How to Import a Car from Germany as a Private Buyer

Importing a car from Germany is an attractive option for many private buyers because of the range of vehicles available, better prices and good overall condition. The process can look complex if you do not know the right steps. In this guide we explain in detail how to import a car from Germany without the hassle.

Step 1: Finding and checking the vehicle

The first step is to find the right car on online platforms. Before you decide, we recommend:

• Contacting the seller and requesting detailed information.
• Checking the vehicle history. In Germany, histories can be obtained through DAT (Deutsche Automobil Treuhand) or AutoDNA, which provide information on accidents, previous owners, mileage and maintenance. You can also request a report from the KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt), although it only provides certain administrative data. Carfax Europe also offers histories for some cars registered in Germany, although the information can be less detailed. Another very good option is carVertical, which provides slightly more developed vehicle reports than Carfax at European level.
• Arranging an in-person inspection.
• Bringing an OBD device to check for faults if you do not have a trusted mechanic.

If you want to know the different liens a vehicle can have in Spain and how to check them before buying, see our article «liens to check before buying a vehicle».

Step 2: Payment and paperwork

Once you have inspected the car and checked its condition, there are two main ways to pay:

1. Bank transfer: It can take more than 24 hours to complete.
2. Cash payment: If you choose this option, you must carry a bank document certifying the amount you are transporting. At the airport you must show it to the Guardia Civil to obtain authorisation to take the cash. Remember that the maximum amount of cash you can carry is €10,000.

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Step 3: Change of ownership and export plates

After payment, the next step is to formalise the change of ownership at a German traffic office, commonly known as a “Zulassungsstelle” and regulated by the KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt). They are easy to find: there is one in every town. In this process you pay the fees to obtain export plates, identifiable by the red stripe on the right-hand side, valid for 15 to 30 days and costing around €200 to €300. These plates include basic compulsory insurance, so you can drive the vehicle legally during the validity period.

Documents you will receive include:

• Export plates.
• COC (equivalent to the reduced ficha técnica, the vehicle technical data sheet).
• Previous and new registration certificates.

There are also short-term temporary plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen), in use since 1 May 1998. These plates have a yellow stripe on the right showing the expiry date, and are only valid inside Germany for a maximum of five days. Their format starts with a one- to three-letter regional code, followed by a blue regional stamp and the number configuration 03 or 04, plus a numeric series.

Step 4: Arrival in Spain and registering the vehicle

When you arrive in Spain with the imported car, follow these steps:

1. Book an ITV appointment (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos, Spain’s MOT): Submit all the paperwork for validation. The ITV will check that the documents are in order before assigning an appointment for the technical inspection, although this usually does not take long.
2. Spanish temporary plates: If the German export plates expire before the ITV appointment, you will need to obtain temporary green plates through a gestoría (paperwork agency) and take out temporary insurance. These Spanish temporary plates last 2 months.
3. Pass the ITV: Once approved, you will receive three copies of the ficha técnica (vehicle technical data sheet) together with the inspection report and the stamp confirming the vehicle has passed.
4. Registration and definitive plates: Hand the paperwork to the gestoría to complete the process and receive the definitive plates.

Conclusion

Importing a car from Germany can be straightforward if you follow the right steps. It is essential to check the paperwork, plan the payment and make sure you meet the requirements for registration in Spain. If you are ready to take the step, do not let anyone scare you off. Go for it!