Driving a Borrowed Car Abroad from L'Escala: Download Your Legal Authorization Template
If you are planning to take a vehicle that is not registered in your name across the Spanish border, you are likely to face legal hurdles. Whether you are driving a friend's car or a family member's vehicle from L'Escala to another country, Spanish and international traffic authorities require proof that you have the owner's express permission. Without this document, you risk being accused of vehicle theft or being denied entry at border crossings. This template provides a dual-language, legally sound authorization to ensure your trip remains trouble-free.
How and Where to Validate Your Authorization in L'Escala
While this document is a private agreement between the vehicle owner and the driver, its validity is significantly enhanced by a "Legitimation of Signature" (Legitimación de firma). To ensure your document is bulletproof for international police, follow these steps in L'Escala:
- Step 1: Complete the template provided below with the owner's and driver's details.
- Step 2: Visit a Notary Public (Notario) in the area of L'Escala or the surrounding Alt Empordà region.
- Step 3: Both the owner and the driver must appear in person with their DNI or NIE/Passport.
- Step 4: Request a "Legitimación de firma" (signature authentication). The Notary will certify that the owner of the vehicle is indeed the person signing the document.
- Step 5: Keep the original document in the glove compartment alongside the vehicle's registration papers.
AUTORIZACIÓN PARA EL USO DE VEHÍCULO EN EL EXTRANJERO / AUTHORIZATION FOR THE USE OF A VEHICLE ABROAD
DATOS DEL PROPIETARIO / OWNER'S DETAILS:
Nombre/Name: [Nombre Completo]
DNI/NIE/Pasaporte: [Número de documento]
Domicilio/Address: [Dirección completa en L'Escala]
DATOS DEL VEHÍCULO / VEHICLE DETAILS:
Matrícula/License Plate: [Número de matrícula]
Marca y Modelo/Make and Model: [Marca y Modelo]
Bastidor/VIN: [Número de bastidor]
DATOS DEL CONDUCTOR AUTORIZADO / AUTHORIZED DRIVER'S DETAILS:
Nombre/Name: [Nombre completo del conductor]
DNI/NIE/Pasaporte: [Número de documento]
DECLARACIÓN / DECLARATION:
ES: El abajo firmante, en calidad de propietario del vehículo anteriormente descrito, AUTORIZA expresamente a la persona indicada a conducir dicho vehículo fuera del territorio español.
EN: The undersigned, as the owner of the vehicle described above, expressly AUTHORIZES the person indicated to drive said vehicle outside of Spanish territory.
PERIODO DE VALIDEZ / VALIDITY PERIOD:
Desde / From: [Fecha inicio] Hasta / To: [Fecha fin]
En L'Escala, a [Día] de [Mes] de [Año].
Firma del Propietario / Owner's Signature: __________________________
Additional Documentation Required
Having the authorization is only the first step. When traveling abroad with a vehicle registered in Spain, you must ensure you carry the following items to avoid fines or vehicle impoundment:
- Original Vehicle Registration (Permiso de Circulación): Never carry a photocopy; always keep the original.
- Technical Inspection Card (ITV): Ensure the ITV is valid and the sticker is visible on the windshield.
- Insurance Policy: Carry the latest payment receipt and the "Carta Verde" (Green Card), which serves as proof of insurance for international travel.
- Valid Driving License: Ensure your license is valid for the countries you intend to visit.
Expert Tip: If you are traveling to countries outside of the European Union, check if your insurance company requires a specific "Extension of Coverage" letter. Some insurance policies default to "Third-Party Only" once you cross certain borders. Always call your insurer at least one week before leaving L'Escala to confirm your coverage limits for the specific countries on your route.