FAQ’s
Why do I need to re-register in Spain?
EU regulations state that a vehicle must be registered, taxed and inspected (MOT) in the country of residence of the owner. Visitors to
Spain must comply with this, but may use their car in Spain
for 6 months in any 12-month period only.
Residents must register their vehicle in Spain.
For further information see www.britishembassy.gov.uk
How long will I be without my vehicle?
The engineers inspection and ITV (MOT equivalent) can take anything from 1-3 hours, so depending upon where you live we would normally need your vehicle for up to half a day only. We do not need your vehicle for any later parts of the process
Can I accompany you to the ITV station?
Yes, most clients entrust their vehicles to us for this purpose, but you are more than welcome to take your vehicle to the ITV station and meet us there.
What if my car fails its ITV test?
As with the UK MOT test, it is prudent to check your vehicle over before submitting it for test, for example, ensure that all of the lights are working and pay particular attention to the tyres. Tyres on the same axle must be the same type with exactly the same tread (though all 4 tyres need not be identical).
Should it fail the test, any remedial work will need to be undertaken before re-submitting the car for a further test, which will be at additional cost.
One of the advantages of having your vehicle tested in Spain is that the ITV station is government appointed and only carries out tests. The station cannot undertake repairs no matter how minor; this means that they cannot be tempted to fail a car and charge you for the remedial work as can happen at some UK MOT stations.
Should you need work undertaken either before or after your ITV test, we have relationships with a number of workshops that will be happy to provide a service at competitive rates.
What type of vehicles can be replated to Spanish plates?
Virtually any vehicle, including cars, motorcycles, campervans etc, whether right or left- hand drive.
The general exception is commercial vehicles such as panel vans (“Transits” etc), which are right-hand- drive. Due to lack of vision from the driver’s position; these vehicles cannot be re-registered
Will I need to change my headlights?
If your vehicle is right-hand drive, then your lights are designed to point towards the left hand curb, these are not acceptable in Spain, so headlights designed to point to the right are obligatory. This applies to all vehicle types including motorcycles.
Some cars (though very few) can be adjusted in order to comply with the regulations; please check your handbook first
Due to our extensive contacts, we are able to supply and fit headlights at competitive prices
My vehicle has been modified since is what first registered; is this OK?
It depends on the modification. Please supply details and we will check it out first . As a guide, the addition of tow-bars will only cause a delay if you car is fairly old, but alterations to the suspension or engine size for example will be a hurdle
Can I keep my British registration?
When you import your vehicle to Spain and re-register it, your UK
“logbook” is returned to DVLA in Swansea, so you lose your UK
registration.
However, if you want to retain title to your UK registration (for instance if you have a personalised number plate), then you can do this by applying to DVLA to retain ownership. For a fee, they will allow you to retain title and issue a certificate to this effect
Should you want to do this, please contact DVLA directly.
Will I need to change my insurance policy?
Yes. It is recommended that you have your insurance ready to go as soon as possible after you obtain your Spanish plates, meanwhile continue to drive with your existing policy.
Re-Platemate is not qualified to give detailed advice regarding insurance; we recommend that you speak to Expat Insurance in Spain via this website. who are experts in this field
How long does it take to complete the replating process?
Once your vehicle has been matriculated and passed the ITV (about half a day), then the documentation normally takes 4-7 working days after this. Public holidays, Red days and Fiestas will add to this timescale
At the end of the replating process, what do I get?
Your car will have been accepted into Spain and ITV’d as being in a legal, roadworthy condition. You also get the ITV sticker for your windscreen, SUMA (road tax), a brand new Spanish registration document and the new number plates for your vehicle
How can I be reassured that the process is fully legal?
We work in conjunction with a firm of Gestors (lawyers) who specialise in motoring law and are well used to dealing with the bureaucracy that has to be undertaken during the re-registration process. We are more than happy to supply their details so that you can have any doubts put to rest
What do you charge?
We charge a flat fee for ficha reducida (matriculation), ITV testing, provision of all Spanish documents, legal costs and number plates. Please contact us for a full quotation
What additional costs may be involved?
You will be liable for SUMA (road tax) and possibly for import tax. These costs vary depending upon the type and age of your vehicle and where you live.
How much tax will I be liable for?
Road tax for all vehicle types is less than in the UK. The SUMA is charged locally with the rate being set by your SUMA office (ayuntamiento in larger towns) not nationally and so varies in cost. For a full year it will be approximately 100-150 euros
Import tax (if applicable) is calculated on the value of your vehicle, its age and its engine size and type.
For petrol cars it will be 7% of your car’s value for cars of 1599cc or less and 12% for cars above 1600 cc.
For diesel cars, it will be 7% of your car’s value for cars of 2000cc or less and 12% for cars above 2001 cc.
For all motorcycles, there is no import tax where the bike is less than 250cc. Above 250cc; the tax is levied at 12%
For an exact quote, please contact us with full details of your vehicle
Re-Platemate will arrange for your taxes to be paid and provide you with the receipts from the relevant tax collecting authority. This way you can be certain that you have only paid the right amount of tax and no “mark-up”
Can I avoid paying import tax?
Yes, the Spanish authorities will class your vehicle as part of your personal possessions brought with you to Spain, but only for a limited time and if can meet the following criteria
a)
You have owned the car for more than 6 months
b)
Your “Padron” is less than 30 days old
c)
You have a Baja Consular from the British Consulate
(Should you need a Baja Consular, then a trip to the British consulate in Alicante
is necessary as you have to apply in person, though we will be happy to accompany you there, should you wish us to do so. The cost of a Baja Consular is 132 euros, which is usually less than the cost of import tax)
This all sound very complicated and confusing; can it be made simpler?
To someone not familiar with all of the processes involved and in particular dealing with the Spanish authorities, it can seem very daunting. Re-Platemate is well established and its sole purpose is to make the whole process as simple and easy for the client as possible
How do I go ahead?
Contact us on 0034 605 319 889, quoting reference Expat
Insurance or send us an email.
ALL VALUES WHERE QUOTED ARE CORRECT AS AT APRIL 2007
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