Converting your driving license in Spain

24/02/2026 Moving abroad, Spain

Anyone who permanently Spain will sooner or later have to exchange their foreign driving licence. This particularly applies to EU citizens who live in the Balearic Islands, the mainland or the Canary Islands.

Is my German driving license valid in Spain?

Yes – German driving licenses are generally recognized. But there are differences:

Permanent driving licenses, the before January 19, 2013 issued must at the latest two years after taking up residence in Spain be exchanged.
Temporary EU driving licenses Cards with an expiration date (e.g., 15 years validity) can be used until the expiration date. After that, an exchange is required.

Who is considered a resident in Spain?

Who is longer than 183 days per year Anyone who stays in Spain and has their main residence there is considered a resident. If they stay for more than three months, registration with the foreign nationals' registry ("Residencia") is mandatory. This registration also marks the beginning of the deadline for exchanging a driver's license.

This is how the driver's license exchange works

1. Make an appointment

An appointment with the Spanish traffic authority (DGT) is required. You can book this online.

2. Medical aptitude test

The so-called "Psicotécnico" (physician's exam) tests eyesight, reaction time, and general health. It is mandatory and is performed in authorized centers.

3. You need these documents:

Valid passport or ID card
Original German driving license
Proof of your residence in Spain (e.g. registration certificate)
Certificate of medical aptitude test
Current passport photo (32 x 26 mm)

4. Fees

The cost of the exchange is approx. €94. For the medical test, about €30–50 added.

5. Provisional driving license

After submitting your application, you will receive a provisional driving license, which allows you to drive in Spain immediately. The new driving licence is usually issued within 1 to 3 months delivered by post.

Validity of the Spanish driving license

For drivers under 65 years of age: 10 years
From 65 years: 5 years, after which a new medical examination is required.

What happens if you are banned from driving or have your driving license revoked in Spain?

Anyone who violates traffic regulations in Spain risks having their driving license deducted in the Spanish driving point system – even if they are a foreigner. If their driver's license is revoked or a driving ban is imposed, this also applies in Germany.

Important: A Spanish driver's license can also be revoked, even if it was issued on the basis of a German document. In serious cases, a completely new license may be required.

And how does it work for non-EU citizens?

Non-EU citizens must usually have their driving licence within six months Exchange after taking up residence – provided there is a bilateral agreement between Spain and the country of origin. For many countries (e.g., the USA, Canada, Australia), a full driving license is often required in Spain – including a theory and practical test.

Registration in the Spanish driver register

Anyone who does not want to exchange their driving licence directly can voluntarily register in Spanish driver directory This offers advantages, for example, in the case of fines or administrative documents. It's not mandatory, but it's useful for long-term residence.

Conclusion

For anyone living in Spain who wants to drive, exchanging their driver's license is mandatory sooner or later. Those who have all the necessary documents ready and adhere to the deadlines won't be held back by Spanish bureaucracy. After that, they can drive on quietly – with a Spanish driver's license in their pocket.

Are you still unsure?

Then read the entire thing Technical article by Mag Wilhelm Habelöcker or take his Online help to complete. Likes Wilhelm Habellocker is Expert in Emigration questions and shares his Articles in our blog.

Article from our popular series: Emigrating to Spain, the Balearic Islands & Ibiza

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Converting your driving license in Spain