Registering a Car in Málaga from EU Countries: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you a citizen of a European Union (EU) country planning to move to Málaga? If so, you may be wondering about the process of registering your car in Málaga. As an EU citizen, you have the right to bring your vehicle with you to Málaga. However, there are certain steps you need to follow to ensure compliance with Spanish regulations. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of registering a car in Málaga from EU countries, providing you with all the necessary information and resources.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Registration Requirements
• Step 1: Obtain the ITV Card
• Step 2: Payment of Taxes
• Step 3: Application for Registration
• Obtaining the Vehicle Registration Certificate
• Purchasing and Installing Registration Plates
• Temporary Registration: Green Plates
• Benefits of Registering with Caerus Group
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Conclusion

Understanding the Registration Requirements

As an EU citizen, if you are just passing through Málaga, there are no specific steps you need to take to drive your vehicle. However, if you become a resident of Málaga, it is mandatory to register your foreign-registered vehicle within one month of becoming a resident. This requirement applies to all national residents who own a vehicle. Failure to register your vehicle within the deadline can result in penalties.

To register a foreign vehicle in Málaga, you need to follow a three-step process. These steps include obtaining the ITV Card, paying the applicable taxes, and submitting the necessary documentation to the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) for registration. Let's explore each step in detail.

Step 1: Obtain the ITV Card

The first step in registering your vehicle is to obtain the ITV Card, which stands for "Inspección Técnica de Vehículos" or vehicle roadworthiness test. You need to take your vehicle to an ITV station in Málaga for a physical inspection. Here's what you need to bring with you to the inspection:

• Vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC)
• Purchase agreement or invoice (if you are not the owner recorded in the vehicle registration certificate)

The ITV station will verify the vehicle and the documentation. If everything is correct, they will issue the ITV Card in Spanish format. If the vehicle did not undergo the current year's ITV, it will need to pass the corresponding technical inspection.

Step 2: Payment of Taxes

Once you have obtained the ITV Card, the next step is to pay the taxes related to the registration of your vehicle. These taxes include the Road Tax payable to the municipality where you live and the Registration Tax payable to the National Tax Office (AEAT), except in the case of trailers. It is important to keep the receipts of payment for these taxes as they will be required during the registration process.

The amount of Road Tax is linked to the power of the vehicle and is paid once a year. Contact your local government to find out how to pay it and the specific amount. The Registration Tax varies depending on the type and characteristics of the vehicle. Consult the National Tax Office (AEAT) for more information on the applicable rates.

Step 3: Application for Registration

After obtaining the ITV Card and paying the taxes, you can proceed with the application for registration. You have two options for submitting the documentation: online through the DGT's electronic register or in person at any DGT vehicle registration authority. In the latter case, you will need to request an appointment in advance.

To complete the registration application, you will need the following documents:

• Registration application filled out in the official form
• Identity document of the vehicle's owner (DNI, Spanish driver's license, residence card, passport plus foreign resident identification number [NIE])
• The vehicle's ITV Card issued by an ITV station
• The vehicle's original documentation from the country of origin
• Receipts of having paid the applicable taxes
• Proof of the tax address of the vehicle
• Invoice or contract of sale (if the vehicle was purchased)
• Payment number or receipt of having paid the registration fee

The registration fee amount depends on the type of vehicle. Once the documents are reviewed, the DGT will register the vehicle and provide you with a vehicle registration certificate.

Obtaining the Vehicle Registration Certificate

Once the DGT completes the registration process, you will receive the vehicle registration certificate. This certificate serves as proof that your vehicle is registered in Málaga and includes important information such as the registration number. It is essential to keep the registration certificate with you whenever you are driving the vehicle.

Purchasing and Installing Registration Plates

After obtaining the vehicle registration certificate, you must purchase registration plates and install them on your vehicle. These plates display the registration number assigned to your vehicle by the DGT. You can buy the registration plates from specialized shops that offer this service. Ensure that the plates comply with the legal requirements and install them properly according to the instructions provided.

Temporary Registration: Green Plates

In some cases, you may not have enough time to complete the registration process within the one-month deadline. In such situations, you can apply for temporary registration of your vehicle. This allows you to drive your vehicle for a limited period while you complete the proper registration process.

To apply for temporary registration, you can use the DGT's electronic register or submit the necessary documents in person at a vehicle registration authority. The required documents for temporary registration include:

• Registration application filled out in the official form
• Identity document of the vehicle's owner (DNI, Spanish driver's license, residence card, passport plus foreign resident identification number [NIE])
• Payment number or receipt of having paid the temporary registration fee
• The complete file for the ordinary registration you are carrying out

Once the temporary registration process is complete, you must purchase the green registration plates from a specialist shop and install them on your vehicle. The green plates indicate that your vehicle has temporary registration, allowing you to drive it while you complete the permanent registration process.

Benefits of Registering with Caerus Group

At Caerus Group, we understand that the process of registering a car in a foreign country can be complex and time-consuming. That's why we offer specialized services to assist you in registering your vehicle in Málaga from EU countries. Our team of experts will guide you through each step of the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient registration experience.

By choosing Caerus Group, you can benefit from:

• Expert assistance in obtaining the ITV Card and completing the necessary inspections
• Guidance in paying the applicable taxes and ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations
• Support in preparing and submitting the required documentation for the registration process
• Access to our network of specialized shops for purchasing registration plates
• Expert advice and personalized assistance throughout the entire registration process

With Caerus Group, registering your car in Málaga becomes hassle-free and convenient. We take care of the administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new life in Málaga.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I drive my foreign-registered vehicle in Málaga without registration? As an EU citizen, you can drive your foreign-registered vehicle in Málaga without registration if you are just passing through the country. However, if you become a resident, it is mandatory to register your vehicle within one month.

2. What is the ITV Card? The ITV Card is the vehicle roadworthiness test certificate. It is obtained through a physical inspection of your vehicle at an ITV station in Málaga.

3. How much are the registration taxes? The amount of registration taxes depends on factors...