Request a Duplicate Permiso de Circulación

The Permiso de Circulación is a fundamental document in Spain that identifies the ownership and characteristics of your vehicle, allowing it to legally circulate on public roads. It is a legal requirement, alongside the Tarjeta de ITV (vehicle inspection card), to operate any vehicle within the national territory. This comprehensive guide details the procedure for vehicle owners to obtain a duplicate of their Permiso de Circulación through the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in situations where the original document has been lost, stolen, or damaged. The duplicate issued will contain precisely the same information as your original permit, ensuring your vehicle remains compliant without altering any registered data.

Understanding the Permiso de Circulación: Your Vehicle's Identity Card

The Permiso de Circulación is the official administrative document that proves a vehicle is authorized to circulate in Spain. It is issued by the DGT and contains crucial information about the vehicle and its registered owner. This includes the vehicle's registration number (matrícula), make and model, chassis number, engine capacity, fuel type, number of seats, and the owner's name and address.

Unlike the Tarjeta de ITV (often referred to as the vehicle's technical sheet), which certifies the vehicle's technical fitness and compliance with safety and environmental standards, the Permiso de Circulación is primarily concerned with the vehicle's legal identity and ownership. Both documents are indispensable for legal circulation, and their absence can lead to fines or immobilization of the vehicle.

Why a Duplicate Might Be Necessary

You will need to request a duplicate Permiso de Circulación if your original document is:

• Lost (pérdida): You no longer have the physical document and cannot locate it.
• Stolen (robo): The document has been taken from you or your vehicle. It is advisable to report the theft to the police first, though this is not a mandatory prerequisite for the DGT duplicate process.
• Damaged or Deteriorated (deterioro): The document is no longer legible, complete, or in a condition to be easily identifiable, due to wear and tear, accidents, or other damage.

In all these cases, the objective is to obtain an exact copy with the same data and validity as the original, allowing you to continue using your vehicle legally.

When to Request a Duplicate vs. Other DGT Procedures

It's crucial to understand that requesting a duplicate Permiso de Circulación is specifically for replacing a lost, stolen, or damaged document with identical information. It is not the procedure for updating vehicle or owner details. Confusing these processes can lead to delays and complications.

You do not need a duplicate if:

• Changes to Owner Data: If your name, surname, or company legal name has changed, or if there's a change in the tax address of the vehicle. These situations require a renovación del Permiso de Circulación por cambio de datos (renewal due to data change), not a duplicate.
• Changes to Vehicle Technical Data: If your vehicle has undergone significant modifications (reformas de importancia), such as engine changes, structural alterations, or changes in its service type (e.g., from private to public transport). These require a renovación del Permiso de Circulación to reflect the new technical specifications, often after an ITV inspection.
• Change of Vehicle Service: If the vehicle's intended use changes (e.g., from private car to taxi, or vice-versa). This also requires a renewal.
• Transfer of Ownership: When a vehicle is bought or sold, the new owner must initiate a transferencia de vehículo (vehicle transfer) procedure to change the registered owner in the DGT records and obtain a new Permiso de Circulación in their name.
• Initial Registration: For newly purchased or imported vehicles that are being registered for the first time in Spain, a matriculación (registration) procedure is required, not a duplicate.

Preparing Your Duplicate Request: Essential Steps and Documents

Before initiating your duplicate request, gathering the necessary information and documents will streamline the process. The requirements can vary slightly depending on the chosen application channel, but some fundamentals remain constant.

Prerequisites Before Application

1. Verify Vehicle Status: The DGT recommends checking that your vehicle does not have any restrictions for circulation (e.g., pending administrative blocks, outstanding fines linked to the vehicle). You can typically obtain a informe reducido (reduced vehicle report) from the DGT's Sede Electrónica for free, which provides basic information and indicates any restrictions.
2. Digital Authentication (for online/miDGT): If you plan to apply online or via the miDGT app, you will need a valid digital identification method:
   • Certificado digital (digital certificate)
   • DNI electrónico (electronic National Identity Document)
   • Cl@ve (Cl@ve PIN or Cl@ve Permanente)
3. Proof of Identity and Residence:
   • DNI (Spanish National Identity Document) for Spanish citizens.
   • NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) along with a passport or residence card for foreign residents.
   • CIF (Tax Identification Code) for companies, along with the DNI of the company representative and proof of representation.
4. Payment of the Fee (Tasa): You will need to pay the corresponding DGT fee (Tasa 4.4). It is often possible to pay this online during the application process or beforehand.

Essential Checklist for Your Application

Use this checklist to ensure you have everything ready before you start the duplicate request process:

• Your Valid ID: DNI (Spanish) or NIE + Passport/Residence Card (Foreign Resident).
• Digital Access Credentials: Certificado digital, DNI electrónico, or Cl@ve (if applying online or via miDGT).
• Vehicle Registration Number (matrícula): Know your vehicle's plate number.
• Payment for Tasa 4.4: Have funds ready for the fee (€20.81, as of current DGT information). Payment can often be made online or by credit card at DGT offices.
• Proof of Representation: If someone else is applying on your behalf, a signed autorización de la DGT (DGT authorization form) or registration in the Registro de apoderamientos (Registry of Powers of Attorney).
• Address for Postal Delivery: Ensure your registered address with DGT is correct, as the duplicate is typically sent by post.

