Duplicate ficha técnica: how to spot mileage drops

The ficha técnica (vehicle registration document), also known as the ITV card (Spain's MOT-style inspection certificate), is an essential document that certifies a vehicle's technical characteristics and its fitness to be on the road. Losing it, having it damaged or being the victim of a theft can cause problems, but getting a duplicate is a straightforward process.

A duplicate can also point to some irregularity in the historic ITV mileage record. In any case, that history can be checked through Carfax or a full DGT report (Dirección General de Tráfico, Spain's traffic authority; the latter also shows the historic ITV records, including any defects).

Why do people apply for a duplicate ficha técnica?

The most common reasons for requesting a duplicate are:

• Loss: accidental loss of the document.
• Damage: when the ficha técnica is damaged or illegible.
• Theft: if the vehicle or the paperwork has been stolen.
• Plate change: when the vehicle's registration plate is changed.
• Major modifications: after significant changes to the vehicle that require the ficha técnica to be updated.

Where and how do you apply for the duplicate?

Only the vehicle keeper or a third party with express authorisation to represent them can obtain the duplicate, and the procedure varies by type of ficha técnica:

• Paper ficha técnica (vehicles registered before May 2016): the duplicate must be requested at an authorised ITV station.
• Electronic ficha técnica (eITV, vehicles registered from May 2016): the duplicate can be requested through the DGT via:

1. The DGT electronic office.
2. The miDGT mobile app.
3. Calling 060.
4. In person, by appointment, at a Traffic Office (Jefatura u Oficina de Tráfico).

It is important to note that there are exceptional cases (vehicles with more than one keeper, in baja / de-registered status, with a historic plate, and so on) that need a specific procedure.

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Paperwork required

To process the duplicate, you generally need:

• The vehicle's permiso de circulación (registration certificate).
• The applicant's identity document.
• A police report in the case of theft.
• The original ficha técnica, if it is damaged, or for recording modifications.
• Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.

It is advisable to check with the relevant office to confirm the documents needed for your specific case.

How to spot mileage drops if the vehicle has a duplicate ficha técnica

Applying for a duplicate ficha técnica can also be a chance to check the vehicle's history and detect possible odometer tampering. Tools such as the CARFAX report provide detailed information on the vehicle's history, including mileage records, inspections, previous keepers and more.

In short

Getting a duplicate ficha técnica is a necessary process in several situations. Using tools such as CARFAX can help you spot possible mileage irregularities and give the keeper greater peace of mind.

At Veiko we work with transparency and commitment towards our professional customers. That is why every vehicle listing includes both an OBD report, generated from an electronic diagnosis of the car, and a fully free CARFAX report. That way we make sure the information on mileage and vehicle condition is clear, verifiable and reliable.