Legal Requirements & Documentation
Driving in Spain in 2026: licence rules for EU, UK and non-EU drivers
Updated: October 2026
Can you keep driving on your foreign licence after you move to Spain – and for how long? The answer depends on where your licence was issued. Here are the rules that apply in 2026 for EU, UK and other non-EU drivers, and how to exchange your licence with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico).
EU and EEA licences: no exchange needed
A valid licence from another EU or EEA country is recognised in Spain. You do not have to exchange it just because you become a resident.
- Renewal: when your licence expires while you live in Spain, you renew it here and receive a Spanish licence.
- Long or unlimited validity: if your licence has no expiry date or is valid for more than 15 years, you must renew it in Spain after 2 years of residence.
- Medical rules: Spanish medical requirements and age-based renewal periods apply to you as a resident.
- Voluntary exchange: you can swap to a Spanish licence at any time if you prefer.
UK and other non-EU licences: the 6-month rule
If you hold a licence from outside the EU/EEA, you can drive in Spain on it for 6 months from the date you become a resident. After that you must have a Spanish licence.
- Countries with an exchange agreement – including the UK, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Morocco and many Latin American countries – can exchange their licence without a driving test.
- Countries without an agreement – for example the USA, Canada and Australia – cannot exchange. You must pass the Spanish theory and practical tests at a driving school.
- Tourists who are not resident can drive on their foreign licence during their stay. Some licences need an International Driving Permit.
Check the official list of countries with an agreement on the DGT website before you book – the list changes from time to time.
How to exchange your licence – step by step
- Medical check: get a driver medical certificate (certificado médico de conductor) at an authorised centre. It costs roughly €30–60 and is valid for 90 days.
- Pay the DGT fee: pay the exchange fee (around €28) online with form 790 code 011.
- Book a cita previa for “canje de permiso” at your provincial traffic office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico). In busy areas, book well in advance.
- Bring your documents: passport, NIE/TIE, padrón certificate, your original licence, a recent photo, the medical certificate and the fee receipt.
- Collect your licence: you hand in your foreign licence and get a temporary permit at the appointment. The plastic card is sent by post a few weeks later.
Practical tips for driving in Spain
- Download the free miDGT app – once you have a Spanish licence, you can show it digitally and check your points and vehicles.
- Carry your licence, ID and the car’s documents (insurance and ITV) when you drive.
- Never let the 6-month deadline pass – driving on an invalid licence can lead to heavy fines and problems with your insurance.
- Spain uses a points system: new Spanish licences start with 8 points and rise to 12 after two years without offences.
FAQ: driving licences in Spain
Do I need to exchange my EU licence when I move to Spain?
No. A valid EU/EEA licence is recognised. You only need to renew it in Spain when it expires, or after 2 years of residence if it has no expiry date or is valid for more than 15 years.
How long can I drive on my UK licence as a resident?
For 6 months after you become a resident. Exchange it before the deadline – the UK–Spain agreement lets you do it without a test.
What if my country has no agreement with Spain?
Then you must take the Spanish theory and practical driving tests. Most people do this through a local driving school (autoescuela).
How long does a licence exchange take?
You get a temporary permit at the appointment. The card usually arrives within a few weeks, but waiting times for appointments vary a lot by province.
Useful links
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and not legal advice. Traffic rules, fees and country agreements can change – always check with the DGT before you apply.
