Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Spain
Some foreign licences can be swapped for a Spanish one with no test. Others cannot - and the holder must sit the DGT theory and practical exams. This guide explains which group you are in and what to do next.
Can I exchange my licence?
Spain has a bilateral exchange agreement with the following regions and countries. If your country appears here, you can swap your licence without sitting the test.
| Region | Countries | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EU & EEA | All EU/EEA member states | No theory or practical test. Free movement principle. |
| Europe (non-EU) | United Kingdom, Switzerland, Andorra, Serbia, Ukraine | Bilateral agreements. UK agreement in force since 16 March 2023. |
| Americas | Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay | Per the Iberoamericana convention and bilateral agreements. |
| Africa & Middle East | Morocco, Tunisia, Turkey | Bilateral agreements. |
| Asia Pacific | Japan, New Zealand | Bilateral agreements. |
Countries NOT on the exchange list (you must take the test)
Holders of licences from these countries cannot exchange and must pass the full DGT theory and practical exams. The list is not exhaustive - always verify with the DGT or your consulate.
The list of bilateral agreements changes over time. Confirm at sede.dgt.gob.es.
Country-specific guides
Detailed walkthroughs by nationality - process, costs, common gotchas:
Post-Brexit bilateral exchange (March 2023)
No exchange - full DGT exam process
No exchange - test + LHS transition
No exchange - province-by-province notes
No exchange - DGT exams + IDP usage
How to exchange - step by step
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1
Confirm your residency
You must be a registered resident (TIE for non-EU citizens, green certificate for EU). The 6-month exchange window starts on the residency date.
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2
Get a medical certificate (psicotécnico)
From any DGT-authorised centre - search for "centro de reconocimiento de conductores" in your area. Takes 20-30 minutes, costs €30-€50, includes a vision and reaction-time test.
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3
Pay the DGT fee
€28.87 (2026). Pay online with the "modelo 791" form at sede.dgt.gob.es or at any bank using the printed form.
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4
Book your DGT appointment (cita previa)
Online via the DGT website. Choose "Canje de permiso extranjero". Appointments in major cities can have multi-week waits - book early.
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5
Attend your appointment
Bring: your TIE/green certificate, your original foreign licence, the psicotécnico, the fee receipt, a passport photo, and a completed application form. You surrender your foreign licence at this appointment.
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6
Drive on the provisional and wait for the card
You leave with a temporary paper permit (valid 3 months). The physical Spanish licence is posted to your address typically within 4-8 weeks.
If your country is not on the list
Most US, Canadian, Australian, Indian, Mexican and South African nationals fall into this group. The path is longer but well-trodden:
- Study the DGT theory bank - in English, since 2024 the exam is officially available in English.
- Pass the 30-question theory exam at a DGT centre (27/30 to pass).
- Take practical lessons with a driving school (autoescuela) - required even if you have years of experience, because the practical exam uses a dual-control car.
- Pass the practical exam with a DGT examiner.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I drive in Spain on my foreign licence?
Six months from the date you register as a resident (empadronamiento or TIE issuance, whichever applies). After six months, you must hold a Spanish licence - either an exchanged one (if your country qualifies) or one obtained through the full DGT exam process.
My country is not on the list. What now?
You will need to pass the full DGT theory exam and the practical driving exam to obtain a Spanish licence. The English version of the theory exam is available - see the 'DGT test in English' guide. Many people in this situation use a driving school for the practical, since the school provides the dual-control car.
How much does the exchange cost?
The DGT administrative fee for exchange is €28.87 (2026). You also need a psychophysical medical certificate (psicotécnico), which costs roughly €30-€50 at an authorised centre, plus a passport-style photo. Total: around €60-€80.
Do I need to hand in my original licence?
Yes. When you exchange, you surrender the foreign licence to the DGT. Some embassies (notably the UK's) require this surrender to be done as part of the process. Keep a colour copy for your records.
I am a UK citizen who lived in Spain before Brexit. Are the rules different for me?
Withdrawal-agreement beneficiaries had specific transitional windows that have largely now closed. Since 16 March 2023, the standard UK-Spain bilateral exchange applies: UK licences can be exchanged without taking the test, regardless of when you arrived. Verify your specific situation on the British Embassy in Madrid's website.
Can I exchange a learner permit or provisional licence?
No. Only full, valid driving licences in active validity can be exchanged. Learner and provisional permits are not recognised.
Last updated: 2026-05-17. Regulatory facts (fees, country list) change - verify before acting via sede.dgt.gob.es.