Converting a Foreign Driver’s License in Spain | 2025 Guide

Can you drive in Spain with a foreign license? 

You can drive in Spain with your foreign driver's license for six months or longer, depending on some factors. For example, Australians on a 90-day Schengen visa may drive in Spain if they have

• A valid Australian driving license 
• An international driving permit

In contrast, if they are on a long-stay visa, they can drive for up to six months after arriving in Spain. Australians must obtain a Spanish driver’s license within six months. 

Can I convert my driver's license to Spanish?

You can exchange your local license for the Spanish equivalent if 

• You’re a legal resident in Spain and have a valid NIE card (EU members) or TIE card (non-EU members)
• You have a valid license from an EU/ EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) country 
• Your license was issued in a Non-EU / EEA country that has an exchange agreement with Spain 
• You are a professional driver from another country and meet specific requirements.
• You are a diplomat accredited in Spain or a direct relative

Note: The rules for each country vary, so you should confirm from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) website or other authorised traffic authority in Spain. 

Who needs to convert their driver's license to Spanish?

Drivers in these categories must exchange their driving license in Spain:

• EU/EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) drivers with expired or invalid permits

Generally, EU/EEA license holders don't need to exchange their licenses in Spain, provided it's valid. However, you must exchange your license for a Spanish one if it expires while in Spain.

• Non-EU/EEA license holders taking permanent residence in Spain 

If you stay in Spain for over 6 months, you must exchange your driving permit. However, this rule only applies if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain. If they don't, you must apply for a Spanish driving license like a citizen and take the required test. 

Note: You cannot exchange a foreign license obtained while already a legal resident in Spain. 

Which countries’ driving licenses can be exchanged in Spain

Spain has reciprocity agreements with many non-EU / EEA countries for license exchange. They include;

• Switzerland
• South Korea
• Japan
• Andorra
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Uruguay
• Peru
• Morocco
• Chile
• Algeria
• Dominican Republic
• Paraguay
• Bolivia
• Philippines
• Guatemala
• Serbia
• Brazil
• El Salvador
• Ukraine
• Turkey
• Tunisia
• North Macedonia
• Nicaragua
• Monaco
• Panama
• Costa Rica
• United Kingdom and Northern Ireland
• New Zealand
• Georgia
• Moldova
• Honduras

Note: The list of countries is updated often. You can find the complete list on the DGT website.

What documents do you need?

• Exchange application form
• Valid identity documents such as a residence card or a passport. 
• Registration address and Economic Activity Tax. 
• Valid foreign driving license
• Original photograph: Size 32 × 26 mm, recent, in colour and with a uniform background of a plain colour.
• Payment number or proof of fee payment
• Psychophysical aptitude report (for licenses issued by non-EU countries with agreement).

Step-by-step guide to converting a foreign license in Spain

Here is a breakdown of the steps you must follow to exchange a foreign license in Spain;

Schedule an appointment

The first step is to book an appointment through the official website of the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico). The appointment allows you to get a date for your license exchange. It also ensures you are attended to when visiting the DGT. 

Submit your application

Visit the traffic office on the appointment day with all required documents. You'd have to submit documents, including a foreign driving license, a residence card, etc. 

Wait for license verification

The officer will contact your home country's issuing authority to verify your license. This confirmation is usually immediate, but it can take several days depending on your country.  

Provisional license

If the officer can verify your license immediately, you’ll receive a provisional one valid for six months. However, you can only drive in Spain with a temporary driving license. You will also submit your foreign license, which will be returned to your home country or destroyed. 

Delayed verification

If the officer cannot verify your license immediately, you can choose to 

• Leave your original license with the DGT and receive the provisional one by email once verification is completed.
• Retain your original license and return to the DGT after verification to complete the exchange.

Receive your Spanish driver's license

You will receive a permanent Spanish driver’s license via mail to the address provided. This process typically takes 1–2 months.

Do you need to take any exams to exchange your permit? 

If your license was issued by an EU/EEA country, you don't need an exam. However, you need an additional aptitude test if the permit is for 

• Type C and D vehicles
• Trucks
• Buses

These tests carry higher processing fees. For example, the fee for an exchange procedure is €28.87 without a test. If you need to take a test, the fee is €94.05.

How long does it take to get a driving license in Spain? 

The time it takes to get a driving license in Spain varies from 1 to 2 months. This includes time for both the theoretical and practical driving tests. For example, if you apply for a direct exchange without a test, you can get the license in a month. This is possible if the verification process isn't delayed and demand is low. However, if you need to take a driving test in Spain, you cannot proceed to the next stage until you pass the exams. The process may take longer if you need to take additional lessons or retake exams.

How much does it cost to get a driver's license in Spain?

You can find the cost for other countries on the DGT website. 

Do you need a certified translation of your driver’s license?

If your driver's license is not in Spanish, you will need a certified (Sworn) translation during the exchange process.  A sworn translation, also known as a certified translation, is performed by a translator authorised by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These translations include a stamp and signature from the translator, making them legally valid. 

How Translayte can help you drive legally in Spain

Translayte provides professional sworn translation for driver's license exchange and other official processes in Spain. Our certified driver's license translation is easy to order and delivered on time. With a 4.6-star rating from over 9000 reviews on Trustpilot, here's how we can help you drive legally in Spain

• We provide certified and official translations accepted by Spanish authorities
• We support translation for over 150 languages
• You get transparent and competitive market translation rates from $31.75 per page 
• You can request expedited delivery, shipping and additional services like notarisation and apostille stamp 
• We have 24/7 multilingual customer support via WhatsApp, phone and email

Not sure what your translation cost is or if you have additional requirements? Request a free quote to get pricing. 

Common issues and how to avoid delays when exchanging licenses in Spain

The license exchange process in Spain is mostly straightforward. However, here are some things that can cause delays or rejection. 

Difficulty obtaining appointments

The DGT system can sometimes have high demand. In those seasons, securing an appointment for a license exchange might be challenging. You can avoid this by applying for an appointment early. This ensures you can get a date before your permit expires.

Verification delays

Verifying the authenticity and validity of the foreign license with the issuing country can sometimes take time. This issue can cause delays in the exchange process. Ensure that your license was obtained legally and provide all information. This can help with the verification process.

Incomplete documentation

Incorrect or missing documents can lead to delays or rejection of the application. For example, submitting a foreign license without certified translations or with invalid information. Always cross-check the requirements and submit everything requested by officials.

Don't allow poor documentation to delay your driver's license exchange in Spain. Request a free quote for certified translation services from Translayte.