Contents
What paperwork you need to sell your car
Documentation you should have ready
The sales contract
Notifying the sale to the DGT
Taxes associated with selling a car
Change of ownership: who handles it and how much it costs
What to do after selling your car
Frequently asked questions
One of the reasons many people put off selling their car is the perception that the paperwork is complicated. Forms, taxes, notifications to the DGT, contracts. Seen from the outside, it looks like a bureaucratic maze.
The reality is that the process is much simpler than it seems, as long as you know which steps to take and in what order. Most problems do not come from the complexity of the process itself, but from avoidable mistakes: incomplete documentation, unpaid taxes or notifications that are forgotten.
In this article we review all the steps needed to sell a car in Spain, whether you sell to a private individual or to a professional. Step by step, without missing anything.
What paperwork you need to sell your car
The process of selling a vehicle between private individuals or from a private seller to a professional involves five main steps, and it is important to follow them in order to avoid later problems.
Gather the required documentation. Before advertising the car or accepting any offer, you need to have all the papers ready. A missing document can stall the process for days.
Sign a sales contract. This is the document that formalises the transaction and protects both parties. Although it is not legally required in every case, it is extremely advisable.
Notify the DGT of the sale. This step is the seller's responsibility and must be done within 10 calendar days of the transaction. Doing so prevents fines, taxes or liabilities from reaching you for anything the new owner does with the vehicle.
Pay the relevant taxes. Depending on whether the sale is between private individuals or to a professional, the taxes that apply are different.
Handle the change of ownership. This is the process that officially transfers ownership of the vehicle to the buyer. It is usually handled by the buyer, but the seller should make sure it is completed.
If you sell to a dealership or through a professional platform, the good news is that most of these steps are handled by the buyer. The seller only needs to sign the paperwork and collect the payment.
Documentation you should have ready
Having the documents ready before starting the sales process is what makes the difference between closing the deal in days or dragging it out for weeks. These are the documents you need.
The vehicle owner's ID card. It must match exactly the details shown on the registration certificate. If there has been a change of address or personal details that has not been updated, it is worth sorting it out first.
Registration certificate. This is the document that identifies the vehicle's legal owner. Without it, the transfer cannot be completed.
Technical inspection sheet (MOT card). It contains the vehicle's technical specifications and the result of the latest inspection. If the MOT has expired, the sale may become more complicated because the buyer will not be able to drive the car legally until it is renewed.
Latest paid road tax receipt (IVTM). Although you will not always be asked for it, having it available speeds up the process. If there are any outstanding receipts, the buyer may raise the issue before completing the deal.
Proof that there are no liens or seizures. You can check this through the DGT report. If the car has an active finance charge (for example, due to a loan), you will need to cancel it before you can sell.
For sales to private individuals, it is also common for the buyer to ask for extra documentation such as the service book, repair invoices or the service history. It is not mandatory, but it helps the sale and can justify a higher price.
If you want the full detail of each document, where to get it and a downloadable checklist, see our guide to the documents needed to sell a car.
The sales contract
The sales contract is the document that provides written evidence of the transaction: who is selling, who is buying, which vehicle, for what price and under what conditions.
Although the sale of a vehicle between private individuals does not legally require a written contract (the law recognises verbal agreements), signing one is the best protection both parties have against any later claim.
A vehicle sales contract should include at least the seller's and buyer's details (name, ID, address), the vehicle details (make, model, registration, chassis number, mileage), the agreed price, the payment method, the date of the transaction, a declaration of the vehicle's condition and the signature of both parties.
Important point about payment. If you are selling to a private individual, avoid cash payments above 1,000 euros (the legal limit for cash transactions between private individuals in Spain). The most common and safest option is a bank transfer. Make sure the money is in your account before handing over the car and the paperwork.
If you sell to a dealership or through a professional platform, the contract and payment terms are part of the company's standard process. Payment is usually made by bank transfer within 24-48 hours.
