When you buy or sell a used car, the change of ownership (the transfer, known in Spain as cambio de nombre) is the step that legally puts the vehicle in your name at the DGT, the Spanish traffic authority. It is a straightforward procedure, but it has its deadlines, its paperwork and its fee, and it pays to get it right so you avoid nasty surprises. In this guide we explain, step by step, how to transfer a car in Castellón, how much it costs, how long you have, and what happens when the car is financed.
Transfer steps at the DGT and the paperwork you need
The transfer is processed at the DGT and consists of changing the owner shown on the vehicle's registration certificate (permiso de circulación). You can do it in person at a Traffic office with a prior appointment, online with a digital certificate, or by handing it over to an agent or the dealer itself. In essence, the steps are these:
- Gather all the documentation for the car and for both buyer and seller.
- Sign the sales contract between the two parties.
- Pay the Transfer Tax (ITP) to the regional government, where applicable.
- Pay the DGT fee and submit the change-of-ownership application.
- Receive the new registration certificate in your name.
For Traffic to accept the procedure, you need to have the following documents to hand:
- A valid DNI or NIE for both the buyer and the seller (if you are a foreign resident, your NIE is essential).
- The vehicle's registration certificate (permiso de circulación) in the seller's name.
- The technical data sheet (tarjeta ITV) with a valid roadworthiness test (ITV). If the inspection has expired, it must be passed first.
- The sales contract signed by both parties.
- Proof of payment of the fee and, where applicable, of the ITP settlement.
If you are unsure whether a car you like has a valid ITV, our guide to the ITV in Castellón before buying a car will help. And to buy with every legal safeguard, see our full guide to buying a used car in Castellón.
Fees and deadlines: how much it costs and how long you have
There are two things worth being very clear about before you start: how much it costs and how long you have.
The DGT fee for transferring a passenger car is 55.15 €. This is the official fee that Traffic charges to change the owner of a private-use car. On top of that amount you may also pay the Transfer Tax (ITP), which each regional government manages based on the value and age of the vehicle, plus a handling charge if you entrust the procedure to a professional.
As for the deadline, you have 30 days from the date of purchase to complete the change of ownership at the DGT. This is an important detail: if you let that deadline pass, you risk penalties and complications if the car is still registered in the previous owner's name (fines, taxes or incidents that are not yours). That is why it is best to start the transfer as soon as possible, ideally on the same day as the purchase or in the days immediately after.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| DGT fee (passenger car) | 55.15 € |
| Deadline to transfer | 30 days from purchase |
| Transfer Tax (ITP) | Depends on region, value and age |
| ITV | Must be valid |
Financed cars: the reserva de dominio and what it means
A point that is often overlooked: if the car you are buying was financed, it may have a reserva de dominio (retention of title) in favour of the lender that granted the loan. The retention of title is a guarantee that appears as a charge on the vehicle's DGT report, and it means the lender keeps certain rights over the car until the loan is fully repaid.
In practice, this can limit or block the transfer: you won't be able to put the car in your name as normal until the debt is settled or the lender authorises the change. That is why, before buying any used car, it is essential to request the DGT report and check that there are no outstanding charges, liens or retentions of title. Buying a car with a hidden charge can turn into a serious problem.
The good news is that when you buy from a reputable dealer, all of this has already been verified: the car is sold free of charges and with a clean DGT report. It is one of the big differences compared with buying from a private seller.
We handle it for you: no more DGT queues
At General Car's we know that Traffic paperwork puts a lot of people off: the appointments, the queues, the forms and the fear of getting a detail wrong. That is why, when you buy your car from us, we take care of the transfer and change of ownership for you.
We prepare all the paperwork, pay the relevant fees and complete the procedure at the DGT so you don't have to lose a single morning queuing. You receive the car with all the paperwork in order, the registration certificate in your name and everything ready for you to drive with peace of mind. On top of that, we check in advance that the car is free of charges, with a valid ITV and a clean DGT report.
If you have any questions about the change of ownership of a specific car in our catalogue, you can ask Carmen, our virtual assistant, at any time of the day or night: she knows our entire stock and answers you instantly. You can browse the available cars in our catalogue section or message us from the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the change of ownership cost?
The DGT fee for transferring a passenger car is 55.15 €. On top of that official fee you may also pay the Transfer Tax (ITP), which is managed by the regional government depending on the car's value and age, plus a handling charge if a professional processes it for you.
How long do I have to transfer the car?
You have 30 days from the date of purchase to complete the change of ownership at the DGT. After that deadline you can face penalties, so it is best to start the transfer as soon as possible.
What if the car is financed?
If the car has a reserva de dominio (retention of title) in favour of a lender, that charge appears on the car's DGT report and limits the transfer until the loan is paid off or the lender authorises the change. Before buying, it is worth checking the DGT report to make sure there are no outstanding charges.
Can you handle it for me?
Yes. At General Car's we take care of the transfer and change of ownership for you: we prepare the paperwork, pay the fees and complete the process at the DGT so you don't have to waste time queuing. You receive the car with all the paperwork in order.