Channels for Requesting Your Duplicate Permiso de Circulación

The DGT offers several convenient channels to request a duplicate Permiso de Circulación. Your choice of channel may depend on your digital access, the urgency of your need, and whether your situation falls under "special cases."

1. Online via DGT Electronic Office (Sede Electrónica)

This is often the quickest and most convenient method if you have digital authentication.

Requirements:

• A valid Certificado digital, DNI electrónico, or Cl@ve for secure access.
• Internet access.

Process:

1. Access the DGT's Sede Electrónica (Electronic Office).
2. Navigate to the "Duplicado del Permiso de Circulación" section.
   • You can typically find this under "Vehículos" > "Duplicado y renovación de documentación."
3. Choose the "Online - Cl@ve - Duplicado PC - Solicitud general" option.
4. Authenticate yourself using your digital credentials.
5. Fill in the required information, including your contact details and the vehicle's registration number.
6. Select "Permiso de Circulación" as the document for which you need a duplicate.
7. Pay the Tasa 4.4 (€20.81) online at the time of the application.
8. Once completed, the DGT will send the duplicate Permiso de Circulación to your registered address via postal mail.

2. Through the miDGT Mobile Application

The miDGT app offers a simplified process for many common DGT procedures, including duplicate requests.

Requirements:

• The miDGT app installed on your smartphone or tablet.
• An active miDGT account, usually linked to your Cl@ve credentials.

Process:

1. Open the miDGT app and log in.
2. Go to the main menu (often represented by three lines or dots).
3. Select "Mis trámites" (My Procedures).
4. Choose "Duplicado de Documentación" (Duplicate Documentation).
5. Select "Permiso de circulación" as the type of duplicate you need.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your details and pay the Tasa 4.4 if required within the app.
7. The duplicate will be dispatched by postal mail to your registered address.

3. By Phone (Calling 060)

For those who prefer phone interaction, the DGT offers a service via the 060 telephone number.

Requirements:

• Access to a phone.
• Ability to answer security questions to verify your identity.
• Prior payment of Tasa 4.4 via DGT's online fee payment service.

Process:

1. Before calling, visit the DGT's online pago de tasas telemático (telepayment of fees) service to pay Tasa 4.4 (€20.81). Keep the payment receipt or reference number.
2. Call 060.
3. You will be asked a series of contrasting questions to verify your identity as the vehicle owner.
4. Provide details of your request and the vehicle's matrícula.
5. Once your identity and fee payment are confirmed, the DGT will process your request and send the duplicate by postal mail.
6. You should expect to receive the document within approximately two weeks from the date of your call.

4. In Person at a Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico or Local Office

If online or phone options are not suitable, you can apply in person at any Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (Provincial Traffic Headquarters) or Oficina Local de Tráfico (Local Traffic Office).

Requirements:

• Prior Appointment (Cita Previa): This is mandatory for almost all in-person DGT procedures. You can book an appointment through the DGT's Sede Electrónica or by calling 060.
• Your DNI or NIE + passport/residence card.
• If a representative is attending, their DNI and a signed autorización de la DGT from the vehicle owner (or proof of representation from the Registro de apoderamientos).
• The completed official application form for vehicle procedures (Mod. 03).
• Payment for Tasa 4.4 (can be paid by credit card at the office; cash is generally not accepted).

Process:

1. Book your cita previa for "Trámites de vehículos" (Vehicle Procedures).
2. On the day of your appointment, bring all required documentation.
3. Present your documents and application form at the assigned window.
4. Pay the Tasa 4.4 if you haven't done so beforehand.
5. The DGT official will process your request. In some cases, a temporary permit might be issued on the spot, but the definitive duplicate will typically be sent by postal mail.

5. Via Correos Offices (Post Offices)

Certain Correos (Spanish Post Office) branches offer DGT services, including duplicate Permiso de Circulación requests. This provides an alternative physical channel.

Requirements:

• Your DNI or NIE + passport/residence card.
• Vehicle registration number.
• Payment for Tasa 4.4 and any additional service fees charged by Correos.

Process:

1. Visit a Correos office that offers DGT services.
2. Inform the staff you wish to request a duplicate Permiso de Circulación.
3. Provide your identification and vehicle details.
4. Pay the DGT fee (Tasa 4.4) and any service charge.
5. Correos will process your application and send it to the DGT. The duplicate will then be sent by DGT via postal mail to your address.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Requesting a Duplicate Permiso de Circulación

This StepList outlines the general flow for requesting a duplicate Permiso de Circulación, assuming you've completed the initial preparations.

Special Cases for Duplicate Requests

Some situations fall under "special cases" and require a different submission channel, typically via the DGT's Registro Electrónico (Electronic Registry), even if applying online. These situations include:

• Vehicles with Multiple Owners (cotitulares): If the vehicle is registered under more than one name.
• Vehicles with Historical Registration (matrícula histórica): Vehicles that have been officially classified as historic.
• Vehicles Owned by a Minor or Person Under Guardianship (menor o tutelado): If the registered owner is a minor or an individual under legal guardianship.
• Agricultural Vehicles (vehículos agrícolas): Special vehicles used for agricultural purposes.

If your vehicle falls into one of these categories, you should access the DGT's Registro electrónico and select the "Duplicado PC - Supuestos especiales (*)" option. This often requires attaching specific documentation related to the special status.

Costs and Payment of the DGT Fee (Tasa 4.4)

The fee for obtaining a duplicate Permiso de Circulación is a standard DGT rate.

| Procedure Type | DGT Fee (Tasa) | Notes