Driving License Exchange
Canje de Permiso de Conducir
Exchange your foreign driving license for a Spanish one. We handle the entire DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) process, including appointment booking, document preparation, and medical certificate arrangement.
If you become a Spanish resident, you'll eventually need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Spanish one. Spain has bilateral agreements with many countries allowing direct exchange without tests. For UK license holders, a post-Brexit agreement now enables exchange. The process involves a medical test (psicotécnico), document submission to the DGT, and surrendering your original license.
Online notary available: Many of our services can be completed via online notary from the comfort of your home. Where in-person notarization is required or preferred, we can arrange this at a notary local to you.
What's Included
Documents Required
What you'll need to get started
Original foreign driving license
Valid and not expired (or expired less than 5 years for some countries)
Valid passport
Original passport with current visa/residency status
NIE/TIE
Proof of your foreigner identification number
Empadronamiento
Certificate of address registration
Passport photos
2 passport-sized photos (32x26mm)
Medical certificate
Psicotécnico from an authorized center - we arrange this for you
Official translation
Sworn translation of license if not in Spanish (we coordinate if needed)
Rules & Regulations
Important information you should know
Residency Requirement
You must be a legal resident in Spain with empadronamiento to exchange your license.
Bilateral Agreement
Your license must be from a country with an exchange agreement with Spain. Most EU, UK, and many other countries qualify.
License Validity
Your original license must be valid or recently expired. Licenses expired more than 5 years may not qualify.
Medical Test Validity
The psicotécnico certificate is valid for 90 days from issue date.
License Surrender
Your original license will be surrendered to the DGT. They send it to your home country's embassy.
Driving During Process
You can continue driving with your foreign license until the exchange is complete, as long as it remains valid.
Benefits
Why this matters for you
No Driving Test
Exchange directly without taking Spanish theory or practical tests.
Long Validity
Spanish licenses are valid for 10-15 years depending on age.
EU Recognition
Your Spanish license is valid across all EU countries.
Rental Car Ease
Spanish license eliminates questions when renting cars in Spain.
Insurance Benefits
Some insurers offer better rates with a Spanish license.
Points System Entry
Start with 8 points in the Spanish system (12 after 3 years without infractions).
How It Works
Your driving license exchange in four simple steps
Eligibility Check
We verify your license is from a country with an exchange agreement and check all documentation.
Medical Certificate
We arrange your psicotécnico appointment at a certified center near you.
DGT Submission
We prepare all documents and submit your application to the DGT.
Receive Your License
Your new Spanish driving license arrives by post, typically within 2-3 weeks of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about driving license exchange
Yes! Since the UK-Spain bilateral agreement of 2024, UK license holders can exchange their license. You must be a legal resident in Spain.
No, if your country has an exchange agreement with Spain. You simply exchange your existing license without any tests.
It's a basic medical and psychological test required for all Spanish driving licenses. It takes about 20 minutes and includes vision, hearing, and coordination tests. Cost is typically €30-40.
Yes, your original license is surrendered to the DGT. They send it to your home country's embassy, and you can request it back through them if needed.
You'll need to take Spanish driving tests. We can recommend driving schools that offer courses in English.