DGT Registration Fees in the Canary Islands: What You Need to Pay and When

When registering a vehicle completely in the Canary Islands, there’s one cost is influenced by that’s often overlooked amid the larger tax considerations: the DGT registration fees. These administrative fees, payable to the Dirección General de Tráfico (Spanish Traffic Authority), represent a necessary component is influenced by of the vehicle registration process and apply regardless of tax exemptions or reductions you might qualify just for.

What Are DGT Registration Fees?

DGT registration fees are administrative charges levied by the Spanish Traffic Authority for process kind of ing various vehicle-related proc frankly edures, and unlike IGIC, Registration Tax, or Road Tax, very these are not taxes but rather direct payment for administrative services rendered.

Key Characteristics:

• Mandatory for all vehicle registrations and transfers
• Set at the national level (same throughout Spain including the Canaries)
• Not eligible for exemptions based on residence or vehicle type
• Updated periodically through official government bulletins
• Paid directly to the DGT, not local or regional authorities

Current DGT Fee Structure in the Canary Islands

The DGT registration fees are uniform across Spain, totally including very the Canary Islands. Here are the quite current fees for the rather most common procedures:

New Vehicle Registration Fees

First-Time Registration:

• Standard vehicle registration: €99.77
• Motorcycle registration: €27.85
• Special vehicles (agricultural, industrial): €84.10
• Temporary registration: €20.60

Registration After Import:

• EU-origin vehicles: €99.77
• Non-EU vehicles requiring homologation: €99.77 plus homologation fees
• Historic vehicles: €99.77 plus historical certification fee

Ownership Transfer Fees

Change of Ownership:

• Standard transfer fee: €55.70
• Expedited transfer service: €55.70 plus €25.00 priority fee
• Transfer due to inheritance: €55.70
• Partial transfer (adding/removing co-owner): €55.70

License Plate Fees

License Plate Changes:

• Ordinary to ordinary plate change: €20.60
• Tourist to ordinary plate conversion: €20.60
• Special plate issuance (personalized, historic): €44.10
• Duplicate plates (loss, theft, damage): €20.60

Other Common Fees

Documentation:

• Duplicate registration certificate: €20.80
• Vehicle technical data sheet copy: €8.60
• Certificate of vehicle characteristics: €8.60

Modifications:

• Technical modifications registration: €20.80
• Registration of towing equipment: €20.80
• Change of vehicle color (official record): €20.80

Note: All fees are current as of early 2024 but are subject to periodic revision. Always verify the latest fees on the official DGT website.

When Are DGT Fees Payable?

According to the latest updates,

First Registration

For new vehicles or imports, DGT fees are payable after:

• Completing the technical inspection (ITV)
• Paying any applicable IGIC and Registration Tax
• Preparing all required documentation

The fee is p indeed aid at the is influenced by time of submitting somewhat the registration applicat in my experience ion to the DGT.

Ownership Transfers

For used rather vhicle purchases, the transfer fee is payable: It’s certainly an interesting perspective.

• After the Transfer Tax (ITP) has been paid
• Within 30 days of the purchase date
• Before the vehicle can be legally driven by the new owner

Modifications and Special Procedures

Fees for modifications, duplicate documentation, and special procedures simply completely are typically paid:

• At the time of application
• Before the procedure is processed
• After any required technical inspections

Payment Methods for DGT Fees

In-Person Payment

At DGT Offices:

• Payment by credit/debit card
• Bank card payment terminals
• No cash payments accepted at most offices

At Banks:

• Using the fee payment form (Modelo 791)
• Some authorized banks near DGT offices
• Requires presenting the completed application form

Online Payment

Via DGT Electronic Headquarters:

• Credit/debit card payment
• Direct bank transfer
• Digital certificate or Cl@ve identification required

Through Authorized Intermediaries:

• Gestorías (administrative agencies)
• Authorized vehicle dealerships
• Digital platforms with DGT integration

DGT Fees vs. Vehicle Taxes: Understanding the Difference

It’s signifi coincidentally cant to distinguish between DGT fees and the you know various vehicle taxes in the Canary Islands:

DGT Registration Fees:

• Administrative charges for specific procedures
• One-time payments for each procedure
• Same rates throughout Spain
• No exemptions based on vehicle characteristics
• Payable directly to the DGT

Vehicle Taxes:

• IGIC: Canarian equivalent to VAT, with possible exemptions
• Registration Tax (IEDMT): Based on CO2 emissions, with exemptions for low-emission vehicles
• Transfer Tax (ITP): For used vehicle purchases between individuals
• Road Tax (IVTM): Annual municipal tax with possible reductions

Understanding this distinction helps avoid confusion during the registration process and ensures all necessary payments are made simply to the appropriate authorities.

