If you’re a foreign resident in Spain and hold a valid driver’s license from your home country, you might be eligible to exchange it for a Spanish license (canje de permiso de conducir). This process allows you to legally drive in Spain without retaking driving tests if certain conditions are met.
Who Can Exchange Their Licence?
You can exchange your foreign driver’s license if:
- You’re a legal resident in Spain and have a valid NIE card (EU members) or TIE card (non-EU members)
- Your license was issued in a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Spain. See below the list of countries that have agreement with Spain
| Algelia
|
Georgia | Paraguay |
| Andorra
|
Guatemala | Peru |
| Argentina
|
Honduras | Philippines |
| Bolivia
|
Japan | Serbia |
| Brazil
|
Moldova | South Korea |
| Chile
|
Monaco | Switzerland |
| Colombia
|
Morocco | Tunisia |
| Costa Rica
|
New Zealand | Turkey |
| Dominican Republic
|
Nicaragua | Ukraine |
| Ecuador
|
North Macedonia | United Kingdom and Northern Ireland |
| El Salvador | Panama | Uruguay
|
The Exchange Process
- Schedule an Appointment: Book an appointment with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) through their official website.
- Submit Your Application: On the appointment day, submit all required documents.
- License Verification: on the same appointment day, the DGT will contact the issuing authority in your home country to verify your license. This confirmation is usually immediate but can take several days.
- Provisional License: If verification is immediate, you’ll surrender your original license and receive a provisional Spanish license valid for six months, allowing you to drive only in Spain.
- Delayed Verification: If verification is delayed, you can choose to:
- Leave your original license with the DGT and receive the provisional license by email once verification is completed.
- Retain your original license and return to the DGT after verification to complete the exchange.
- Receive Your Spanish License: Your permanent Spanish driver’s license will be mailed to the address provided, typically within 1–2 months.
Important Considerations
- Driving Restrictions: The provisional license allows you to drive only within Spain.
- License Validity: Ensure your foreign license is valid and not suspended or revoked.
- Language Requirements: Some documents may need official translations if not in Spanish.
Exchanging your foreign driver’s license simplifies the process of legally driving in Spain. Make sure you meet all the requirements and follow each step carefully to obtain your Spanish license without complications.
At NIE Barcelona, we can help you with the entire process from start to finish making it smooth and stress-free. Let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on the road ahead!