How to Authorize Someone to Pick Up Your Car from the Barcelona Municipal Impound (Template Included)

If your vehicle has been towed by the municipal crane (Grúa Municipal) in Barcelona, you are likely feeling stressed. If you cannot go to the impound lot (Depósito Municipal) yourself, you can authorize a third party to retrieve the vehicle on your behalf. This article provides a ready-to-use template that you can download and fill out to ensure a smooth recovery process.

Instructions on how and where to submit it in Barcelona

In Barcelona, vehicles towed by the municipal crane are usually taken to one of the BSM (Barcelona de Serveis Municipals) impound lots. To authorize another person to pick up your vehicle, you must provide them with a signed document. Follow these steps:

• Download and print the template provided below.
• Fill in your personal details (the registered owner) and the details of the authorized person (the representative).
• Sign the document. It is highly recommended to include a photocopy of your DNI/NIE/Passport so the impound staff can verify your signature.
• The authorized person must bring this document, their own original ID, and a copy of your ID to the impound office.

AUTORIZACIÓN PARA LA RETIRADA DE VEHÍCULO DEL DEPÓSITO MUNICIPAL

D./Dña. _________________________________________, con DNI/NIE número ________________, en calidad de titular del vehículo con matrícula ________________,

AUTORIZO

a D./Dña. _________________________________________, con DNI/NIE número ________________, para que en mi nombre y representación proceda a la retirada del vehículo mencionado del Depósito Municipal de Barcelona.

Para que así conste y surta los efectos oportunos, firmo la presente autorización en ________________, a ____ de ____________ de 20____.

Fdo: _________________________
(Firma del titular)

Additional documentation required

Beyond the authorization letter, the person picking up the vehicle must be prepared with the following items to avoid further delays:

• Proof of Identity: Original DNI, NIE, or Passport of the authorized person.
• Copy of Owner's ID: A clear photocopy of the vehicle owner's identity document.
• Vehicle Documentation: It is advisable to have the original "Permiso de Circulación" (Registration Certificate) and "Ficha Técnica" (Technical Sheet) of the vehicle, though these are often kept inside the car.
• Payment: Be prepared to pay the towing fee and the daily storage fee (tasa de grúa). Barcelona impounds accept credit cards, but it is always wise to have a backup payment method.

Expert Tip: Before heading to the impound, check the official Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona) website to confirm which specific impound lot your car was taken to, as there are several locations across the city (e.g., Ciutadella, Garcia Fària, etc.). If you are the owner, avoid unnecessary bureaucracy by checking if you can pay the fees online through the BSM website beforehand, as this can speed up the release process significantly once your representative arrives on-site.