Notifying the sale to the DGT
This is one of the steps that most sellers forget or put off, and it is probably the most important for protecting yourself after the sale.
As the seller, you have a legal duty to notify the DGT that you have sold the vehicle within 10 calendar days from the date of the transaction. If you do not, you will still appear as the registered keeper of the vehicle for administrative purposes, which means any fine, accident or liability generated by the car will come to you.
The notification can be made in two ways.
Online, through the DGT electronic office (sede.dgt.gob.es). You need a digital certificate, electronic ID or Cl@ve. It is the quickest option and the one recommended by the DGT itself.
In person, at a traffic office. You will need an appointment. You must take your ID, the registration certificate and a copy of the sales contract.
The cost of notifying the sale is free. There is no fee attached. It is a quick process that removes any future responsibility for the vehicle from you.
Taxes associated with selling a car
The taxes that apply to the sale of a used car depend on who is buying and who is selling.
Sale between private individuals: Transfer Tax (ITP). When a private individual buys a car from another private individual, they must pay the ITP. This tax is handled and paid by the buyer, not the seller. The tax rate varies depending on the autonomous community (generally between 4% and 8%), and is calculated on the value declared in the contract or on the vehicle's fiscal value (Hacienda tables), whichever is higher.
The ITP is calculated on the value declared in the contract or on the vehicle's fiscal value, whichever is higher. To understand the difference, see how to find out how much your car is worth.
As the seller, you do not have to pay the ITP, but you should make sure the price you declare in the contract is consistent. If you declare a price far below the fiscal value, the tax office may issue an additional assessment to the buyer.
Sale from a private individual to a professional. When you sell your car to a dealership or company, the transaction is not subject to ITP. The professional records it as stock purchase and applies the relevant tax regime (VAT or margin scheme, depending on the case). As a private individual selling, you do not need to worry about extra taxes unless you make a capital gain (that is, you sell for more than you bought it for), something uncommon with used cars.
Road tax (IVTM). The IVTM is paid annually and is due from the registered keeper of the vehicle on 1 January each year. If you sell in March, you have already incurred that year's tax and must pay it. The buyer will start paying it the following year. This is something that should be made clear between the parties to avoid misunderstandings.
Change of ownership: who handles it and how much it costs
The change of ownership (or transfer) is the process that registers the new owner of the vehicle with the DGT. It is the buyer's responsibility, but the seller has an interest in ensuring it is completed as soon as possible in order to stop appearing as the owner.
The cost of the transfer at the DGT is approximately 55 euros (DGT fee 1.2, subject to updates). On top of this, you need to add any agency fees if it is handled through an intermediary, which are usually around an extra 40-80 euros.
In private sales, it is usual for the buyer to bear the transfer cost. In sales to dealerships, the professional takes care of both the process and the cost.
Important deadline. The buyer has 30 days to complete the transfer from the date of the transaction. If they do not, the seller may run into problems if they have not previously notified the sale to the DGT (hence the importance of the previous step).
If you sell through a platform that connects you with professional dealerships such as Dealcar, the change of ownership is handled entirely by the buying dealership. The seller does not have to do anything beyond signing the paperwork and making sure the sale is notified to the DGT as an extra safety measure.
What to do after selling your car
Once the deal is done and the paperwork is signed, there are a few final steps worth not overlooking.
Cancel the vehicle insurance. Contact your insurer to let them know the car has been sold. Depending on the company, you may be able to cancel the policy and recover the unused proportion of the premium, or transfer it to another vehicle.
Keep a copy of all the paperwork. Keep a copy of the sales contract, proof of notification to the DGT and the bank transfer receipt. They are your back-up in case of any future claim.
Remove the vehicle details from your accounts. If you had the car registered in parking apps, toll systems (Via-T, Telepeaje), roadside assistance insurance or similar, remember to remove it to avoid later charges.