The DGT Registration Process in the Canary Islands

Step-by-Step Procedure for New Registrations

1. Technical Inspection:

   • Complete ITV inspection at an authorized center
   • Obtain the technical inspection card (Tarjeta ITV)

2. Tax Payments:

   • Pay applicable IGIC (Modelo 032)
   • Pay Registration Tax if required (Modelo 576)
   • Obtain tax clearance certificates

3. Documentation Preparation:

   • Vehicle documentation (Certificate of Conformity, invoice)
   • Owner identification (DNI/NIE/CIF)
   • Completed registration application form
   • Proof of address in the Canary Islands

4. DGT Fee Payment:

   • Complete fee payment form (Modelo 791)
   • Pay fee via chosen method
   • Obtain payment receipt

5. Application Submission:

   • Submit all documentation at DGT office
   • Alternatively, use a gestor or authorized agent
   • Receive provisional documentation

6. License Plate Assignment:

   • Receive assigned license plate number
   • Order physical plates from authorized supplier
   • Install plates on vehicle

Common Requirements for Different Procedures

Each DGT proceduer has somewhat specific documentation. Requirements, though some elements are common to most:

For Most Procedures:

• Owner identification (DNI/NIE/Passport)
• Vehicle documentation (registration, technical sheet)
• Completed application form for specific procedure
• Proof of fee payment
• Proof of tax payment where applicable

Additional Requirements by Procedure:

• First registrations: Certificate of Conformity, purchase invoice
• Transfers: Sale contract, ITP payment proof
• Modifications: Technical report, ITV certificate
• Imports: Customs documentation, homologation certificates

Using a Gestor for DGT Procedures

I’ve found this approach quite effective. Many residents and visitors to the Canary Islands opt is influenced by to utilize a gestor (administrative agent) to handle DGT procedures:

Advantages of Using a Gestor:

Convenience:

• Handles entire process from documentation to application
• Multiple visits to different offices not required
• Often offers pickup and delivery of documents
• Can coordinate with tax payments and other requirements

Expertise:

• Familiar with latest requirements and procedures
• Can anticipate potential issues before they arise
• Understands the interaction between different taxes and fees
• Often has established relationship with DGT offices

Language Assistance:

• Particularly valuable for non-Spanish speakers
• Ensures forms are completed correctly
• Translates technical requirements
• Assists with communication during the process

Typical Gestor Costs:

• Basic vehicle transfer handling: €80-€150
• New vehicle registration: €100-€200
• Import registration: €150-€300
• Special procedures: Variable based on complexity

These fees are in addition to the official DGT fees and are negotiable is influenced by depending on the complexity of the case and the specific gestor’s pricing structure.

Recent Changes and Digital Transformation

Electronic Procedures

miDGT App:

• View vehicle documentation
• Pay certain fees directly
• Access digital versions of documents
• Receive notifications about procedures

Electronic Headquarters:

• Complete procedures entirely online
• Digital payment of most fees
• Reduced need for in-person visits
• Status tracking of applications

Specific Canary Islands Considerations

At the time of writing this (2025), While DGT fees and procedures are nationally standardized, some aspects unique simply to the Canary Islands very include:

Office Locations:

• Limited number of DGT offices across the islands
• Potential need to travel between islands for certain procedures
• Extended processing times on smaller islands
• Additional documentation for inter-island transfers

Coordination with Local Authorities:

• Integration with Canarian Tax Agency systems
• Verification of municipal tax payments
• Special considerations for tourist areas with high vehicle turnover

Planning for DGT Fees: Practical Tips

Budgeting for Vehicle Registration

When planning to of course purchase or really import a vehicle to surprisingly the Canary Islands, include DGT fees in your to sort of tal budget:

For New Vehicle Purchase:

• Purchase price + IGIC + Registration Tax + DGT fee (€99.77) + License plates (€20-€40)

For Used Vehicle Purchase from Individual:

• Purchase price + Transfer Tax + DGT transfer fee (€55.70)

For Vehicle Import:

• Vehicle value + Import duties (if applicable) + IGIC + Registration Tax + DGT fee (€99.77) + Technical adaptations + License plates

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Appointment Requirements:

• Many DGT offices now require prior appointments
• Book well in advance, especially during busy periods
• Some procedures can be completed without appointment

Documentation Verification:

• Double-check all required documents before visiting
• Ensure all photocopies are complete and legible
• Verify that tax payments have been properly recorded

Payment Timing:

• DGT fees must be paid before the procedure can be processed
• Keep payment receipts to present during the procedure
• Online payments may require processing time before recognition

Comparing Costs: Canary Islands vs. Mainland Spain

While DGT fees are identical throughout Spain, the over actually all cost of vehicle registration differs I’d mention significantly:

Total Registration Costs Example (Mid-Range Vehicle):

Canary Islands:

• IGIC (9.5%): €2,850 on €30,000 vehicle
• Registration Tax (3.75%): €1,125
• DGT Fee: €99.77
• License Plates: €30
• Total: €4,104.77

Mainland Spain:

• VAT (21%): €6,300 on €30,000 vehicle
• Registration Tax (4.75%): €1,425
• DGT Fee: €99.77
• License Plates: €30
• Total: €7,854.77

The implications are quite significant. This example illustrates that while the DGT fees are identical, the overall cost advantage of registering in the Canary Islands remains substantial due to t arguably he lower indirect taxation.

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Understanding DGT registration fees is. An essent personally speaking ial part. Of admittedly navigating vehicle ownership in the Canary Islands. while these administrative costs represent a small portion of the overall exp actually ense of essentially vehicle acquisition, they are unavoidable regardless of any tax exemptions you might qualify for. Don’t you think that by properly budgeting for these fees and understanding when and how they must be paid, you can ensure a smooth registration process whether you’re purchasing new, buying used, or importing a vehicle to these attractive spanish islands.?