Imported vehicles · All the Canary Islands
Registering a foreign vehicle in the Canaries, step by step without getting lost
Brought a car, motorbike or van from the UK, Germany, Italy or outside the EU? I prepare the engineer's technical documents the ITV requires to register it in Spain — the reduced technical sheet in 24-48 h — and I map out the remaining steps so you don't go round in circles.
The steps to register an imported vehicle in the Canaries
- Origin documents: foreign technical sheet, registration document from the origin country and, if it exists, the CoC (EU certificate of conformity).
- Spanish technical documents: when there's no CoC or it isn't enough, the ITV requires the reduced technical sheet signed by a qualified engineer. That's my part: delivered in 24-48 h.
- Registration ITV: physical inspection at your island's station with all the documents.
- Taxes: whichever apply to your case in the Canaries (registration tax/IGIC depending on vehicle and origin).
- DGT registration: definitive Spanish plates.
If the vehicle also carries unapproved modifications (suspension, camper conversion, tow bar...), that same ITV will spot them — better to regularise everything at once. I'll flag it when reviewing your documents.
EU vs. non-EU
EU vehicles are more straightforward (harmonised documents and often a CoC). Non-EU vehicles (including the UK since Brexit) usually need more technical documentation and customs first. Either way, the engineering part is the same: identifying the vehicle and certifying its technical characteristics for the ITV.
Start now
Fill in the form with make, model and VIN and within 24 working hours I'll confirm exactly what your case needs and the fixed price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the CoC and what if I don't have it?
It's the manufacturer's EU certificate of conformity, proving the vehicle meets EU type approval. If you don't have one — common with non-EU imports or older vehicles — the engineer-signed reduced sheet fulfils that role for the ITV.
How long does the whole thing take?
My part, the reduced sheet, takes 24-48 h with complete documents. The total depends on your island's ITV appointment, customs (if applicable) and taxes. Well-prepared paperwork avoids the most common delay: the ITV rejecting your file.
Does it work for motorbikes and foreign campers?
Yes: motorbikes, cars, vans and campers. If the camper was factory-converted or carries a foreign conversion, I check what the Spanish ITV recognises and what needs homologating here.
Do you work in Tenerife and Gran Canaria?
Yes, on all 8 islands: the engineering part is 100% online. You take the ITV at your nearest station.