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Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

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Exchange your driving licence in Spain

What this is for

What it is: If you live in Spain, at some point you'll usually need to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Spanish one.

What it depends on: When that is — and how — depends on where your licence was issued.

  • EU citizens can generally keep driving on their home licence for a long time, but must exchange it if it expires or has a very long validity.
  • Most non-EU citizens have a strict window — often around 6 months — from the date they become legally resident before their foreign licence stops being valid.
⚠️ The 6-month deadline

Most non-EU citizens have a strict 6-month window from the date they become legally resident before their foreign licence stops being valid to drive on. Missing the deadline means fines starting at €200.

Your path depends on your nationality

EU/EEA

No test required. Exchange is voluntary unless your licence expires in Spain or has an indefinite or very long validity (15+ years for cars/motorcycles, 5+ years for trucks/buses). If so, you must exchange within 2 years of establishing residency. Fee: €28.87.

Non-EU with a bilateral agreement

UK, Switzerland, Japan, most of Latin America. Exchange without a theory or practical test. Medical check, documents, DGT appointment. Fee: €28.87.

Non-EU without a bilateral agreement

US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand. No exchange route exists. You must pass the full Spanish theory and practical driving tests within 6 months of residency. The theory exam is available in English.

Next 3 steps
  1. Check whether your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain at sede.dgt.gob.es — this determines which path applies to you.
  2. Book your cita previa at sede.dgt.gob.es → Trámites → Canje de permisos, selecting your nearest Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. Book as early as possible — slots fill quickly. Many procedures can also be managed online with a digital certificate or Cl@ve.
  3. Get your medical aptitude report (informe de aptitud psicofísica) from an authorised Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores — valid for 90 days, costs approximately €30-€50.
Forms and documents
Plus NIE/TIE or EU Registration CertificateValid passport
Will be retained by the DGTOriginal driving licence
Certificado de empadronamientoPadrón certificate
From authorised CRC, valid 90 days, approx. €30-€50Medical aptitude report
32x26mm, plain background, face uncoveredPassport photo
Required for non-Latin script licences or if DGT requestsSworn translation
Card or miDGT app only, no cashFee 2.3 payment28.87 EUR
What happens next

At your appointment the DGT takes your original licence and issues a provisional paper permit to drive on until your Spanish licence arrives. Processing typically takes 1-3 months. Your original licence is sent back to the issuing authority in your home country — you won't get it back.

Official source links
Traffic AuthorityDGT licence exchange portalOfficial Spain government website Traffic AuthorityDGT bilateral agreements listOfficial Spain government website

Requirements can vary by personal situation and may change. Always verify with official sources.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026