Check that the transfer has been completed. After a few days, you can verify on the DGT electronic office that the vehicle is no longer registered in your name. If you find that the transfer has not been made, contact the buyer to chase it up.
Selling a car in Spain does not require a lawyer or an agency, although both can make the process easier. What it does require is having the paperwork in order, following the steps in the correct sequence and not skipping the notification to the DGT. With that, the process is much simpler than it seems.
If you are still deciding how to sell, we explain how to sell your car quickly and at the best price by comparing all the available options.
Dealcar: sell your car quickly and at the best price
More than 1,000 professional dealerships compete for private sellers' cars through Dealcar. When you sell your car to a dealership in the Dealcar network, the professional takes care of practically all the paperwork: change of ownership, tax matters and documentation. You just sign and get paid.
If you want to sell your car without the hassle, get offers from dealerships at dealcar.io.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my car without a sales contract?
Legally yes, because verbal agreements are valid in Spain. But it is a very bad idea. Without a written contract, you have no way to prove the terms of the sale in the event of a claim. Always sign a contract, however simple it may be.
What happens if I do not notify the DGT of the sale?
You will continue to appear as the registered keeper of the vehicle for administrative purposes. This means you will receive fines, taxes and any liability arising from the new owner's use of the car. It is a risk not worth taking, given that the notification is free and takes minutes.
Who pays the taxes when a car is sold between private individuals?
The Transfer Tax (ITP) is paid by the buyer. Road tax (IVTM) is due from whoever is the registered keeper on 1 January. If the sale takes place halfway through the year, the seller has already incurred that year's IVTM.
Do I need a valid MOT to sell?
It is not legally required, but an expired MOT makes the sale harder because the buyer will not be able to drive the car legally. If the MOT is close to expiring, getting it done before selling can make it easier to close the deal.
Can I sell my car if it still has outstanding finance?
Yes, but you need to cancel the finance charge before you can transfer the vehicle. This means settling the outstanding debt with the finance company or reaching an agreement for the charge to be removed at the time of sale.
Contents
What paperwork you need to sell your car
Documentation you should have ready
The sales contract
Notifying the sale to the DGT
Taxes associated with selling a car
Change of ownership: who handles it and how much it costs
What to do after selling your car
Frequently asked questions
One of the reasons many people put off selling their car is the perception that the paperwork is complicated. Forms, taxes, notifications to the DGT, contracts. Seen from the outside, it looks like a bureaucratic maze.
The reality is that the process is much simpler than it seems, as long as you know which steps to take and in what order. Most problems do not come from the complexity of the process itself, but from avoidable mistakes: incomplete documentation, unpaid taxes or notifications that are forgotten.
In this article we review all the steps needed to sell a car in Spain, whether you sell to a private individual or to a professional. Step by step, without missing anything.
What paperwork you need to sell your car
The process of selling a vehicle between private individuals or from a private seller to a professional involves five main steps, and it is important to follow them in order to avoid later problems.
Gather the required documentation. Before advertising the car or accepting any offer, you need to have all the papers ready. A missing document can stall the process for days.
Sign a sales contract. This is the document that formalises the transaction and protects both parties. Although it is not legally required in every case, it is extremely advisable.
Notify the DGT of the sale. This step is the seller's responsibility and must be done within 10 calendar days of the transaction. Doing so prevents fines, taxes or liabilities from reaching you for anything the new owner does with the vehicle.
Pay the relevant taxes. Depending on whether the sale is between private individuals or to a professional, the taxes that apply are different.
Handle the change of ownership. This is the process that officially transfers ownership of the vehicle to the buyer. It is usually handled by the buyer, but the seller should make sure it is completed.
If you sell to a dealership or through a professional platform, the good news is that most of these steps are handled by the buyer. The seller only needs to sign the paperwork and collect the payment.
Documentation you should have ready
Having the documents ready before starting the sales process is what makes the difference between closing the deal in days or dragging it out for weeks. These are the documents you need.
