Understanding Driving Licenses in Spain

When you become a resident in Spain, the validity of your driving license depends on your nationality and whether Spain has a bilateral agreement with your country. This guide outlines the key regulations and procedures as of 2025.

The Six-Month Rule

Non-EU/EEA residents: You can drive on your foreign license for up to six months after acquiring Spanish residency. After this period, you must either exchange your license (if an agreement exists) or obtain a Spanish license by passing examinations.

EU/EEA residents: Your license remains valid throughout its validity period. Exchanging for a Spanish license is optional until renewal or at your discretion.

Countries with Exchange Agreements

Spain maintains bilateral agreements with numerous countries allowing direct license exchange. These include Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Morocco, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela, and others.

Exchange Process for Agreement Countries

Drive legally for six months following your residency date
Submit an exchange application to the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico)
For standard categories (A/B), no written or practical tests required
Heavy vehicle categories (C/D) may require additional practical or theory examinations
Receive a provisional permit immediately; final card arrives by post within approximately six weeks

Much of the process is now digital, allowing you to begin your application online and complete formalities with a brief office visit. Contact your country's issuing authority to verify specific requirements and current fees.

United Kingdom License Holders

The UK and Spain maintain a bilateral agreement facilitating straightforward license exchange. You may continue driving on your UK license for six months after becoming resident; exchange is mandatory thereafter to drive legally.

What to Expect

No examinations: Standard categories (A/B) require no theory or practical tests
DVLA/DVA check code: You must provide this verification code so the DGT can confirm your license authenticity
Provisional permit: Upon submission, you receive an immediate provisional driving document while your Spanish card is being produced
Delivery timeline: Your new Spanish license typically arrives within six weeks
Online application: Start the process through the online portal (CI@ve/certificado); only attend the traffic office to submit your original license and collect the provisional document

Alternatively, local administrative service providers (gestorías) can handle the entire process on your behalf, saving you multiple office visits.

Countries Without Exchange Agreements

Residents from countries without bilateral agreements (such as the USA, Canada, or Australia) must obtain a Spanish license from scratch after their initial six-month period expires.

The Spanish License Process

Pass a theory examination (available in multiple languages)
Pass a practical driving examination
Complete a medical fitness assessment (psicotécnico)
Most residents enroll in a driving school for comprehensive preparation

While this process requires more effort than a simple exchange, driving schools provide structured guidance through each stage.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit is not a substitute for license exchange and does not extend the six-month driving window in Spain.

However, an IDP can be useful in specific situations:

Car rental companies sometimes require or prefer an IDP alongside your national license
If you travel outside Spain while awaiting your Spanish card, an IDP may be required (the DGT provisional permit is valid only within Spain)
Provides additional documentation in short-term situations

Documents Required and Fees

The DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) typically requires the following documentation for license exchange or new applications:

Proof of identity: Valid passport or national identity document
Proof of residency: TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) or official registration certificate
Original license: Your foreign license (predating your residency acquisition and, where applicable, the agreement date)
Medical fitness certificate (psicotécnico): Obtained from an authorized medical center
Government fee (tasa): Typically tasa 2.3 for standard exchanges; different fees apply where examinations are required
DVLA/DVA check code: For UK license holders—request this from the issuing authority before beginning your exchange

Upon submission, the DGT issues a provisional permit immediately. Your final Spanish driving card is posted to your registered address; you can track its status online.

Exclusive partner