Contents
Can an inherited car be sold directly?
Step 1: Notify the DGT of the death
Step 2: Formalise the inheritance
Step 3: Pay Inheritance Tax
Step 4: Change the ownership at the DGT
Step 5: Sell the car
What happens if there are several heirs
Total costs of the process
Special cases: car with charges, expired ITV and temporary off-the-road status
Frequently asked questions
Inheriting a car may seem simple in theory, but in practice it involves a chain of formalities that many heirs are unaware of. Having the keys is not enough: you need to prove legally that the car is yours, pay the relevant taxes and register it in your name before you can sell it.
According to the DGT, more than one million vehicles in Spain are still registered in the names of deceased people. This gives an idea of the complexity of the process and how many people decide not to deal with it. However, with a clear guide, the process is perfectly manageable.
In this article we explain each step to sell an inherited car in Spain, in the correct order, with real deadlines and costs.
Can an inherited car be sold directly?
No. You cannot sell a car that is registered in the name of a deceased person directly to a buyer. The process requires two transfers: first from the deceased to the heir, and then from the heir to the buyer.
This means that, before looking for a buyer, you need to complete the inheritance and put the car in your name. Only once you are listed as the registered keeper at the DGT can you legally sell it.
The good news is that you can drive the car during the processing period, provided the vehicle paperwork is in order (registration certificate, valid ITV and active insurance).
Step 1: Notify the DGT of the death
While the vehicle has not yet been allocated to the heirs, the person responsible for it must notify the death of the registered keeper at the Traffic Office. The deadline for doing so is 90 days from the date of death.
This notification does not transfer the car, but informs the DGT of the situation. From that moment, the vehicle remains in a provisional situation until the inheritance and change of keeper are completed.
If during this period you need to use the car, you can request a provisional transfer (custody) that allows you to drive legally while the allocation is resolved. This procedure has its own fee at the DGT.
Documentation required for the notification: death certificate of the registered keeper and ID card of the heir or person making the notification.
Step 2: Formalise the inheritance
Before you can deal with the ownership of the car, the inheritance must be formally settled. This step depends on whether there is a will or not.
If there is a will
The process is more straightforward. The will states who inherits each asset. You will need to obtain the certificate of wills (requested from the Ministry of Justice, 15 working days after the death) and an authorised copy of the will.
If the car is assigned to a specific heir, that heir is the one who will process the transfer. If the will does not specify who keeps the car (for example, it says 'all assets to be shared equally'), the heirs will need to agree among themselves who takes ownership of the vehicle.
If there is no will
A declaration of intestate heirs is required. This is done before a notary (for immediate family: spouse, children, parents) and determines who the legal heirs are according to the order of kinship established by law.
The notarial process requires the death certificate, the certificate of wills (which will confirm that there is no will), the deceased's registration certificate and witnesses who can prove the family relationship.
Once the heirs have been determined, the division of the estate (distribution of assets) is carried out, assigning the car to one of them.
Deed of acceptance of inheritance
In both cases (with or without a will), acceptance of the inheritance is formalised before a notary by means of a deed of acceptance and division. This document legally proves that the car belongs to you and is essential for the subsequent procedures.
Step 3: Pay Inheritance Tax
This is mandatory and must be done before the change of ownership at the DGT. Without proof of payment of Inheritance Tax, Traffic will not process the transfer.
Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax (ISD) is a regional tax, which means that both the tax rate and the reliefs vary enormously depending on the autonomous community. Some regions, such as Madrid, Andalusia or the Valencian Community, offer very high reliefs (99% in many cases) for inheritances between close relatives (spouse, children, parents), which reduces the tax to a minimum amount.
Deadline. Inheritance Tax must be filed within 6 months of the death. This deadline can be extended by a further 6 months if requested before the initial period expires.
Where to file it. At the tax office of the autonomous community where the deceased lived.
What you need. The deed of acceptance of inheritance, the death certificate, the vehicle details (registration number or chassis number) and the value of the car according to the tax tables.
Once the tax has been paid (or exemption or relief has been confirmed), keep the stamped receipt: you will need it for the DGT.
Step 4: Change the ownership at the DGT
With the inheritance formalised and Inheritance Tax paid, you can process the change of ownership of the vehicle into your name.
