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Published on 15/01/2024 · Gestoría · Tráfico

Resolving a DGT “denegatoria” (vehicle block)

What is a “denegatoria” on a DGT report?

A denegatoria on a vehicle is one of the worst incidents that can happen to it. The note appears when you obtain a detailed charges report, which flags the vehicle as having a denegatoria. The report does not always specify the type of incident, and before operations such as a sale or deregistration it must be cleared: otherwise the DGT will not allow the procedure.

If you run into a denegatoria you have two options: (A) book an appointment and visit your provincial traffic office to ask about the deficiency, or (B) our team can tell you the cause — we have access to the DGT platform — within 24 to 48 hours.

Types of denegatoria: charges, liens and debts

• Embargo (seizure): a charge ordered by a judicial or administrative authority to secure a debt of the owner. It does not prevent the transfer, though the seizure remains.
• Reservation of title: a financed vehicle cannot be transferred until it is cancelled; you need the lender’s debt-settled certificate and must take it to the Movable Property Registry.
• Renting: the seller is not the owner; when the lease ends the vehicle must be returned and the contract cancelled at the Movable Property Registry.
• Precinto (impoundment): prevents both circulation and transfer, noted by a judicial or administrative authority.
• Leasing: rental with purchase option; prevents the sale until fully paid off and the paperwork filed at the Movable Property Registry.
• Chattel mortgage: the vehicle secures a loan; once repaid, request the paperwork from the creditor to cancel the mortgage at the Registry.

Types of denegatoria: document checks and administrative faults

Sometimes the DGT needs to review official documents due to anomalies, or verify some data. Example: a motorcycle’s power output is changed with a workshop certificate and passes the vehicle inspection; if the owner does not register the change with the DGT in time, a denegatoria is placed that blocks any transfer. Another example: after a notified sale, the buyer has 30 days to change ownership; if they fail to, the DGT places a denegatoria that blocks circulation and transfer.

Can a vehicle with a denegatoria be transferred?

The denegatoria blocks the transfer and, in certain cases, also restricts circulation. It is worth seeking advice from a specialised administrative manager: they can help you obtain a proof-of-procedure receipt certifying that you are resolving the incident — key to reassuring both seller and buyer. The process can take time and generally cannot be done online. Once cleared, the change of ownership can go ahead.

Where is it cancelled?

It depends on the nature of the incident: those related to charges and liens are usually cancelled at the Movable Property Registry; administrative or documentation ones, directly at the DGT. With Perfil Asesor you can find out the specific reason for your denegatoria: we take care of it with a specific enquiry about your vehicle.

Related guide on the blog: Resolving DGT report refusals