What Happens if Your Passport Number Has Changed Since Purchasing a Property in Spain?

If you’re planning to sell a property in Spain and your passport number has changed since the time of purchase, this could lead to a minor but important administrative issue. If you bought your property more than 20 years ago, it is possible that the Land Registry used the passport number provided at the time of purchase to identify the property owner. If your current passport has a different number, the discrepancy must be addressed to ensure a smooth transaction.

While it may seem unlikely that someone with the exact same name could impersonate you to commit fraud, the Spanish legal system prioritizes security and accuracy. As a result, it’s crucial to confirm that you are the same individual listed on the title deed, even if your passport number has changed.

How to Resolve This Issue

This situation can be easily rectified by providing one of the following documents:

1. The Original Title Deed (Escritura de Compraventa):
   If you still have the original title deed from when you purchased the property, this document serves as proof of your identity and ownership.
2. A Copy of Your Previous Passport:
   If you retained a copy of the passport you used at the time of purchase, this can be presented to confirm the link between your current identity and the old records.
3. A Certificate from the Passport Authority:

   If you no longer have your previous passport or a copy of it, you can request a certificate from the issuing authority confirming that you held the passport number recorded in the Land Registry.For UK citizens, this certificate can be obtained through a Subject Access Request. You can apply for this here: UK Government Subject Access Request Form.

Ensuring a Smooth Sale Process

Addressing this issue before initiating the sale process will save time and potential complications. Notaries and registries in Spain have rigorous processes to verify ownership and prevent fraud, so it’s essential to provide clear and accurate documentation linking your current identity to the records in the Land Registry.

If you’re in this situation and need assistance, our team can guide you through the process and help you obtain the necessary documents to avoid any delays. Contact us today for more information!

If you would like to receive a no-obligation quotation for our services in relation to the sale of your property in Spain, please fill out the following form, providing us with some information about the sale you are planning (price, conditions, location of the property, resident/non-resident status, etc.) and we will get back to you immediately.

The responsible of the Conveyancing department of Bravo Legal is Miguel Angel Bravo, Lawyer, registered in the Illustrious Bar of Malaga (“Colegio de Abogados”) with number 8.410.