Required documentation:
Official application form for change of ownership (available from the DGT or on its e-office)
Statutory declaration of change of ownership due to death (form downloadable from the DGT website), signed by the heir awarded the vehicle
ID card of the heir
Proof of payment of Inheritance Tax (stamped by the regional tax authority)
Vehicle registration certificate
Technical data sheet (ITV card)
Proof of payment of the DGT fee
For the full documentation for the subsequent sale, see the documents needed to sell a car.
Cost of the DGT fee. DGT fee 1.2 for change of ownership is €55.70 for vehicles in general (€27.85 for mopeds). It can be paid online or by card at the Traffic Office on the day of the appointment.
Where to do it. At the relevant Provincial Traffic Office, by appointment. Some procedures can be carried out through an agency online.
Once the procedure is completed, the DGT issues a new registration certificate in your name. From that moment on, you are the legal keeper of the vehicle and can sell it.
Step 5: Sell the car
With the car in your name, the sale follows the usual process for any second-hand vehicle. You have the same options as any other seller.
Selling privately. You list it on portals, arrange viewings, negotiate and close the deal. See our steps to sell a car privately for the full details.
Selling to a direct purchase company. Compramostucoche, Flexicar or Clicars make you an offer and handle the paperwork. Quick, but at a lower price.
Selling through Dealcar. You upload your car once and more than 1,000 dealerships compete for it. It is the option that best combines price and convenience, because the winning buyer handles everything: transfer, collection and payment.
One important point about the tax treatment of the sale: the acquisition price for income tax purposes is the value you declared for Inheritance Tax, not what the deceased paid for it at the time. If you sell for more than that value, there is a taxable capital gain. If you sell for less (the most common case, since inherited cars are often old and have mileage), there is no further tax. See our guide to taxes when selling your car for more detail.
What happens if there are several heirs
This is one of the most common situations and the one that causes the most complications. If the car is part of an estate with several heirs, everyone must agree on who keeps the vehicle.
Option 1: One heir keeps the car. The other heirs sign a document (included in the deed of division) stating that the car is allocated to one of them. That heir processes the transfer into their name and can sell it afterwards. If they sell it, they can compensate the other heirs with the proportional share of the price.
Option 2: Sell it directly and split the money. One heir becomes the temporary keeper (with prior agreement from the others), sells the car and distributes the proceeds among everyone according to the inheritance shares. It is the most practical option when nobody wants to keep the car.
Once it is in your name, the sale follows the usual procedures for selling a car in Spain.
Option 3: Sell to a professional who handles everything. If there are disagreements or nobody wants to take on the paperwork, selling to a dealership or through a platform such as Dealcar simplifies the process. One heir becomes the keeper (with the agreement of the others), uploads the car to the platform, receives offers from dealerships and closes the sale. The dealership handles the transfer and payment, and the heir distributes the money.
In all cases, what is essential is that there is documented agreement between the heirs. Without that agreement, the DGT will not process the transfer.
Total costs of the process
Selling an inherited car has associated costs that are worth anticipating.
Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Death certificate | €3.70 |
Certificate of wills | €3.70 |
Deed of acceptance of inheritance (notary) | €200-600 (depending on complexity) |
Declaration of intestate heirs (if there is no will) | €200-400 |
Inheritance Tax | Variable (many autonomous communities offer 99% relief for close family) |
DGT fee for change of ownership | €55.70 |
Agency fee (optional, if you delegate the paperwork) | €100-300 |
Indicative total | €300-1,000 (not counting ISD if it is not relieved) |
Notarial costs are the most significant. Inheritance Tax can be minimal (if your autonomous community offers 99% relief for close family) or considerable (if there is no relief or the relationship is distant). Check the regulations in your region before doing any calculations.
Special cases: car with charges, expired ITV and temporary off-the-road status
Inherited car with title retention
If the car has outstanding finance with title retention, the heirs can choose to settle the debt (and cancel the retention) or renounce the inheritance of the vehicle. If the debt has already been cleared but the retention is still active, the cancellation process is the usual one. See our guide on car title retention for more detail.
Inherited car with expired ITV
You can inherit the car and put it in your name even if the ITV has expired. What you cannot do is drive it until it passes the inspection. If your intention is to sell, consider whether it is worth having the ITV done first (it makes the sale easier and justifies a better price) or selling it as it is to a professional who takes on that procedure.
Inherited car declared temporarily off the road
If the vehicle was temporarily off the road at the DGT, you will need to request it back on the road before you can process the inheritance transfer. The reactivation procedure has its own fee at the DGT and requires the car to have a valid ITV and insurance in place.
