FAQ's
Importing a Car from the United States
Everything you need to know about importing, registering, and owning a U.S. vehicle in Spain.
Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions we receive, explaining how the process works, what to expect, and how we guide you through every stage with clarity and transparency.
Is it easy to import a vehicle from the United States?
In short: no. Importing a vehicle from the United States is a complex and time-consuming process that requires coordination with multiple authorities and service providers. These include U.S. Departments of Motor Vehicles, U.S. Customs, shipping companies, European transporters, Spanish Customs, the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), homologation engineers, and ITV inspection stations.
Over the years, however, we have refined and streamlined this process. With careful planning and experience, we minimise delays and ensure every step is handled efficiently.
How long does the process take?
From arrival at the U.S. port to final Spanish registration, the process typically takes approximately four months.
Several factors influence the timeline. After purchase, our U.S. team begins preparing the export documentation. U.S. Customs clearance can take anywhere from one week to several weeks. The vehicle is then loaded into a container and shipped — usually to Amsterdam — which takes around three weeks at sea.
After arrival, European Customs issue a T1 transit document, allowing onward transport through Europe. The vehicle is typically transported to Spain within a week and delivered to Spanish Customs in Alicante, where our local team takes over.
While the vehicle is still in transit, we prepare a list of technical modifications required for European compliance and order any necessary components in advance. Once the vehicle arrives at our facility in Orihuela Costa, these upgrades can be carried out immediately.
An individual homologation report is then prepared, which generally takes about one month. The vehicle is subsequently presented for ITV inspection, followed by registration with the DGT. This final stage usually takes two weeks.
How do you source vehicles?
We operate with our own dedicated team in the United States. One specialist focuses on sourcing vehicles and managing negotiations, paperwork, transport and export formalities, while another performs physical inspections and background checks.
Can I source a vehicle myself?
Yes, you may purchase a vehicle independently in the United States and arrange for its import. However, due to the complexity of the process, this often results in longer timelines and higher overall costs.
Do you handle all paperwork?
Yes. We manage the entire administrative process both in the United States and in Europe — from transferring the title and export documentation to shipping paperwork, customs clearance, homologation and Spanish registration.
Are all U.S. vehicles eligible for registration in Spain?
Not every vehicle can be registered under standard Spanish regulations. Emissions requirements can restrict certain models, particularly those first registered before 2015.
However, vehicles owned for more than six months by someone emigrating to Spain may qualify for import as household goods. Vehicles over 30 years old may be registered as historic.
Some models cannot currently be registered in Spain at all due to design constraints — a notable example is the Tesla Cybertruck.
Are American-spec cars legal in Europe?
Vehicles built to U.S. specifications are not immediately road-legal in Spain. Typically, rear lights must be modified to European colour standards, indicators separated from brake lights, rear fog lights installed, side markers removed, and window tint adjusted to EU limits.
Our team handles all of these modifications in-house or through trusted specialists.
Can modified cars be imported?
This depends on the extent of the modifications. Upgrades such as improved brakes, wheels or subtle body enhancements are usually acceptable. Extreme body kits, excessive lowering or straight-pipe exhaust systems may prevent registration.
In such cases, we consult the authorities in advance using photographs and videos.
What about classic vehicles?
Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify for historic registration, provided they remain largely original or feature only sympathetic upgrades that improve safety or handling.
Does mileage or condition matter?
Mileage itself is not a barrier, provided the vehicle complies with safety and emissions regulations. With regards to condition; as long as the car is safe to drive and passes the ITV, condition is not a point.
Are there additional costs after arrival?
We aim to provide comprehensive cost estimates before starting. However, because governmental fees can change and additional technical requirements may arise during inspection, certain figures remain estimates.
Can you provide a full quotation upfront?
Yes. A full projected cost breakdown is supplied before the process begins.
How is the vehicle shipped?
Vehicles are transported within the U.S. by flatbed or enclosed carrier if requested. Overseas shipping is either Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) or containerised.
On arrival, the vehicle is transported onward by truck. In Spain, our team collects the car using dealer plates and manages all registration steps.
Why ship via Amsterdam?
Shipping to Amsterdam is often more economical and efficient due to the high volume of transatlantic routes compared to Mediterranean ports.
Is the vehicle insured during transport?
Yes. Insurance is included in our quotations.
Can personal items be shipped inside the vehicle?
Technically yes, but the vehicle is not locked while at port and personal belongings are not insured.
Which port does the vehicle arrive at?
Most commonly Amsterdam, though other ports can be used upon request.
Can the car be delivered to my home?
Yes. This can be arranged.
Can non-residents import a vehicle?
Yes, provided you have a NIE number and are registered on the local padrón. A digital certificate may also be required.
Who handles ITV and DGT?
Our Spanish team manages all ITV inspections and registration with the DGT.
What modifications are typically required?
Most vehicles require rear-light conversion, fog-light installation and indicator separation. Modern LED units often require specialist modification.
Must the speedometer display km/h?
No. This is noted on the registration documents.
Are emissions tested?
Yes. The vehicle must pass emissions testing in accordance with Spanish regulations.
What if the car fails ITV?
Any deficiencies are corrected and the vehicle is resubmitted within the permitted timeframe.
What U.S. title types exist?
Common title classifications include:
- Clean/Clear
- Salvage
- Rebuilt
- Flood
- Fire Damage
- Theft Recovery
- Junk/Non-Repairable
We disclose full history reports for every vehicle we import.
How do you verify a vehicle’s history?
As registered dealers, we access multiple databases documenting accidents, ownership, mileage, flood exposure and theft status.
Do you inspect vehicles before purchase?
Yes. Every vehicle is physically inspected and background-checked.
Can I travel to inspect the car?
Yes, and we can accompany you.
Can I buy remotely?
Yes. We provide photos and videos prior to purchase.
What if I change my mind?
We can assist with resale and paperwork changes.
Where are you based?
Orihuela Costa, Alicante, Spain:
Sophia Business Centre
Calle Isla Formentera, Unit 11
03189 La Regia
How long have you been operating?
We have imported vehicles since 2001 and expanded operations in early 2025.
Do you import your own vehicles?
Yes — we import, register and sell vehicles directly.
Will I have one point of contact?
Yes, you will have a single point of contact.
Do you offer door-to-door service?
Yes, we do offer a door-to-door service.
Do you only import American cars?
No — we import vehicles of all brands, although U.S.-registered vehicles remain our speciality.
What makes you different?
We value personal relationships and transparency.
We are not the largest importer, nor do we claim to be the best — but we strive to run an honest, professional business where every client is known by name.