Driving a Car That Belongs to a Deceased Person?
Even if the vehicle is insured and the road tax is paid, it is strictly prohibited to drive a car that is still registered under the name of a deceased person.
Here’s why, according to Spanish traffic law and the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico):
Legal responsibility ends with the owner’s death
Once the registered owner passes away, their legal capacity ends, and the vehicle must be transferred to the heirs through the official inheritance process.
This means you cannot legally circulate with the car, even if it appears roadworthy and insured.
Required steps before using the vehicle:
Register the change of ownership at the DGT
Present documents such as:
Death certificate
Proof of inheritance or will
Acceptance of inheritance
ID and tax documents of the new owner
Pay the inheritance and transfer taxes (if applicable)
Driving it anyway? Risk of fines & immobilisation
Using a vehicle under the name of a deceased person may result in:
Fines
Vehicle immobilisation
Insurance problems in case of an accident
To avoid problems, update the ownership as soon as possible, even if the car is not being used regularly.
Here are two useful links depending on the situation of the vehicle after the owner’s death:
Transfer of a Vehicle Due to the Owner’s Death With a Named Heir
Vehicle Transfer Upon Death of the Owner Without a Designated Beneficiary
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