Inherited car with outstanding seizures or fines
If the vehicle has unpaid fines or seizures against the deceased keeper, these debts may affect the inheritance. The heirs assume the deceased's debts up to the value of the inherited assets (inheritance with benefit of inventory). If the debts associated with the car exceed its value, it may not be worth accepting the vehicle into the inheritance.
Dealcar: value your car for free and receive offers from dealerships
If you have inherited a car and want to sell it hassle-free, with Dealcar you can value the vehicle for free in under 30 seconds and receive offers from more than 1,000 verified dealerships competing against each other. The winning buyer handles transfer, home collection and payment.
It is especially useful in inheritances with several heirs: a single heir becomes the keeper, uploads the car, receives offers, closes the sale and distributes the money. No adverts, no viewings, no negotiating.
100% free for you. No commission or hidden costs.
You get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before handing over the car.
They collect the car from your home. No travelling.
No sale formalities. The buyer handles the second transfer and all the paperwork.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell an inherited car without putting it in my name?
No. The DGT requires two transfers: from the deceased to the heir, and from the heir to the buyer. The intermediate step cannot be skipped. First you need to complete the inheritance, pay Inheritance Tax and register the car in your name.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on how complex the inheritance is. If there is a will and only one heir, the process can be resolved in 4-8 weeks (including notarial and DGT deadlines). If there is no will or there are several heirs with disagreements, it can take several months.
Can I drive the car while I sort out the inheritance?
Yes, provided the vehicle paperwork is in order: registration certificate, valid ITV and active insurance. If the deceased's insurance has been cancelled, you will need to take out a temporary policy in your name.
Can I renounce only the car and accept the rest of the inheritance?
No. Acceptance or renunciation of the inheritance is total: you accept everything or renounce everything. Individual assets cannot be selected. If you accept the inheritance and you do not want the car, first put it in your name and then sell it.
How much Inheritance Tax is paid for a car?
It depends on the autonomous community and the degree of relationship. Many regions (Madrid, Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Cantabria, among others) offer 99% relief on the tax for inheritances between spouses, children and parents, which reduces ISD to a minimal amount. In regions without relief or with distant kinship, the tax can be significant.
Contents
Can an inherited car be sold directly?
Step 1: Notify the DGT of the death
Step 2: Formalise the inheritance
Step 3: Pay Inheritance Tax
Step 4: Change the ownership at the DGT
Step 5: Sell the car
What happens if there are several heirs
Total costs of the process
Special cases: car with charges, expired ITV and temporary off-the-road status
Frequently asked questions
Inheriting a car may seem simple in theory, but in practice it involves a chain of formalities that many heirs are unaware of. Having the keys is not enough: you need to prove legally that the car is yours, pay the relevant taxes and register it in your name before you can sell it.
According to the DGT, more than one million vehicles in Spain are still registered in the names of deceased people. This gives an idea of the complexity of the process and how many people decide not to deal with it. However, with a clear guide, the process is perfectly manageable.
In this article we explain each step to sell an inherited car in Spain, in the correct order, with real deadlines and costs.
Can an inherited car be sold directly?
No. You cannot sell a car that is registered in the name of a deceased person directly to a buyer. The process requires two transfers: first from the deceased to the heir, and then from the heir to the buyer.
This means that, before looking for a buyer, you need to complete the inheritance and put the car in your name. Only once you are listed as the registered keeper at the DGT can you legally sell it.
The good news is that you can drive the car during the processing period, provided the vehicle paperwork is in order (registration certificate, valid ITV and active insurance).
Step 1: Notify the DGT of the death
While the vehicle has not yet been allocated to the heirs, the person responsible for it must notify the death of the registered keeper at the Traffic Office. The deadline for doing so is 90 days from the date of death.
This notification does not transfer the car, but informs the DGT of the situation. From that moment, the vehicle remains in a provisional situation until the inheritance and change of keeper are completed.
If during this period you need to use the car, you can request a provisional transfer (custody) that allows you to drive legally while the allocation is resolved. This procedure has its own fee at the DGT.
Documentation required for the notification: death certificate of the registered keeper and ID card of the heir or person making the notification.
Step 2: Formalise the inheritance
Before you can deal with the ownership of the car, the inheritance must be formally settled. This step depends on whether there is a will or not.
If there is a will
The process is more straightforward. The will states who inherits each asset. You will need to obtain the certificate of wills (requested from the Ministry of Justice, 15 working days after the death) and an authorised copy of the will.
