Can a car permanently deregistered with Tráfico be "resurrected"?

From 2017 onwards, cars permanently deregistered with Tráfico can be re-registered, provided that their deregistration was processed before 2004.

Can a car permanently deregistered with Tráfico be “resurrected”? Well, as stated in Royal Decree 20/2017, “the rehabilitation of vehicles with a certificate of destruction issued by an Authorised Treatment Centre, when they are proven to have special historical interest or uniqueness”

Since 2017, scrapped cars can be recovered, even after the dreaded certificate of destruction has been issued. This is very good news for all lovers of classic cars (like yours truly), since by following a series of procedures they may be able to acquire some of their favourite models.

The Royal Decree we have mentioned also sets out the steps for carrying out the legal process of rehabilitation. In this way, cars, motorcycles and even any other vehicle with special interest, whether due to its uniqueness or its historical interest, can be saved from destruction.

How to bring a classic back to life once it has been permanently deregistered?

Before celebrating the news, the vehicle to be brought back to life must have, at the very least, the original chassis number on which the VIN can be read. If the new applicant does not match the last holder of the vehicle listed in the Vehicle Register of the Directorate-General for Traffic, ownership of the vehicle must be proven and/or a signed authorisation from the holder of the model must be submitted, confirming that the vehicle may be restored.

Likewise, a certificate issued by a classic car club must also be submitted, stating that the vehicle in question meets the established requirements. In addition, the rehabilitation must be carried out with new, original or used parts following the manufacturer’s plans. Another essential step is to pass an ITV inspection to verify its condition.

What steps must be followed to re-register a permanently deregistered car?

Before going through the steps, it is important to know the vehicle’s deregistration date. It must be prior to 2004, the year in which thefirst Plan Prever was launched. If the model currently in the scrapyard meets this condition, the following steps must be taken:

1- Fill in the official rehabilitation application form. It can be found on the DGT website.

2- Gather the necessary documentation, whether or not you are the vehicle’s holder. In the opposite case, as mentioned, a document certifying the authorisation of the previous owner must be provided, along with a sale and purchase contract, transfer, etc.

3- Payment of fees. Once the application has been submitted, you must request an appointment at the corresponding Provincial Traffic Headquarters and pay therehabilitation fee, which amounts to €97.80.

4- Pass the Vehicle Technical Inspection. After paying the fees, the new holder will receive, within one month, a document instructing them to take the vehicle for ITV inspection. The car will have to be brought to the station by tow truck since, at that point, it has no circulation permit. This document will be received by post one week after obtaining a ‘FAVOURABLE‘ result at the ITV.