The vehicle owner's ID card. It must match exactly the details shown on the registration certificate. If there has been a change of address or personal details that has not been updated, it is worth sorting it out first.
Registration certificate. This is the document that identifies the vehicle's legal owner. Without it, the transfer cannot be completed.
Technical inspection sheet (MOT card). It contains the vehicle's technical specifications and the result of the latest inspection. If the MOT has expired, the sale may become more complicated because the buyer will not be able to drive the car legally until it is renewed.
Latest paid road tax receipt (IVTM). Although you will not always be asked for it, having it available speeds up the process. If there are any outstanding receipts, the buyer may raise the issue before completing the deal.
Proof that there are no liens or seizures. You can check this through the DGT report. If the car has an active finance charge (for example, due to a loan), you will need to cancel it before you can sell.
For sales to private individuals, it is also common for the buyer to ask for extra documentation such as the service book, repair invoices or the service history. It is not mandatory, but it helps the sale and can justify a higher price.
If you want the full detail of each document, where to get it and a downloadable checklist, see our guide to the documents needed to sell a car.
The sales contract
The sales contract is the document that provides written evidence of the transaction: who is selling, who is buying, which vehicle, for what price and under what conditions.
Although the sale of a vehicle between private individuals does not legally require a written contract (the law recognises verbal agreements), signing one is the best protection both parties have against any later claim.
A vehicle sales contract should include at least the seller's and buyer's details (name, ID, address), the vehicle details (make, model, registration, chassis number, mileage), the agreed price, the payment method, the date of the transaction, a declaration of the vehicle's condition and the signature of both parties.
Important point about payment. If you are selling to a private individual, avoid cash payments above 1,000 euros (the legal limit for cash transactions between private individuals in Spain). The most common and safest option is a bank transfer. Make sure the money is in your account before handing over the car and the paperwork.
If you sell to a dealership or through a professional platform, the contract and payment terms are part of the company's standard process. Payment is usually made by bank transfer within 24-48 hours.
Notifying the sale to the DGT
This is one of the steps that most sellers forget or put off, and it is probably the most important for protecting yourself after the sale.
As the seller, you have a legal duty to notify the DGT that you have sold the vehicle within 10 calendar days from the date of the transaction. If you do not, you will still appear as the registered keeper of the vehicle for administrative purposes, which means any fine, accident or liability generated by the car will come to you.
The notification can be made in two ways.
Online, through the DGT electronic office (sede.dgt.gob.es). You need a digital certificate, electronic ID or Cl@ve. It is the quickest option and the one recommended by the DGT itself.
In person, at a traffic office. You will need an appointment. You must take your ID, the registration certificate and a copy of the sales contract.
The cost of notifying the sale is free. There is no fee attached. It is a quick process that removes any future responsibility for the vehicle from you.
Taxes associated with selling a car
The taxes that apply to the sale of a used car depend on who is buying and who is selling.
Sale between private individuals: Transfer Tax (ITP). When a private individual buys a car from another private individual, they must pay the ITP. This tax is handled and paid by the buyer, not the seller. The tax rate varies depending on the autonomous community (generally between 4% and 8%), and is calculated on the value declared in the contract or on the vehicle's fiscal value (Hacienda tables), whichever is higher.
The ITP is calculated on the value declared in the contract or on the vehicle's fiscal value, whichever is higher. To understand the difference, see how to find out how much your car is worth.
As the seller, you do not have to pay the ITP, but you should make sure the price you declare in the contract is consistent. If you declare a price far below the fiscal value, the tax office may issue an additional assessment to the buyer.
Sale from a private individual to a professional. When you sell your car to a dealership or company, the transaction is not subject to ITP. The professional records it as stock purchase and applies the relevant tax regime (VAT or margin scheme, depending on the case). As a private individual selling, you do not need to worry about extra taxes unless you make a capital gain (that is, you sell for more than you bought it for), something uncommon with used cars.