If the car is assigned to a specific heir, that heir is the one who will process the transfer. If the will does not specify who keeps the car (for example, it says 'all assets to be shared equally'), the heirs will need to agree among themselves who takes ownership of the vehicle.
If there is no will
A declaration of intestate heirs is required. This is done before a notary (for immediate family: spouse, children, parents) and determines who the legal heirs are according to the order of kinship established by law.
The notarial process requires the death certificate, the certificate of wills (which will confirm that there is no will), the deceased's registration certificate and witnesses who can prove the family relationship.
Once the heirs have been determined, the division of the estate (distribution of assets) is carried out, assigning the car to one of them.
Deed of acceptance of inheritance
In both cases (with or without a will), acceptance of the inheritance is formalised before a notary by means of a deed of acceptance and division. This document legally proves that the car belongs to you and is essential for the subsequent procedures.
Step 3: Pay Inheritance Tax
This is mandatory and must be done before the change of ownership at the DGT. Without proof of payment of Inheritance Tax, Traffic will not process the transfer.
Inheritance Tax and Gift Tax (ISD) is a regional tax, which means that both the tax rate and the reliefs vary enormously depending on the autonomous community. Some regions, such as Madrid, Andalusia or the Valencian Community, offer very high reliefs (99% in many cases) for inheritances between close relatives (spouse, children, parents), which reduces the tax to a minimum amount.
Deadline. Inheritance Tax must be filed within 6 months of the death. This deadline can be extended by a further 6 months if requested before the initial period expires.
Where to file it. At the tax office of the autonomous community where the deceased lived.
What you need. The deed of acceptance of inheritance, the death certificate, the vehicle details (registration number or chassis number) and the value of the car according to the tax tables.
Once the tax has been paid (or exemption or relief has been confirmed), keep the stamped receipt: you will need it for the DGT.
Step 4: Change the ownership at the DGT
With the inheritance formalised and Inheritance Tax paid, you can process the change of ownership of the vehicle into your name.
Required documentation:
Official application form for change of ownership (available from the DGT or on its e-office)
Statutory declaration of change of ownership due to death (form downloadable from the DGT website), signed by the heir awarded the vehicle
ID card of the heir
Proof of payment of Inheritance Tax (stamped by the regional tax authority)
Vehicle registration certificate
Technical data sheet (ITV card)
Proof of payment of the DGT fee
For the full documentation for the subsequent sale, see the documents needed to sell a car.
Cost of the DGT fee. DGT fee 1.2 for change of ownership is €55.70 for vehicles in general (€27.85 for mopeds). It can be paid online or by card at the Traffic Office on the day of the appointment.
Where to do it. At the relevant Provincial Traffic Office, by appointment. Some procedures can be carried out through an agency online.
Once the procedure is completed, the DGT issues a new registration certificate in your name. From that moment on, you are the legal keeper of the vehicle and can sell it.
Step 5: Sell the car
With the car in your name, the sale follows the usual process for any second-hand vehicle. You have the same options as any other seller.
Selling privately. You list it on portals, arrange viewings, negotiate and close the deal. See our steps to sell a car privately for the full details.
Selling to a direct purchase company. Compramostucoche, Flexicar or Clicars make you an offer and handle the paperwork. Quick, but at a lower price.
Selling through Dealcar. You upload your car once and more than 1,000 dealerships compete for it. It is the option that best combines price and convenience, because the winning buyer handles everything: transfer, collection and payment.
One important point about the tax treatment of the sale: the acquisition price for income tax purposes is the value you declared for Inheritance Tax, not what the deceased paid for it at the time. If you sell for more than that value, there is a taxable capital gain. If you sell for less (the most common case, since inherited cars are often old and have mileage), there is no further tax. See our guide to taxes when selling your car for more detail.
What happens if there are several heirs
This is one of the most common situations and the one that causes the most complications. If the car is part of an estate with several heirs, everyone must agree on who keeps the vehicle.
Option 1: One heir keeps the car. The other heirs sign a document (included in the deed of division) stating that the car is allocated to one of them. That heir processes the transfer into their name and can sell it afterwards. If they sell it, they can compensate the other heirs with the proportional share of the price.
Option 2: Sell it directly and split the money. One heir becomes the temporary keeper (with prior agreement from the others), sells the car and distributes the proceeds among everyone according to the inheritance shares. It is the most practical option when nobody wants to keep the car.
