Vehicle ownership transfer in Spain 2026: DGT form Mod. 02

What the change of ownership is

The change of ownership (cambio de titularidad, also called transferencia) is the procedure that moves ownership of a vehicle from the seller to the buyer in the DGT Vehicle Register. Until it is done, the vehicle still appears in the seller's name, with all the liability that entails.

In practice there are two complementary steps:

1. The buyer applies for the change of ownership to put the vehicle in their name.
2. The seller notifies the sale to the DGT so as to stop being the registered owner.

Documents usually required

Each case can vary, but the most common set is:

1. Official DGT application form.
2. Sale contract signed by both parties.
3. DNI/NIE of buyer and seller.
4. Vehicle registration certificate (permiso de circulación) and technical data sheet (ficha técnica / ITV card) with a valid ITV.
5. Proof of payment of the applicable taxes.

The exact list and the submission channel are published on the DGT Electronic Office: check it before you submit.

Taxes and fees

Beyond the traffic fee, a transfer usually involves the Transfer Tax (ITP), managed by each Autonomous Community, whose amount depends on the region and the vehicle. We do not quote specific figures because they change: check the current amount on the DGT Sede and with your Autonomous Community before paying, and keep the receipts.

Buying a used car as a foreign resident

This is where most disputes start. Two points deserve attention. The sale contract and the registration documents are in Spanish, and signing something you have not fully understood is a poor position if the vehicle later turns out to have outstanding fines or a lapsed ITV. And if the seller does not notify the sale, fines can keep reaching them — or you — for months. Before signing, check the vehicle's status on the DGT and make sure both steps are completed. The GovEasy browser extension walks you through the DGT portals in your own language and reuses your data; for a purchase between private individuals, a bilingual professional from the Marketplace of gestores can review the contract and file the transfer.

How it is processed

You can do it online with Cl@ve or a digital certificate on the DGT Electronic Office, in person with a prior appointment at a Jefatura de Tráfico, or through a gestor. Check on the Sede which channel is available for your case.

Fill in the form with GovEasy

• Download the official form (DGT Mod. 02) for free.
• AI-assisted completion (€4.99): you answer a few simple questions, we reuse your profile data and the AI fills in the official form. You get the completed PDF ready to review and submit.

Filling it in is free: you only pay when you want to download the completed document. Included in the Ciudadano Plus and Pro plans.

➡️ Fill it in with AI — €4.99

Disclaimer: this guide is informational. Documents, fees, taxes and deadlines can change; always verify on the DGT Electronic Office before submitting.