How do you transfer car ownership in the Canary Islands?

By MotorCanarias team Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 5 min read

In short

In a private sale, the buyer pays transfer tax (ITP) to the Canary Islands Tax Agency and applies to the DGT for the change of ownership, paying the DGT fee, online, at the Provincial Traffic Office in Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife, or at the local Traffic Offices on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma. The seller must notify the DGT of the sale. When buying from a dealer, the dealer generally handles the transfer and no ITP is due.

Who does what: buyer and seller

The transfer (cambio de titularidad) is how the DGT, Spain's traffic authority, records the new owner. Unlike in the UK, there is no logbook to post off: the buyer has to apply and pay tax. In a private sale the roles are:

Seller: signs the sale contract, hands over the registration certificate (permiso de circulación) and the ITV card with a valid inspection, makes sure there are no charges blocking the transfer, and notifies the DGT of the sale.
Buyer: files and pays ITP with the Canary Islands Tax Agency (ATC), pays the DGT fee and applies for the change of ownership within 30 days of the sale.

Buyer and seller can agree a different split of costs in the contract, but the tax authority treats the buyer as liable for ITP. If you are still choosing a car, start with our guide to buying a used car in the Canaries.

Documents you need

The exact list can vary, so check it on the DGT online portal before booking an appointment. Typically you need:

The application for change of ownership (official DGT form or online form).
The buyer's valid DNI or NIE; foreign buyers also need proof of a Spanish address, usually the padrón certificate (empadronamiento).
The sale contract signed by both parties, showing the date and time.
The vehicle's registration certificate (permiso de circulación).
The ITV card (tarjeta ITV) with a current inspection.
Proof that ITP has been filed and paid with the ATC.
Road tax (IVTM) up to date; the DGT may ask for the latest receipt.
Proof of payment of the DGT fee.

If someone acts on your behalf, you will also need an authorisation or other proof of representation.

Transfer tax on private sales vs buying from a dealer

Private sale: the sale is subject to Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP), a transfer tax that in the Canaries is managed by the ATC. The buyer files the relevant self-assessment on the ATC online portal within the legal deadline. The taxable value may not simply be the contract price: the authority can take official vehicle values into account, so check the calculation on the portal itself.

Dealer sale: the price generally already includes IGIC or the dealer applies the special second-hand goods scheme (REBU), and the buyer does not pay ITP. The dealer usually handles the transfer; ask them to confirm in writing once it is done.

Note that the Canary Islands are outside the EU VAT area: instead of VAT (IVA) there is IGIC, also managed by the ATC.

Step by step: transferring ownership

Before paying, download the vehicle report (Informe de vehículo) from the DGT portal to check for charges, embargoes and ITV status.
Sign the sale contract with the date and time, and collect the registration certificate and ITV card.
File the ITP self-assessment on the ATC portal and keep the proof of payment.
Pay the change of ownership fee on the DGT portal.
Apply for the transfer online on the DGT portal with a digital certificate or Cl@ve, or book an appointment at the Provincial Traffic Office or the local Traffic Office on your island.
Submit the documents and keep the application receipt.
Receive the new registration certificate in your name and check the details are correct.
If you are the seller, confirm with the DGT that the car is no longer in your name, or file a notice of sale.

DGT appointments, provinces and the notice of sale

The Canaries are split into two provinces, each with its own Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico). The DGT also has local Traffic Offices (oficinas locales) on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma; check their location and services on dgt.es:

Las Palmas (Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura): Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Las Palmas.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro): Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

La Gomera and El Hierro have no Traffic Office: if you live there, applying online or using a gestoría saves you a ferry or flight. In-person appointments are booked through the DGT website.

Notice of sale (notificación de venta): the seller must tell the DGT the car has been sold within 10 days of the sale. This records the date from which the seller is no longer responsible for fines, taxes or incidents involving the car, and is especially useful if the buyer is slow to complete the transfer. If you are selling, see also our guide to selling your car in the Canaries.

Transfer costs: who pays what

General information. Taxes, fees and amounts change and depend on each case. Always check the current figures with the official sources linked here or ask a gestoría (licensed paperwork agent).

We do not quote amounts because they change and depend on the vehicle. Always check the current figure with the official source.

Item	Who pays	Where it is paid or managed	Official source
ITP on a private sale	Buyer	Canary Islands Tax Agency (ATC), self-assessment online	ATC
IGIC or REBU on a dealer sale	Generally included in the price	Handled by the dealer	ATC
Change of ownership fee (current fee on the DGT portal)	Buyer, unless agreed otherwise	DGT portal or Provincial Traffic Office	DGT
Notice of sale	Seller (check with the DGT whether a fee applies)	DGT portal or Provincial Traffic Office	DGT
Road tax (IVTM)	Registered keeper	Town hall where the owner is registered	Local town hall
Gestoría fees (optional)	Whoever hires it	Gestoría (licensed paperwork agent)	Gestoría quote

Using a gestoría or doing it yourself

Doing it yourself works if you have a Spanish digital certificate or Cl@ve, are comfortable with forms in Spanish and the case is simple: a car sold between private residents with no charges on it.

A gestoría, a licensed agent that handles official paperwork, is worth it if you are still sorting out your NIE or padrón registration, the car has charges, you live on an island without a Traffic Office (La Gomera or El Hierro), or you want someone to check the ITP calculation. Ask for a written quote listing what is included. For residency paperwork, see our guide to buying a car as a foreigner.

Common problems

Embargoes: an embargo recorded with the DGT blocks the transfer until it is lifted. Check the vehicle report before paying.
Reservation of title: if the car was bought on finance, the lender must cancel the reservation before it can be transferred.
Fines and debts: check for outstanding fines or unpaid bills. The date and time on the contract help prove who had the car at any given moment.
Expired ITV: the DGT will not process the transfer without a valid ITV; the car must pass its inspection first.
Unpaid road tax: outstanding IVTM can hold up the transfer until it is settled with the town hall.
Mismatched details: if the seller is not the owner named on the registration certificate, don't proceed until it is explained.

Bringing a car over from mainland Spain is a different process: see our guide to bringing a car from mainland Spain.

Frequently asked questions

Who has to transfer the car, the buyer or the seller?

The buyer normally applies, and also pays ITP to the ATC and the DGT fee. The seller must hand over the documents and notify the DGT of the sale.

Where do I pay transfer tax on a car in the Canaries?

To the Canary Islands Tax Agency (ATC), through the relevant self-assessment, which can be filed on its online portal. The amount depends on the vehicle.

Can I transfer a car online?

Yes, on the DGT online portal with a digital certificate or Cl@ve. You can also book an appointment at the Provincial Traffic Office in Las Palmas or Santa Cruz de Tenerife or at the local offices on Lanzarote, Fuerteventura and La Palma, or use a gestoría.

What happens if the buyer never completes the transfer?

The car stays in the seller's name with the DGT. That is why the seller should file a notice of sale and keep the dated, timed contract.

Can a car with an embargo be transferred?

Not while the embargo is recorded with the DGT. It has to be lifted first, which is why checking the vehicle report before paying is essential.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice. We review it regularly; if you spot something out of date, let us know through the contact form.