Once it is in your name, the sale follows the usual procedures for selling a car in Spain.
Option 3: Sell to a professional who handles everything. If there are disagreements or nobody wants to take on the paperwork, selling to a dealership or through a platform such as Dealcar simplifies the process. One heir becomes the keeper (with the agreement of the others), uploads the car to the platform, receives offers from dealerships and closes the sale. The dealership handles the transfer and payment, and the heir distributes the money.
In all cases, what is essential is that there is documented agreement between the heirs. Without that agreement, the DGT will not process the transfer.
Total costs of the process
Selling an inherited car has associated costs that are worth anticipating.
Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
Death certificate | €3.70 |
Certificate of wills | €3.70 |
Deed of acceptance of inheritance (notary) | €200-600 (depending on complexity) |
Declaration of intestate heirs (if there is no will) | €200-400 |
Inheritance Tax | Variable (many autonomous communities offer 99% relief for close family) |
DGT fee for change of ownership | €55.70 |
Agency fee (optional, if you delegate the paperwork) | €100-300 |
Indicative total | €300-1,000 (not counting ISD if it is not relieved) |
Notarial costs are the most significant. Inheritance Tax can be minimal (if your autonomous community offers 99% relief for close family) or considerable (if there is no relief or the relationship is distant). Check the regulations in your region before doing any calculations.
Special cases: car with charges, expired ITV and temporary off-the-road status
Inherited car with title retention
If the car has outstanding finance with title retention, the heirs can choose to settle the debt (and cancel the retention) or renounce the inheritance of the vehicle. If the debt has already been cleared but the retention is still active, the cancellation process is the usual one. See our guide on car title retention for more detail.
Inherited car with expired ITV
You can inherit the car and put it in your name even if the ITV has expired. What you cannot do is drive it until it passes the inspection. If your intention is to sell, consider whether it is worth having the ITV done first (it makes the sale easier and justifies a better price) or selling it as it is to a professional who takes on that procedure.
Inherited car declared temporarily off the road
If the vehicle was temporarily off the road at the DGT, you will need to request it back on the road before you can process the inheritance transfer. The reactivation procedure has its own fee at the DGT and requires the car to have a valid ITV and insurance in place.
Inherited car with outstanding seizures or fines
If the vehicle has unpaid fines or seizures against the deceased keeper, these debts may affect the inheritance. The heirs assume the deceased's debts up to the value of the inherited assets (inheritance with benefit of inventory). If the debts associated with the car exceed its value, it may not be worth accepting the vehicle into the inheritance.
Dealcar: value your car for free and receive offers from dealerships
If you have inherited a car and want to sell it hassle-free, with Dealcar you can value the vehicle for free in under 30 seconds and receive offers from more than 1,000 verified dealerships competing against each other. The winning buyer handles transfer, home collection and payment.
It is especially useful in inheritances with several heirs: a single heir becomes the keeper, uploads the car, receives offers, closes the sale and distributes the money. No adverts, no viewings, no negotiating.
100% free for you. No commission or hidden costs.
You get paid before handing over the keys. Bank transfer before handing over the car.
They collect the car from your home. No travelling.
No sale formalities. The buyer handles the second transfer and all the paperwork.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sell an inherited car without putting it in my name?
No. The DGT requires two transfers: from the deceased to the heir, and from the heir to the buyer. The intermediate step cannot be skipped. First you need to complete the inheritance, pay Inheritance Tax and register the car in your name.
How long does the whole process take?
It depends on how complex the inheritance is. If there is a will and only one heir, the process can be resolved in 4-8 weeks (including notarial and DGT deadlines). If there is no will or there are several heirs with disagreements, it can take several months.
Can I drive the car while I sort out the inheritance?
Yes, provided the vehicle paperwork is in order: registration certificate, valid ITV and active insurance. If the deceased's insurance has been cancelled, you will need to take out a temporary policy in your name.
Can I renounce only the car and accept the rest of the inheritance?
No. Acceptance or renunciation of the inheritance is total: you accept everything or renounce everything. Individual assets cannot be selected. If you accept the inheritance and you do not want the car, first put it in your name and then sell it.
How much Inheritance Tax is paid for a car?
It depends on the autonomous community and the degree of relationship. Many regions (Madrid, Andalusia, the Valencian Community, Cantabria, among others) offer 99% relief on the tax for inheritances between spouses, children and parents, which reduces ISD to a minimal amount. In regions without relief or with distant kinship, the tax can be significant.
