If you own a car in Spain, eventually you’ll need to renew its roadworthiness certification (ITV renewal).  Known as the M.O.T. in the United Kingdom, or the D.O.T. in the United States, the roadworthiness sticker is named ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos) in Spain.  Renewing ITV is actually very straightforward.

How to renew your vehicle ITV in Spain. Read more about the ITV renewal on Almunecarinfo.com


What Is The ITV?

It is an inspection of your vehicle to make sure it meets the roadworthiness standards established in Spain.  It is compulsory, and if you drive a vehicle without the proper ITV certificate, expect fines, and even the confiscation of your driver’s licence.  The government website, ITV.com.es, is a good place to start if you have questions.  You’ll be able to find your nearest station, and all of the requirements.

This article details the requirements and items necessary for ITV renewal for a vehicle that is already registered in Spain.  If you’re bringing in a new vehicle from a country outside of Spain, the process is more involved, and outside the scope of this article.

ITV Renewal - A quick How-To guide for renewing your car's ITV

How Often Should I Renew ITV?

The ITV website above explains the renewal timeframes, but generally, they are:

  • Cars that are new are tested after four years, and then need to be inspected every two years until the car is 10 years old.
  • Cars over 10 years old need to be inspected every year.
  • New mopeds, quads, and motorcycles are tested after 5 years, and then every two years until the age of 10.
  • Any car over the age of 10 is required to be inspected and tested every year.

If your vehicle falls outside those I listed above, check the ITV website for details specific to your situation.

What Items Do I Need For ITV Renewal?

First and foremost, you need:

A vehicle in good working condition!  It may sound obvious, but it’s easy to overlook those “minor” things on your car that you keep meaning to fix.  Like those balding tires, or right headlamp that isn’t as bright as it used to be.  The inspector will be examining the following items:

  • Emissions
  • Tire tread
  • Lights and Lighting
  • Brakes
  • Steering
  • Wheel Alignment
  • Shock Absorbers

Before you have your car inspected, make sure everything is working properly.  If you are unable to make the repairs yourself, talk to your local car mechanic, explain that you are renewing ITV, and they’ll know exactly what to do.  Some mechanics offer a service where they will not only get your car ready for inspection, but they’ll take the car to the ITV station for you for a fee.  If that’s something that interests you, ask.

What Is The Cost Of ITV Renewal?

The cost of the renewal depends on the type/size of vehicle, and can vary between provinces.  Here in Andalucía, the ITV stations are run by a private company called Veiasa.  They have a wealth of information on their website that mirrors the government ITV website.  In terms of the cost of ITV renewal, the following site can tell you the cost of renewing:


Once there, click on the icon of the type of vehicle that you own, and you’ll be shown those fees.  It’s pretty simple.

What Documentation Do I Need?

You will need to provide the following documents for the ITV inspection:

  • The Inspecciones Técnicas or technical sheet (typically blue sheet)
  • The Permiso de Circulación (the green sheet)permiso-de-circulacion-itv-renewal
  • The compulsory vehicle insurance card or last payment receipt

You may also need to provide some sort of ID (NIE, etc.).

What Is The Process?

Here in Almuñécar, the process is very straightforward, and the following list should get you started:

  1. Know when your ITV renewal needs to be done.  It will be listed on the Permiso de Circulación under the matriculation date (Letter I).  For new cars, your first renewal will be required four years after that date.  Used cars will be two years from the last ITV inspection which is listed on the Inspecciones Técnicas.
  2. Schedule your ITV inspection via phone or the ITV Cita website (https://www.itvcita.com).  It’s very easy.  Just specify your matriculation (license plate) and the last 6 digits of your Vehicle Identification Number (listed on both the Permiso de Circulación and Inspecciones Técnicas).  If you need to get your car repaired or inspected by a mechanic before the ITV inspection, give yourself some lead time before the ITV inspection.  Schedule your inspection early in the day if possible.  (I explain why at the end of this post.)
  3. On the day of your inspection, go to the ITV station in Motríl.  It’s very easy to get there.  Take the N-340 to Motríl, and take the last exit of the third roundabout.  The building is located on the right side, and is well-marked.
  4. Go inside the building (sorry — the taking of pictures or video inside is prohibited), and walk up to one of the kiosks.  Enter your license plate number, and the machine will spit out a ticket.ITV-Motril-Building-2-itv-renewal
  5. When there is a person available to assist you, your ticket number will show up on the screen.
  6. Pay your fees, and then wait outside.
  7. Outside is a large display showing the vehicles, and the inspection lane.ITV-Motril-Inspection-Queue-itv-renewal
  8. When you see your license plate listed, drive to the appropriate lane.ITV-Inspection-Bay-itv-renewal
  9. (Once again, no pictures/video allowed). Follow the instructions given to you by the inspector.  The inspector will tell you to turn on/off your vehicle, turn on the lights (low/high beam, fog lights, emergency lights), sound your horn, etc.
  10. If you pass, then you’ll be given your paperwork back, and the much-coveted ITV sticker, and you can be on your way.
  11. Clean the upper-right part of your windscreen/windshield, and affix the sticker (on the inside of course).

What If My Vehicle Failed The ITV Inspection?

If you failed the inspection, you’ll be given back your documentation, and the sheet will have a stamp with the word “Disfavorable”.  It means unfavorable, but it will also tell you the reasons of the failure.  They don’t have time to explain the faults, but the information they provided you will tell you exactly what needs to be remediated.

You have one month to return to the ITV station for another test, assuming you have all of the failed items fixed.  If you are able to fix the items the same day, you can bring your vehicle back, and have it tested again without charge.  (That is why I suggested you schedule your ITV inspection early in the day, instead of at the end of the day.)

If you can’t get the items fixed by the end of the day, but fixed within 15 days, you will usually be given a discount on the next ITV inspection.  After 15 days, you’ll be charged the full amount.


The entire process is very well laid-out, and was very efficient.  Remember the following websites can help you prepare for your ITV renewal:

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View posts by Alan
Alan loves travel and technology and has a great sense of humor. He and his family have lived in Almuñécar since Aug 2012. You may also view their family travel blog, Wagoners Abroad, at http://wagonersabroad.com

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