Mandatory Documentation All Drivers Must Carry

As a driver it is mandatory to carry your driving licence with you if you are driving, as failure to do so may constitute a criminal offence. If you have a Spanish driving licence, you can potentially access the Mi DGT app on your mobile phone, which can be used as a substitute for your actual licence, and you can carry a notarised copy. These are the only valid alternatives.

As for the vehicle, it is mandatory to carry the “permiso de circulación”, a document which we may refer to as the “logbook” of the car. This document contains information such as the vehicle registration number and the characteristics of the vehicle.

Next is the “tarjeta de inspección técnica”, or the ITV card. This document contains the technical characteristics of the vehicle and the schedule of mandatory inspections. Some very modern vehicles don´t have this card as they will be phased out over time and replaced by a digital version, but if your vehicle has one, then it must be carried in the car.

We must also carry the latest ITV inspection report, as issued by the test centre during the last inspection, unless your vehicle is not yet old enough for the test. This will provide details of the inspection and if any faults were detected during that test.

For Spanish registered vehicle, it is not mandatory to carry your insurance documents, but it is advisable to carry proof of your insurance, including the policy details, as you will be required to exchange these with another driver in the event of an incident. If you are visiting Spain as a tourist, you will be required to carry your insurance documents as you may need to produce these.

It is also advisable to carry the “European Accident Report Form” which you can obtain from your insurance company. This form is available in many different languages and is set out the same in each, thus allowing you to complete the necessary details with another person who doesn´t perhaps speak the same language as you.