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DGT Glossary
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Vehicle registration certificate (permiso de circulación)

Document issued by the Provincial Traffic Office that authorises a vehicle to be driven and identifies the vehicle and its registered keeper.

Definition

The permiso de circulación is the document issued by Spain's Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) that authorises a vehicle to use public roads. It carries the vehicle's identifying data — plate, make, model, intended service, number of seats, maximum authorised mass, power-to-weight ratio and date of first registration — plus the keeper's details. Together with the ITV card and proof of compulsory insurance it makes up the vehicle's paperwork, carried on board and shown to officers on demand; the driver adds their own driving licence.

The vehicle's three documents

The registration certificate authorises the vehicle and names its keeper. The ITV card (ficha técnica) records its technical data and inspection history — it has its own glossary entry. Proof of compulsory insurance completes the set: without valid third-party cover, officers may immobilise the vehicle even when the registration certificate and the driving licence are in order. A bus adds a transport authorisation when the service requires one.

Change of keeper, trailers and withdrawal

The certificate must be renewed whenever the vehicle changes hands: the seller notifies the transfer to the Traffic Office within 10 days of the sale and the buyer applies for the renewal within 30 days of acquiring it; until then the vehicle cannot legally be driven. It is also compulsory for trailers and semi-trailers over 750 kg maximum authorised mass. Officers may request it and even withdraw it from a driver who commits a serious offence or drives without a valid roadworthiness test.

Key facts

  • Issued by the Provincial Traffic Office; it is what authorises the vehicle to be driven on public roads.
  • Carried on board with the ITV card and proof of insurance; the driver adds their driving licence.
  • Lists plate, make, model, service, seats, maximum authorised mass, power-to-weight ratio, first registration date and keeper.
  • The first registration date on it is what sets the roadworthiness test schedule.
  • Compulsory for trailers and semi-trailers over 750 kg maximum authorised mass.
  • Change of keeper: 10 days for the seller to notify, 30 days for the buyer to apply for the renewal.
  • On mopeds and motorcycles, carrying a passenger requires that this is stated on the registration certificate.

Exam tip

The roadworthiness test requires the registration certificate, the ITV card, proof of compulsory insurance and the keeper's ID. An option that adds the road tax receipt is wrong: that tax is required to drive, not to pass the test.

Frequently asked questions

Which vehicle documents must be carried in the car?
The registration certificate, the ITV card (ficha técnica) and proof of compulsory insurance. The driver also carries their driving licence.
What is the difference between the registration certificate and the ITV card?
The registration certificate authorises the vehicle and carries its administrative data and its keeper's details; the ITV card carries the technical data and the inspection history. Both are compulsory on board.
When must the registration certificate be renewed?
Whenever the vehicle changes keeper. The seller notifies the transfer within 10 days and the buyer applies for the renewal within 30 days; until that is done the vehicle cannot legally be driven.

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