Taking a Borrowed Car Abroad from Cortes: Download Your Authorization Template
If you are planning to drive a vehicle that is not registered in your name—such as a family member's or friend's car—outside of Spain, you may encounter significant legal hurdles at border crossings or if stopped by international police. In Spain, while there is no single mandatory "government form," carrying a formal, notarized, or signed authorization is highly recommended to prove you have the owner's consent and are not driving a stolen vehicle. This document is essential for your peace of mind and to avoid potential impoundment of the vehicle.
Instructions on how and where to submit it in Cortes
Since this is a private document between the vehicle owner and the driver, you do not need to "submit" it to a government office in Cortes. However, for it to be legally robust, you must follow these steps:
- Drafting: Fill out the template provided below with the details of the owner, the driver, and the vehicle.
- Verification: While a simple signature is often enough, it is highly recommended to have the owner's signature "legitimized" or "notarized" by a Notary Public (Notario). In Cortes, you can locate the nearest Notary office to verify the identity of the owner.
- Language: Always carry this document in both Spanish and English, as it will be inspected by authorities in other countries who may not speak Spanish.
- Originals: Keep the original document in the glove compartment alongside the vehicle's "Permiso de Circulación" (Registration Certificate) and the "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Inspection Card).
AUTORIZACIÓN PARA EL USO DE VEHÍCULO EN EL EXTRANJERO / AUTHORIZATION TO USE A VEHICLE ABROAD
D./Dña. ______________________________, con DNI/NIE número ______________, en calidad de titular del vehículo matrícula ______________, marca ______________, modelo ______________, número de bastidor (VIN) ______________.
Mr./Ms. ______________________________, holder of ID/NIE number ______________, as the registered owner of the vehicle with license plate ______________, make ______________, model ______________, and VIN ______________.
AUTORIZA / AUTHORIZES
A D./Dña. ______________________________, con DNI/NIE/Pasaporte número ______________, a conducir el vehículo mencionado anteriormente fuera del territorio nacional español, con fines turísticos/personales, durante el periodo comprendido entre el ____/____/______ y el ____/____/______.
Mr./Ms. ______________________________, holder of ID/NIE/Passport number ______________, to drive the aforementioned vehicle outside of Spanish national territory for tourist/personal purposes, during the period from ____/____/______ to ____/____/______.
En/In ________________ (Cortes), a ____ de ____________ de 20____.
Firma del Titular / Signature of Owner: ______________________
Additional documentation required
Beyond this authorization letter, you must ensure you are carrying the following to avoid fines or detention of the vehicle:
- Permiso de Circulación: The original registration document of the car.
- Ficha Técnica: The original technical inspection document showing the car has passed its ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos).
- Valid Insurance: Check with your insurance provider that your policy covers international travel (Carta Verde / Green Card).
- Valid Driving License: Ensure your license is valid for the countries you are visiting.
Expert Tip: If you are traveling to countries outside the European Union, the "Carta Verde" (International Motor Insurance Card) is mandatory. Contact your insurance company at least two weeks before your departure from Cortes to request this document, as they often need to mail it to your registered address. Always check if the specific country you are visiting requires a notarized translation of the authorization, as some non-EU border authorities can be very strict.