Skip to content
CarVinVin

Importing a US car to Spain

Shipping a car from the USA to Spain? Here is how the import and registration work — and the checks to run before you pay, because a US auction car's history is exactly what you cannot see in the photos.

Check the car before you ship it

Most cheap US cars are salvage-auction cars. Before you send money, decode the VIN and look for a salvage title or odometer rollback — it is free.

How to import a US car to Spain

  1. 1

    Check the VIN first. Salvage, flood and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars — decode the VIN and read the history before you buy.

  2. 2

    Ship it and clear customs. Send the car by RoRo or container; on arrival it must clear customs, where import duty and VAT apply (see the rates note below).

  3. 3

    Pass individual approval. A US-spec car has no EU type-approval, so it is inspected one by one via homologación individual (Ministerio de Industria) — US lighting and emissions usually need converting.

  4. 4

    Register it. Register the car with DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) to get local plates and documents.

Duty, VAT and taxes

Import duty and VAT apply when the car enters Spain. The EU–US tariff position changed in 2025–2026, so do not rely on an old figure — check the current rate with the official EU tool and Spain's customs authority linked below.

Spain also charges a one-time registration tax — IEDMT (registration tax, Modelo 576). Confirm the amount with the authority below; it usually depends on engine size, CO2 or value.

Check current duty & VAT

Documents you will need

  • The US Certificate of Title (the original vehicle title)
  • The bill of sale or purchase invoice
  • Customs clearance proof (that duty and VAT were paid)
  • The individual-approval certificate from the inspection
  • Motor insurance for the car
  • Your ID and proof of residence

Official sources

Sources last checked: 2026-07-08

This is a general guide, not legal or customs advice. Rules, taxes and rates change — always confirm the current requirements with the official authorities linked above before you buy or ship.

Importing a US car to Spain — FAQ

Can I import a salvage or rebuilt US car to Spain?
Usually yes — Spain does not ban salvage-title cars outright, but an imported car must pass the local inspection or approval, and a poorly repaired salvage car often fails it. Check the VIN for a salvage, rebuilt or flood brand before you buy: the US title brand follows the car even when the paperwork looks clean.
How much does it cost to import a car from the USA to Spain?
On top of the purchase price and shipping, budget for Spain's import duty, VAT and any registration tax. The exact rates change and depend on the car, so confirm them with the official customs authority linked below before you commit — a wrong guess can cost thousands.
What documents do I need to import a US car to Spain?
At a minimum: the US Certificate of Title, the bill of sale, the shipping and customs-clearance papers, and proof of identity. Spain's registration authority may ask for more, so check the official links below for the current requirements.
Should I check the VIN before importing a US car?
Yes, always — and do it before you pay. Salvage, flood damage and odometer rollback are common on US auction cars and are invisible in the listing photos. Decoding the VIN and reading the history is free and takes seconds.

Related free tools