Road tax (IVTM). The IVTM is paid annually and is due from the registered keeper of the vehicle on 1 January each year. If you sell in March, you have already incurred that year's tax and must pay it. The buyer will start paying it the following year. This is something that should be made clear between the parties to avoid misunderstandings.
Change of ownership: who handles it and how much it costs
The change of ownership (or transfer) is the process that registers the new owner of the vehicle with the DGT. It is the buyer's responsibility, but the seller has an interest in ensuring it is completed as soon as possible in order to stop appearing as the owner.
The cost of the transfer at the DGT is approximately 55 euros (DGT fee 1.2, subject to updates). On top of this, you need to add any agency fees if it is handled through an intermediary, which are usually around an extra 40-80 euros.
In private sales, it is usual for the buyer to bear the transfer cost. In sales to dealerships, the professional takes care of both the process and the cost.
Important deadline. The buyer has 30 days to complete the transfer from the date of the transaction. If they do not, the seller may run into problems if they have not previously notified the sale to the DGT (hence the importance of the previous step).
If you sell through a platform that connects you with professional dealerships such as Dealcar, the change of ownership is handled entirely by the buying dealership. The seller does not have to do anything beyond signing the paperwork and making sure the sale is notified to the DGT as an extra safety measure.
What to do after selling your car
Once the deal is done and the paperwork is signed, there are a few final steps worth not overlooking.
Cancel the vehicle insurance. Contact your insurer to let them know the car has been sold. Depending on the company, you may be able to cancel the policy and recover the unused proportion of the premium, or transfer it to another vehicle.
Keep a copy of all the paperwork. Keep a copy of the sales contract, proof of notification to the DGT and the bank transfer receipt. They are your back-up in case of any future claim.
Remove the vehicle details from your accounts. If you had the car registered in parking apps, toll systems (Via-T, Telepeaje), roadside assistance insurance or similar, remember to remove it to avoid later charges.
Check that the transfer has been completed. After a few days, you can verify on the DGT electronic office that the vehicle is no longer registered in your name. If you find that the transfer has not been made, contact the buyer to chase it up.
Selling a car in Spain does not require a lawyer or an agency, although both can make the process easier. What it does require is having the paperwork in order, following the steps in the correct sequence and not skipping the notification to the DGT. With that, the process is much simpler than it seems.
If you are still deciding how to sell, we explain how to sell your car quickly and at the best price by comparing all the available options.
Dealcar: sell your car quickly and at the best price
More than 1,000 professional dealerships compete for private sellers' cars through Dealcar. When you sell your car to a dealership in the Dealcar network, the professional takes care of practically all the paperwork: change of ownership, tax matters and documentation. You just sign and get paid.
If you want to sell your car without the hassle, get offers from dealerships at dealcar.io.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell my car without a sales contract?
Legally yes, because verbal agreements are valid in Spain. But it is a very bad idea. Without a written contract, you have no way to prove the terms of the sale in the event of a claim. Always sign a contract, however simple it may be.
What happens if I do not notify the DGT of the sale?
You will continue to appear as the registered keeper of the vehicle for administrative purposes. This means you will receive fines, taxes and any liability arising from the new owner's use of the car. It is a risk not worth taking, given that the notification is free and takes minutes.
Who pays the taxes when a car is sold between private individuals?
The Transfer Tax (ITP) is paid by the buyer. Road tax (IVTM) is due from whoever is the registered keeper on 1 January. If the sale takes place halfway through the year, the seller has already incurred that year's IVTM.
Do I need a valid MOT to sell?
It is not legally required, but an expired MOT makes the sale harder because the buyer will not be able to drive the car legally. If the MOT is close to expiring, getting it done before selling can make it easier to close the deal.
Can I sell my car if it still has outstanding finance?
Yes, but you need to cancel the finance charge before you can transfer the vehicle. This means settling the outstanding debt with the finance company or reaching an agreement for the charge to be removed at the time of sale.
