How to tell if a car is repossessed or has encumbrances

Over the last few years, the second-hand or used car market has seen its sales increase, and with this in mind, it is important to know the risks. How to tell if a car is repossessed or has encumbrances? The user will have to carry out a few simple steps, but they can rest assured and opt for the car that best suits their needs.

Before making a decision, it is recommended to check whether the car is or has been repossessed. This way, the user will save a lot of paperwork and, above all, money.

Some drivers find it worthwhile to buy repossessed vehicles, since, although they have to pay an additional cost, they still save money on the purchase. Not all users are willing to acquire this type of vehicle, so it is essential that, before making any move, they think about the possible consequences.

How to tell if a car is repossessed?

To find out about a possible repossession of the vehicle, users have two tools at their disposal: the Vehicle Report from the DGT and the Information Note on Motor Vehicles from the Movable Property Registry.

Vehicle Report from the DGT

Through the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), users can consult the information corresponding to the vehicle, including any type of encumbrance, incident or similar. These reports are “public for interested parties and third parties with a legitimate and direct interest, by means of simple information notes or certifications”, as the DGT confirms.

It is important to note that the data obtained may only be used to make a possible purchase decision. Furthermore, if a detailed report is desired, the user will have to pay a fee. Whereas in the basic report one can access data such as ownership, administrative status, MOT (ITV) or encumbrances, in the complete report one can find out the municipality where the vehicle is registered, mileage, reservations of ownership, provenance or Euro NCAP rating.

Through the DGT one can also request an encumbrance report, which shows the basic data of the model and any incidents or restrictions that may have affected the vehicle in question. These reports can be requested through a gestoría (administrative agency), through the DGT’s electronic headquarters, or by visiting the Provincial Traffic Office closest to your home.

What requirements are needed to request a Vehicle Report?

To request any type of report on a vehicle you are about to purchase, you must have the registration plate or the chassis number. In addition, if you go to the Provincial Traffic Office, you will have to fill in an official form and present your National Identity Document or driving licence. If it is a company, it will have to provide its tax identification card and proof of the entity’s registration.

A fee of €8.30 must be paid, which can be done online or at the Traffic Office itself by bank card.

Information Note from the Property Registry

If you want to go one step further, you can always request a more specific and detailed report. This type of request allows you to check any circumstance affecting the model: contracts, reservations of ownership, leasing, renting, mortgages or annotations of repossession.

To request it, you must go to the Movable Property Registry of the province where you reside but, if you do not know the vehicle’s provenance, it is recommended to visit the Central Movable Property Registry, located at Paseo de la Castellana 44 in Madrid.

The report can be requested online and paid for in the same way, in person (where you will have to present your DNI), by ordinary mail or by courier.