Nationals from European Economic Area (EEA) countries (EU plus Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein) are free to drive in Spain using your existing driver’s license. However you must adhere to the same conditions as Spanish license holders:


1. Undertake relevant medical checks
2. Have reached the minimum age in Spain for the category of vehicle you wish to drive e.g. car drivers must be at least 18 years old;
3. Renew the license after two years residence Also, Spanish authorities can compel a person to obtain a new, Spanish license if there are issues with points.

Foreign drivers with EEA passports must register with the traffic authorities within 6 months of moving to the country. You can do this at your Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders (Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores) of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico). Once you have registered, you will need to take a medical examination at an Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado). This is to demonstrate that you have the proper mental and physical fitness to drive, in the same way as Spanish drivers.

If you wish you can exchange your license for a Spanish equivalent. Similar to registering, this is done at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters. The local authorities will request the following documents:
1. Application form
2. Valid passport or national identity card
3. Proof of residence (Certificate of Registration in the Central Aliens Register – the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer)
4. Valid driving licence to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
5. Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
6. Declaration in writing that you have not been banned or suspended from driving
7. Declaration in writing that you do not hold another driver’s license of the same class in another country Non-EEA citizens

Nationals from outside the EEA may drive in Spain using your existing foreign driver’s license, provided it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a document that provides a translation of a person’s driver’s license into a number of different languages, including Spanish. It must be carried at all times with the actual driver’s license. The IDP is valid for one year and must be applied for outside of Spain.

Spain also allows the exchange of licenses from nationals from a number of other countries, but attaches certain conditions.

A) Andorra, Japan, Korea and Switzerland:
1. Application form
2. Valid national identity card or passport (original)
3. Residence permit and valid residence card
4. Medical fitness report from a recognized medical centre
5. Valid driving license to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
6. Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
7. Declaration in writing that you have not been banned or suspended from driving
8. Declaration in writing that you do not hold another driver’s license of the same class issued by another EU country.
9. Official translation of the permit by a Consulate or Embassy (Korea)
10. Official translation of the permit (Japan)

B) Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Dominical Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Macedonia, Morocco, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Turkey, Tunisia, Ukraine, Uruguay, Venezuela:

1. Application form
2. Valid national identity card or passport (original)
3. Residence permit or identity card or passport of the country, along with the Certificate of Registration in the Central Register of Foreigners for EU foreigners; residence Permit for non-EU: original effect. Valid residence card.
4. Medical fitness report from a recognized medical centre
5. Valid driving license to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
6. Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
7. Declaration in writing that you have not been banned or suspended from driving
8. Declaration in writing that you do not hold another driver’s license of the same class issued by another EU country.

Diplomats and International staff
Spain allows diplomats and members of international organizations with offices or headquarters or offices in Spain, together with their families, to obtain a driver’s license without needing to undertake the proficiency testing theory or practice. The following documents must be submitted:

1. Application form
2. Valid national identity card or passport (original)
3. Medical fitness report from a recognized medical centre
4. Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
5. Valid driver’s license accompanied by an official translation

Requests are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs who in turn send the application to the provincial traffic headquarters in Madrid for processing.

Schools, military and police organizations
Spain will exchange licenses issues by these types of organizations provided the following conditions are met*:

1. Normal residence in Spain.
2. Free from any driving ban or suspension
3. Psychologically and physically capable of driving for the relevant license category

The following documents are required:
1. Application form (must be filed within 6 months of end of service – if applicable)
2. Valid national identity card or passport (original)
3. Medical fitness report from a recognised medical centre
4. Valid driving license to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
5. Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
6. Certification proving active service or the end date

Sources
www.dgt.es

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