The documents you should carry on your motorcycle (or not) thanks to miDGT

Without a doubt, we like going out for a ride on a motorcycle. It's freedom, fun, and whatever you want. But if you're stopped at a checkpoint and you don't have what you should with you, it can be a mess.

There are mandatory documents you must always carry with you when you ride your motorcycle, and not having them can result in a fine.

We'll explain what they are, how they should be presented, and what digital alternatives exist today, such as the miDGT app.

What documents do you have to carry on the motorcycle?

Currently, to legally ride your motorcycle, you need to carry three essential documents:

1. Driver's license

Or in other words: the driver's license. For motorcycles, it can be A1, A2, or A. Also B if you ride mopeds or motorcycles up to 125 cc (meeting the requirements).

It must be valid, not expired or revoked. Carrying it with you is mandatory. If you don't have it with you, you can be fined up to 100 euros, although it doesn't involve a points deduction if the license is valid and you just forgot to bring it.

If you don't have it, the matter becomes serious. If you have a different license than required, the fine can reach 500 euros and a loss of 4 points.

If you don't have any, it's considered a crime with penalties of 3 to 6 months in prison, fines, or community service.

In addition, the motorcycle can be immobilized, and the insurance won't cover damages.

2. Vehicle registration certificate

This document proves that the motorcycle is registered and legally authorized to be on the road. It includes key information such as the license plate, owner, make, model, and chassis number.

Above all, it identifies who owns the motorcycle and where it's registered. It's the document you'll receive from the Traffic Department when you register a motorcycle or transfer it.

The certificate must be the original or a certified copy by DGT. Carrying an uncertified photocopy is not legally valid.

3. ITV card (technical inspection sheet)

It's the well-known technical inspection sheet that's stamped at the ITV. It includes the make, model, license plate, and technical specifications of the motorcycle. Of course, the dates when your ITV is due.

Not carrying the ITV card or riding with an expired inspection can result in a 200-euro fine. It doesn't matter if the motorcycle is in perfect condition.

Do you have to carry the insurance receipt? What about the municipal tax?

No. Neither of them.

Since 2008, it's no longer mandatory to carry the insurance receipt on paper.

The police can check online if the motorcycle has a valid insurance policy.

However, you should make sure the insurance is properly reported and active, because if it doesn't appear in the system, the fine can go up to 1,000 euros.

As for the tax, it doesn't matter when riding. However, the Traffic Department will ask for it to transfer the motorcycle when you sell it.

What about the DNI or NIE?

It's not mandatory to carry the DNI or NIE if you already have your driver's license with you. This document is already valid to identify you legally to the Traffic officers.

What happens if you don't carry them?

If you're stopped and can't present any of the mandatory documents, the most common outcome is that you'll be fined between 10 and 100 euros, depending on the case.

In addition, you may be given a deadline to present the document at a police station or at the Traffic Department.

That's why it's essential to always carry these papers... or have them available on your phone with the official DGT app.

Carrying motorcycle documents on your phone: this is how miDGT works

For some time now, you can carry all your motorcycle documents digitally and legally on your phone. This is thanks to the miDGT app, available for iOS and Android.

What does the miDGT app allow?

Once installed and linked to your digital identity (with Cl@ve PIN, electronic certificate, or DNIe), the app shows:

-Your digital driver's license, with the same legal validity as the physical one.

-Vehicle information, including the registration certificate.

-ITV and insurance, with updated information.

-Expiration alerts, fines, or pending payments.

-Ability to pay fines or check license points.

Is it legal to show documents from your phone?

Yes. Since the publication of DGT Instruction 20/V-145. Traffic officers are required to accept the presentation of documentation from the miDGT app.

Since then, for them, it's legally equivalent to the physical document. However, it must be shown in the app itself, not as screenshots or downloaded PDFs.

Be careful in areas without coverage. Theoretically, the app is designed so your license and documents are downloaded as soon as you open it for the first time.

Key advantages

You never forget your documents.

You don't need to certify copies.

Real-time updates for ITV, insurance, and fines.

You can handle procedures without going to the Traffic Department.

What do you need to use it?

Just a phone, a digital identification method (Cl@ve, certificate, or electronic DNI), and some patience for the first access. Once inside, everything is intuitive and very useful.

Conclusion

We're still used to carrying the documents in the glove compartment or under the seat. But nowadays, you don't need to carry them if you use the miDGT app.

This prevents you from losing them, getting them soaked in the rain or during a wash (which has happened to some of us), or getting them damaged from carrying them around.

The important thing is that you always have your driver's license, registration certificate, and ITV up to date and on hand. Whether on paper or digitally.

This way, you'll avoid unnecessary fines. You'll be able to enjoy the road with peace of mind.