If you are a foreigner and you are living in Spain, you may need to change your driving licence for a Spanish one. In this article, we will explain the steps to exchange your driving licence in Spain as a foreigner, explaining the available options and the necessary documents.

Exchange your driving licence in Spain as a foreigner

Depending on your country, you could drive in Spain with your current licence, but there are certain limitations. In general, citizens of countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area can drive with their licence, while those of other countries must make the exchange. There are countries that have an exchange agreement with Spain, which makes the process much easier.

Countries with an exchange agreement with Spain

Spain has exchange agreements with some non-EU countries, such as: Argelia, Philippines, Japan, UK, New Zealand and Serbia, among others. If your country is on the list, you can easily exchange your permit. If not, the process will be more complicated and will require you to meet additional requirements.

Check the complete list of countries here.

Requirements for exchanging driving licences

If your country is not on the list of countries that have an agreement with Spain, you must meet a series of requirements to exchange your permit:

You must be a legal resident in Spain and have obtained your driving licence in your country of origin before acquiring Spanish residence. This requirement is essential.

In addition, you must meet certain additional requirements, such as having previous experience as a professional driver (at least more than 6 months of creditable experience) or passing a skills and behavior test for driving on public roads open to traffic.

Likewise, you will not be eligible for the exchange if your driving licence is suspended or administratively intervened.

Driver’s licence exchange process

To make the exchange, you must go to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) with the necessary documentation. You have two options: do it online, with a digital certificate, or in person at a traffic office near your place of residence. In both cases, you will need to request an appointment.

You can book your appointment here.

Documents required for the exchange

The documents that you must present are:

• Your NIE or residence card.
• Passport (original and in force) or DNI in case of having Spanish nationality.
• Certificate of registration.
• Original driving licence (the one from your country of origin).
• Certificate of legality of the permit.
• Completed official form that they will give you on the day of the appointment.
• Psychophysical aptitude report that you can get at any authorized medical center through a recognition.
• Payment of the corresponding traffic fees.
• Recent photo with a white background and passport size.
• Depending on the type of permit you are redeeming and your country of origin, you may be required to take additional testing. Check the details here.

Estimated time for the exchanging process

The time it takes for the exchanging process may vary. Getting a prior appointment could take between 2 and 3 months, especially in large cities like Madrid and Barcelona. Once you have attended the appointment, you will receive a provisional card. Subsequently, within a period of approximately 3 months, you will receive the Spanish driving licence at your home.

International Driving Permit in Spain

If you need to drive in another country with your Spanish driving license, you may need to obtain an International Driving Permit (PID). The PID is valid for one year and can be requested at the DGT. To obtain it, you must present your DNI or NIE, Spanish driving licence, two recent photos and pay the corresponding fee. This document will allow you to temporarily drive in countries that are not part of the EU or do not have an exchange agreement with Spain.

Tips to facilitate the exchange process in Spain

To make the process of exchanging your driving licence more bearable, we recommend that you follow these tips:

• Check in advance if your country of origin has an exchange agreement with Spain, which will facilitate the process.
• Gather all the necessary documentation before requesting the appointment, since at the appointment you will have to present all the required documents.
• If you have difficulty getting an appointment in a large city, consider making appointments at nearby traffic offices, where they may be less crowded.
• Keep in mind that some countries may require additional tests, so find out about the specific requirements for your country of origin.
• If you are thinking of traveling abroad and driving there, don’t forget to apply for an International Driving Permit.

By following these tips, you will be better prepared to face the process of exchanging your driving licence in Spain as a foreigner and you will be able to drive legally in the country.

Conclusion

Exchanging your foreign driving licence for a Spanish one is a necessary process if you are a legal resident in Spain and do not belong to a country of the EU or the European Economic Area. Be sure to review the requirements and necessary documents, and follow the steps indicated in this guide. Also, if you plan to drive in other countries, consider getting an International Driving Permit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. Can I drive in Spain with my foreign permit?

It depends on your country of origin and if Spain has an exchange agreement with it. EU and EEA citizens can drive with their licence, while those from other countries must exchange.

2. How long does it take to exchange my driver’s licence?

The estimated time may vary, but getting an appointment can take between 2 and 3 months.

Once attended the appointment, you will receive a provisional licence, and in approximately 3 months you will receive the Spanish driving licence at your home.

3. What documents do I need to exchange my foreign driving licence?

You will need your NIE or residence card, passport or DNI, registration certificate, original driver’s licence, recent photo, official form, psychophysical aptitude report, payment of the corresponding fees and, in some cases, a certificate of legality and additional tests .

4. How can I obtain an International Driving Permit in Spain?

To obtain an International Driving Permit (PID), you must request it at the DGT, presenting your DNI or NIE, Spanish driving licence, two recent photos and paying the corresponding fee. The PID is valid for one year and will allow you to drive temporarily in countries that are not part of the EU or do not have an exchange agreement with Spain.

5. What can I do to facilitate the process of exchanging my foreign driving licence in Spain?

Some tips to facilitate the process are: check if your country of origin has an exchange agreement with Spain, gather all the necessary documentation before requesting the appointment, look for appointments at traffic offices in nearby towns if you have difficulties getting them in cities large, learn about the specific requirements for your home country, and apply for an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive abroad.