Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Spain
A non-EU licence is valid in Spain for at most 6 months after you take up normal residence. You can exchange it (canje) at the DGT only if Spain has an agreement (convenio) with the country that issued it. Otherwise you need a Spanish licence through the tests.
Which route applies to you
- Your licence is from a country with a convenio: you can apply for a canje. Check the DGT's list for your country.
- Any other country: your licence cannot be exchanged; you need to obtain a Spanish licence.
The official process
Official step · You do this
Get a medical report (informe de aptitud psicofísica)
From a Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores (CRC). It is valid for 90 days and must be done in person.
Official step · You do this
Gather your documents
A valid residence card (for example a TIE), and any certificates the DGT asks for from your country.
Official step · You do this
Apply to the DGT
The holder, or any person authorised in their name, can submit the application, according to the DGT.
Official step · The authority does this
The DGT decides and issues your Spanish licence
The Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico decides on your canje.
Costs
The application is charged under DGT tasa 2.3. Check the current amount on the DGT website.
How we can help
If you want certainty, our Licence Route Check gives you your route, deadline and document list in writing. Our Application Preparation Pack helps you put together a complete application. You submit it, and the authority decides.
Our service
Services for this country
Licence Route Check
A written summary of your route, your deadline and your documents, with links to every official source.
€95incl. 21% VAT
Application Preparation Pack
Help preparing a complete exchange application: checklist, forms, health declaration, translations and appointment preparation. You submit it yourself.
€295incl. 21% VAT
Independent help with the official process. You can also apply to the authority yourself; its fees are paid to it, separately from ours. How we work
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