A deceased person's car is part of the estate like any other asset. Until it is awarded to an heir, it remains in the deceased's name in the Vehicle Register. The DGT distinguishes two situations, and each has its own procedure.
Situation 1: it is already known who keeps the car
If the estate has been divided and the car awarded to an heir, that heir must change the ownership within a maximum of 90 days from the date of the document naming them as the new owner. The fee is the same as for an ordinary transfer: €55.70 in 2026.
Will or declaration of heirs
Proves who the heirs are. If there was no will, a declaration of heirs must be obtained first.
Award document
If there are several heirs, the document (deed or agreement) stating that the car is awarded to one of them.
Proof of Inheritance Tax
The DGT asks for the form proving payment, exemption or non-liability for Inheritance Tax in the relevant region. In the Valencian Community, spouses, children and parents usually get 99% relief, but the tax return must still be filed.
Registration certificate and technical sheet
With a valid roadworthiness test (ITV) so the car can be driven in the new owner's name.
Situation 2: the estate has not yet been divided
This is the most common case. While the heirs reach an agreement, someone has to look after the car. That is what provisional custody is for: the custodian notifies the DGT within 90 days of the death, and the DGT records the custody and issues a provisional authorisation to drive. The fee is €8.67. The owner's death certificate is enough.
A car registered to a deceased person still incurs road tax, needs insurance and can accumulate fines. Leaving it on the street for months unresolved is the most expensive way to inherit it.
What if no heir wants it?
It can be sold, with the proceeds shared as part of the estate, or deregistered if it has no value. Either way, the inheritance situation must be clear to the DGT. If you are unsure whether to sell or deregister it, see how to deregister a vehicle.
How we handle it at Equus Capital
It is one of the few procedures where traffic and inheritance meet, and we handle both: our legal team processes the inheritance and the Inheritance Tax, and our traffic gestoría puts the car in the heir's name or records the custody in the meantime. All with a single point of contact.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to register an inherited car in my name in Spain?
90 days from the date of the document naming you as the new owner. If the estate has not yet been divided, whoever keeps the car must notify the DGT within 90 days of the death.
How much does it cost to transfer an inherited car?
The DGT fee is €55.70 in 2026, the same as an ordinary transfer. Recording provisional custody costs €8.67.
What documents does the DGT require for an inherited car?
Will or declaration of heirs, award document if there are several heirs, proof of Inheritance Tax, registration certificate and technical sheet.
Is Inheritance Tax payable on the car?
The car is part of the estate and is included in the tax. In the Valencian Community, spouses, children and parents usually get 99% relief, but filing is mandatory.
Can I drive a deceased relative's car?
Only if someone has it recorded under provisional custody or the ownership has already been changed, and always with valid insurance.