Don’t Export Too Soon: The DVLA Trap That Could Leave Your Vehicle Undriveable in Spain
At Car Registrations Spain we’ve seen a sharp rise in UK vehicle owners falling into the same costly trap: prematurely notifying the DVLA that their car is being exported to Spain before the vehicle has even left the UK or begun the Spanish registration process.
Here’s the problem:
When you notify the DVLA that your vehicle is being exported, they update the UK record to reflect that the car is no longer in the country. Under UK law, this doesn’t automatically make the vehicle illegal abroad, you can still insure it and (in theory) drive it overseas.
However, Spanish law views it very differently.
In Spain, a vehicle that has been marked as exported from its country of origin is considered “dado de baja”… a deregistered vehicle. And here’s the key part:
A deregistered vehicle cannot be driven on public roads in Spain.
It doesn’t matter if the MOT is still valid. It doesn’t matter if the insurance is in place. If it’s been marked as exported, Spanish authorities treat it as deregistered, a vehicle that has been removed from the system.
What this means for you:
– You cannot legally drive the vehicle in Spain, even to the ITV station.
– It may not be insurable in a way that satisfies Spanish traffic authorities.
– In many cases, the only option is to trailer or tow the vehicle, which adds time and expense.
What should you do instead?
Simple: Do not notify the DVLA of export until we advise you to.
Let your vehicle remain “active” in the UK system until the Spanish registration is completed.
At Car Registrations Spain, we:
Handle all paperwork and appointments.
Advise you on the correct timing to notify UK authorities.
Ensure your vehicle remains legally operable throughout the process.
Final Thought:
Telling the DVLA your vehicle is being exported before it’s time might feel like ticking a box, but in Spain, that one tick can turn your car into a legal liability. Avoid the headache. Get proper advice. Let us help.
Questions? Send us a message and our friendly team will guide you step-by-step.
info@car-registrations-spain.com
+34 868 990 576
+44 (0)2380 200 706
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Car Registrations Spain S.L. is the leading vehicle registration service of pre-registered foreign vehicles in Spain. If you have a foreign registered vehicle that you would like to register on to Spanish plates or think we can be of service, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team.
info@car-registrations-spain.com
+34 868 990 576
+44 (0)2380 200 706
