requested before the year expires from the initial date. If submitted on time, the DGT allows the deregistration to be extended at no additional cost.
It is advisable to set internal reminders at the dealership to avoid automatic reactivation, which can generate costs and administrative issues.
How to request temporary deregistration of a car (step by step)
In person at the Traffic Office
Book an appointment with the DGT.
Submit the original documentation.
Pay the fee at the time or present proof of payment.
Receive a temporary deregistration receipt, which must be kept as proof.
Online (DGT Electronic Office)
Access the DGT Electronic Office.
Identify yourself with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Complete the online form.
Attach the scanned documentation.
Pay the fee by card or online banking.
Download proof of the completed process.
This method is ideal for dealerships that manage large volumes, as it avoids travel and allows a digital record of all processed deregistrations.
Differences between temporary and permanent deregistration
Characteristic | Temporary Deregistration | Permanent Deregistration |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 1 year (renewable) | Permanent |
Possibility of reactivation | Yes | No (except export) |
Cost | Low | May involve extra procedures |
Common use | Saving, stock, refurbishments | End of life, scrapping |
Generates IVTM | No | No |
Can be driven | No | No |
What happens to road tax and insurance during temporary deregistration?
Road tax (IVTM): it is suspended from the date of deregistration. If the vehicle has already paid the tax for the current year, you can request a proportional refund from the relevant council.
Insurance: while the car is deregistered, it is not required to have valid insurance. However, if it remains parked on a public road, it must still have minimum cover, as it may pose a risk to third parties.
ITV: it is not necessary to pass the ITV while the car is deregistered, but it must be up to date when it is reactivated.
Is it worth doing temporary deregistration through a dealership?
Definitely yes. If you manage a large stock or have vehicles without immediate turnover, temporary deregistration is a useful tool to:
Reduce administrative costs.
Avoid legal risks and penalties.
Gain control over inventory.
It also helps keep the documentation of vehicles pending sale, repair, export or any medium-term process in order. Strategically, it improves the dealership’s operational efficiency and optimises tax planning.
Want to forget about the paperwork? At Dealcar we help you
At Dealcar we support you with the end-to-end management of your stock, including processing temporary deregistrations directly with the DGT. We are experts in solutions for used car dealerships, and we understand the timelines and needs of the sector.
We take care of:
Processing deregistrations online or in person.
Monitoring expiry dates and extensions.
Managing documentation and tax refunds.
Forget queues, fees and forms. We do it for you.
Contact us and optimise your dealership with solutions 100% designed for professionals in the sector.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does temporary deregistration take to take effect?
It usually takes effect the same day if processed in person. At the Electronic Office, the effect is immediate once the process is completed and the receipt is downloaded.
Can I temporarily deregister a car if it has outstanding fines?
No. The DGT requires the vehicle to be administratively in order, so you will need to pay any outstanding penalty before requesting deregistration.
Does temporary deregistration affect the car’s resale value?
Not directly. However, it can create buyer distrust if not explained properly. Ideally, you should reactivate the vehicle before sale and have all the documentation in order.
Can I put the car back on the road whenever I want?
Yes. You can reactivate the vehicle at any time within the year of validity of the deregistration or after requesting an extension. Reactivation requires the car to meet the current requirements: up-to-date ITV and compulsory insurance.
The temporary deregistration of a car with the DGT is a useful and strategic process for used vehicle dealerships. It allows you to legally suspend the vehicle’s administrative activity, saving costs while it is not in circulation. In this article we explain everything you need to know if you manage a dealership and want to optimise your stock efficiently.
What is temporary deregistration of a car?
Temporary deregistration is an administrative procedure that provisionally suspends the activity of a vehicle in the Register of the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT). While it is deregistered:
It cannot be driven on public roads or motorways.
It is not required to have insurance or a valid ITV.
It does not generate road tax (IVTM).
It is especially useful when the vehicle:
Is not operational due to a breakdown or modification.
Does not have an immediate commercial outlet.
Is awaiting documentation or administrative regularisation.
Temporary deregistration for dealerships: why do it?
For a dealership, temporarily deregistering a car allows you to:
Save fixed costs while the vehicle is not in use or on active display.
Avoid penalties if a vehicle remains on public roads without insurance or ITV.
Reduce tax pressure during periods of stock build-up or seasonal slowdowns.
Gain flexibility in inventory management, allowing the car to be reactivated when a sales opportunity arises.
This tool is especially useful for dealerships that work with rotating fleets, imported vehicles awaiting registration, or cars intended for export.
Requirements for temporarily deregistering a car with the DGT
Required documentation
To process temporary deregistration you need:
Original registration certificate for the vehicle.
