🚗 How to Register Your Car in Gibraltar (2026 Guide)

If you’re moving to Gibraltar or commuting daily from Spain, registering your vehicle is an essential step. While Gibraltar follows UK-style vehicle regulations, the procedures are unique and must be completed locally.

This 2026 edition guides you through the full process — from import duty and inspections to receiving your new G-plates.

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🧾 1. Importing a Car into Gibraltar

Any vehicle entering Gibraltar to remain — from the UK, Spain, or elsewhere — must go through customs clearance.

What you’ll need:

• Vehicle purchase invoice or proof of ownership

• Original registration certificate (e.g. UK V5C)

• Valid insurance certificate

• Passport or ID

• Proof of address in Gibraltar

Import Duty

You must complete an import declaration.
Note: Fully electric vehicles (BEVs) currently attract 0% Import Duty.

Vehicles imported from the EU may require proof that VAT was paid in the country of origin.

Where to go:

HM Customs Gibraltar – Four Corners
(Western Beach / Commercial Gate area)

🔗 https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/customs

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🧰 2. Vehicle Inspection (Gibraltar MOT)

Before registration, the vehicle must pass a roadworthiness test.

⚠️ Important: Do not go to Line Wall Road — these are administrative offices only.
Vehicle testing is carried out at Eastern Beach.

Location:

DVLD Testing Centre, Eastern Beach Road

Bring:

• Customs clearance approval

• Insurance certificate

• Previous MOT (if available)

• Original vehicle logbook (V5C or equivalent)

If the vehicle passes, you will receive a Roadworthiness Certificate, valid for one year.

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🏷️ 3. Official Vehicle Registration

After inspection, registration must be completed at the Driver & Vehicle Licensing Department (DVLD).

Location:

DVLD Counters, Eastern Beach Road

Required documents:

• Roadworthiness Certificate

• Customs clearance documents

• Proof of valid Gibraltar motor insurance

• Proof of Gibraltar address

• Passport or ID

• Completed registration application form

Once approved, you will receive a Gibraltar Registration Certificate and a G-plate registration number.

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💰 4. Road Tax (Vehicle Licence) & Insurance

All registered vehicles must have:

• Valid motor insurance (minimum third-party)

• Road tax (Vehicle Licence)

Payment:

At DVLD counters or online via eGov
🔗 https://www.egov.gi

Cost factors:

• Engine size (cc)

• Fuel type

• Emissions

Electric vehicles:
Currently exempt from road tax; however, the licence must still be renewed annually at no cost.

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🔤 5. Number Plates (G-Plates)

After registration, official number plates must be purchased from a licensed manufacturer in Gibraltar.

Current format:

G + 4 digits + letter (e.g. G 1055 D)

Current standards (2025–2026):

• Green Flash: Zero Emission Vehicles (EVs) must display plates with a green strip on the left-hand side

• Personalised plates: Specific numbers and “G-less” custom plates are available via DVLD auctions

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🌍 6. STRICT RULE: Residents & Foreign Plates

Tourists may drive foreign-registered vehicles.
Residents may not.

⚠️ The Red Line Rule
If you hold a Gibraltar Civilian Registration Card (ID), you are legally prohibited from driving a foreign-registered vehicle (e.g. Spanish or UK plates) in Gibraltar.

• There is generally no grace period

• The vehicle must be imported and registered immediately

• Alternatively, it must remain parked outside Gibraltar (e.g. in La Línea)

Risk: Heavy fines and vehicle seizure by Customs.

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🔋 7. Electric & Hybrid Vehicles

Gibraltar continues to promote greener transport into 2026.

• 0% Import Duty for fully electric vehicles

• Possible cashback incentives (check with the Department of Environment)

• Public charging points at Midtown, Europort, and World Trade Center

🔗 https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/environment/climate-change

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🅿️ 8. Important: Residential Parking Zones (RPZ)

Registering your car in Gibraltar does not automatically entitle you to park on the street near your home. Gibraltar is divided into specific Residential Parking Zones (RPZs), and parking is strictly enforced.

The rule:

You may not park in “Residents Only” bays unless you hold a valid parking permit for that specific zone.

How to apply:

Once your vehicle is registered and fitted with G-plates, you must apply for a Resident Parking Permit through Gibraltar Car Parks Ltd.

Requirements typically include:

• Gibraltar Registration Certificate (logbook)

• Proof of residence in the relevant zone

• Valid Gibraltar ID

• Vehicle insurance

Cost:

Permits are subject to a monthly or annual fee, depending on the zone and permit type.

⚠️ Important warning:
Parking enforcement in Gibraltar is strict. Without a valid permit, residents must use paid public car parks such as:

• Midtown Car Park

• Devil’s Tower Road Car Park

• Ocean Village / Europort

Fines and vehicle clamping are common for unauthorised parking in RPZ areas.

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🧭 Final Tips

✅ Keep copies of customs and inspection documents in the vehicle until registration is fully completed
✅ Insurance: Ensure your policy covers Spain / the EU (Green Card rules may apply)
✅ ID rule: Never attempt to enter Gibraltar in a foreign-registered vehicle if you hold a Gibraltar ID