The rules on whether a foreigner in Spain may legally use their driver's licence or whether they must exchange it for a Spanish one depend on where their licence was issued. There are three options:

1. Some licences may be kept or exchanged for a Spanish one
2. Some must exchange their licence (canjes de permisos) for a Spanish one within a set period
3. Some may not be exchanged. The holder must undergo a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Spanish driving licence (licencia de conducción) which will allow them to legally drive in Spain.

Below is information on:

Holders of an EU Driving Licence

All valid EEC (European Economic Community) driving licences are valid in Spain provided that the licence holder is 18 years or older (18 being the minimum driving age in Spain). There is no obligation for the licence to be exchanged for a Spanish one. However a foreign resident in Spain is quite entitled to exchange he EEA licence if the choose to.

Note: The EEC includes all European Union countries, Norway, Island and Lichtenstein.

Very important to note that although an exchange for a Spanish licence is not required, all Spanish licence regulations will apply to the EU licence being used by a foreign resident in Spain. These are:

• the period of validity of the licence
• requirement for medical checks
• payment of taxes
• penalties and restrictions, including suspension, withdrawal and cancellation of the licence

If a driving infraction occurs, Spanish authorities can require the holder of a licence from an EU country to obtain a new, Spanish licence so that points can be removed.

Foreign drivers from within the EU will still need to register with the traffic authorities within six months of moving to Spain. Details must be registered with the Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders (Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores) of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) of their place of residence.

• To find a local Provincial Traffic Office: Click here 

Once registered, they will need to undergo a medical examination to show mental and physical fitness and the standards that apply to Spanish drivers will apply to them.

Exchanging an EEC licence for a Spanish licence

The holder of an EEC driving licence may exchange it for an equivalent Spanish licence. Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of the applicant's province of residence and an application form ssued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters must be completed.

Documents required:

• Proof of identity (passport original and copy)
• Proof of residence (Certificate of Registration in the Central Aliens Register - the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) 
• Valid driving licence to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
• Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
• Declaration in writing stating that the applicant has not been banned or suspended from driving
• Declaration in writing stating that the applicant does not hold another driving licence of the same class in another country

New credit card-sized licences are being introduced across the country, so in addition to the documents currently required an applicant will need to submit a "photocard". This will be issued free by the traffic department and must be filled in with identity details, signed and have a recent photograph attached to it.

The driving licence will be sent by ordinary post.

The licence will need regular renewal; a standard Spanish driving licence for a private car or bike is valid for ten years when the holder is under 45 years of age, five years between 45 and 70, and two years from 70 on.

• For more information from the DGT: Click here and scroll down (in Spanish) 
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation Page: Spanish Driving Licences

Holders of a Non-EU Driving Licence

People of 18 years and over, with valid licences from anywhere other than the EEC countries may legally drive in Spain for up to six months from first acquiring Spanish residency.

During that period it is essential that an official translation or an International Drivers Permit (IDP) accompany any foreign licence that is not in Spanish.

After six months the foreign licence is no longer valid. Exchange agreements exist between Spain and some countries which allow for the licence holder to exchange theirs for an equivalent Spanish one. The countries with which Spain has a licence exchange agreement are: Switzerland, South Korea, Japan, Bulgaria, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Morocco and Chile.

Any person with a licence from a country other than those will need to take the full Spanish drivers' text.

Note: the list of countries sharing exchange agreements does change. It is recommended to confirm with the relevant nation's Consulate in Spain if an exchange agreement exists.

Exchanging a non-EU licence for a Spanish licence

Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico)

Necessary documentation:

• Completed application form issued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters
• Photocopy (and original) of a Spanish Residence Permit (Tarjeta de Residencia) and a copy of the passport along with the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer) as proof of address in Spain
• Certificate of psychological aptitude issued by the Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado) of the province of residence of the applicant
• Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
• Declaration in writing that there is no legal process pending nor licence suspension that forbids the right to drive
• Declaration in writing that no other equivalent licence from any other country is held
• Declaration in writing (in Spanish) that the licence is authentic and valid. RACE (Real Automóvil Club de España) is able to assist
• The licence being exchanged and a photocopy. (It may be necessary to have an official Spanish translation of the licence)

The Provincial Traffic Headquarters may request verification from the country that issued the permit that it is real and valid.

Further information (in Spanish) is available from the Provincial Traffic Headquarters by telephone:

• Tel: 902 300 175 Monday to Friday 09:00-16:00
  Or see the traffic department website: Click here (in Spanish) 

Not permitted to exchange a licence

In the case of countries where no agreement exists (including Australia, the USA, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada), once the citizen has legal residence in Spain they may drive for up to six months on their licence before taking a Spanish driving text.

• Information from the Australian Consulate in Spain
• Information from the American Consulate in Spain
• For information on how to get a Spanish licence see AngloINFO INFOrmation Page Spanish Driving Licences

Further Information

• DGT, the Spanish Traffic Department (in Spanish)
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Spain
• AngloINFO INFOrmation Page on Spanish Driving Licences

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