EU/EEA Licences
If you hold a licence from an EU or EEA country, you can drive in Spain on it, but once you are resident you should register it with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) and, in practice, most residents exchange it for a Spanish licence for convenience. EU licences do not require a driving test to exchange. From a certain age or licence expiry you will need to renew (with a medical check) under Spanish rules.
UK Licences: The 2023 Exchange Agreement
After Brexit there was a long period of uncertainty, but the UK and Spain signed a licence-exchange agreement that took effect in 2023. Under it, UK licence holders who are resident in Spain can exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one without taking a driving test. You will need to pass a standard medical fitness test (psicotécnico) and complete the DGT paperwork. If you became resident during the earlier gap and your position is unusual, take advice, as transitional situations can be tricky.
Non-EU Licences (US, Canada, Australia, etc.)
Spain has bilateral exchange agreements with a number of non-EU countries — including some but not all US states, and countries such as Canada, Australia, Argentina and others. If your country has an agreement, you can usually exchange without a full driving test (a medical is still required). If there is no agreement, you must pass the Spanish theory and practical driving tests to obtain a Spanish licence. We can check whether your country or state has an exchange agreement.
The Process and Documents
The exchange (canje) is handled through the DGT. You will typically need:
- Your valid foreign driving licence.
- Passport and proof of residency (TIE) plus your padrón certificate.
- A medical fitness certificate from an authorised centre (centro de reconocimiento de conductores).
- A recent photo, the application form and the DGT fee.
The 6-Month Rule
This is the trap that catches many new residents. Once you become legally resident in Spain, your foreign licence is generally only valid for driving for six months. After that you must have exchanged it (or, where no agreement exists, obtained a Spanish licence by test). Driving on an expired-validity foreign licence can mean fines and insurance problems. Start the exchange process well before the six months are up, as medical appointments and DGT processing take time.