Technical data sheet (ITV card).
Owner identification: ID number/tax ID or company tax ID of the dealership.
Proof of payment of the traffic fee.
Legal representation document if acting on behalf of the owner.
If the application is submitted online, you need to have a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Who can request it and how?
The request can be made by:
The vehicle owner.
An authorised representative, such as the dealership managing the stock.
Ways to request it:
In person at a Traffic Office (by appointment).
Online, through the DGT Electronic Office, which allows multiple vehicles to be managed without travelling.
How much does it cost to temporarily deregister a vehicle?
In 2025, the general fee for temporary deregistration is €8.67, according to the official DGT tariff. This is a per-vehicle fee, paid at the time of the request.
In addition, some local councils may apply additional fees if the vehicle is on a public road, or if a proportional refund of the IVTM is requested.
If you use a manager or platform such as Dealcar, you can delegate the entire process and receive personalised support, with a cost adjusted according to the volume of procedures.
Deadlines and duration of temporary deregistration
How long can a car remain temporarily deregistered?
Temporary deregistration has a maximum duration of 1 year from the processing date. This is a change from previous years, when it could be indefinite.
After that year:
The vehicle is reactivated automatically if no extension is requested.
Reactivation means that it becomes subject again to ITV, insurance and IVTM, even if it is not in circulation.
Can it be extended?
Yes. The extension must be requested before the year expires from the initial date. If submitted on time, the DGT allows the deregistration to be extended at no additional cost.
It is advisable to set internal reminders at the dealership to avoid automatic reactivation, which can generate costs and administrative issues.
How to request temporary deregistration of a car (step by step)
In person at the Traffic Office
Book an appointment with the DGT.
Submit the original documentation.
Pay the fee at the time or present proof of payment.
Receive a temporary deregistration receipt, which must be kept as proof.
Online (DGT Electronic Office)
Access the DGT Electronic Office.
Identify yourself with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
Complete the online form.
Attach the scanned documentation.
Pay the fee by card or online banking.
Download proof of the completed process.
This method is ideal for dealerships that manage large volumes, as it avoids travel and allows a digital record of all processed deregistrations.
Differences between temporary and permanent deregistration
Characteristic | Temporary Deregistration | Permanent Deregistration |
|---|---|---|
Duration | 1 year (renewable) | Permanent |
Possibility of reactivation | Yes | No (except export) |
Cost | Low | May involve extra procedures |
Common use | Saving, stock, refurbishments | End of life, scrapping |
Generates IVTM | No | No |
Can be driven | No | No |
What happens to road tax and insurance during temporary deregistration?
Road tax (IVTM): it is suspended from the date of deregistration. If the vehicle has already paid the tax for the current year, you can request a proportional refund from the relevant council.
Insurance: while the car is deregistered, it is not required to have valid insurance. However, if it remains parked on a public road, it must still have minimum cover, as it may pose a risk to third parties.
ITV: it is not necessary to pass the ITV while the car is deregistered, but it must be up to date when it is reactivated.
Is it worth doing temporary deregistration through a dealership?
Definitely yes. If you manage a large stock or have vehicles without immediate turnover, temporary deregistration is a useful tool to:
Reduce administrative costs.
Avoid legal risks and penalties.
Gain control over inventory.
It also helps keep the documentation of vehicles pending sale, repair, export or any medium-term process in order. Strategically, it improves the dealership’s operational efficiency and optimises tax planning.
Want to forget about the paperwork? At Dealcar we help you
At Dealcar we support you with the end-to-end management of your stock, including processing temporary deregistrations directly with the DGT. We are experts in solutions for used car dealerships, and we understand the timelines and needs of the sector.
We take care of:
Processing deregistrations online or in person.
Monitoring expiry dates and extensions.
Managing documentation and tax refunds.
Forget queues, fees and forms. We do it for you.
Contact us and optimise your dealership with solutions 100% designed for professionals in the sector.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long does temporary deregistration take to take effect?
It usually takes effect the same day if processed in person. At the Electronic Office, the effect is immediate once the process is completed and the receipt is downloaded.
Can I temporarily deregister a car if it has outstanding fines?
No. The DGT requires the vehicle to be administratively in order, so you will need to pay any outstanding penalty before requesting deregistration.
Does temporary deregistration affect the car’s resale value?
Not directly. However, it can create buyer distrust if not explained properly. Ideally, you should reactivate the vehicle before sale and have all the documentation in order.
Can I put the car back on the road whenever I want?
Yes. You can reactivate the vehicle at any time within the year of validity of the deregistration or after requesting an extension. Reactivation requires the car to meet the current requirements: up-to-date ITV and compulsory insurance.
