Lifestyle · 12 min
Driving Licence in Spain: Exchange, Rules & What Expats Must Know
5 June 2026 · Hansson & Hertzell
UK and EU licences are valid in Spain — but only temporarily if you become resident. Here's everything expats need to know about driving legally in Spain and exchanging your licence.
For most international property buyers and expats on the Costa Blanca, driving is not optional — it's how you get everywhere. Spain's road network is excellent, but the rules around foreign driving licences, residency, and the exchange process catch many people out. This guide covers everything you need to know to drive legally and safely in Spain.
Which Foreign Licences Are Valid in Spain?
EU/EEA licences (including Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Dutch, German, etc.): Valid for driving in Spain for as long as the licence itself is valid, even if you become a Spanish resident. However, once resident for 2 years, you must exchange your EU licence for a Spanish one — a simple administrative process with no test required.
UK licences (post-Brexit): Valid for driving in Spain for up to 2 years from the date you register as a Spanish resident (empadronamiento). After that, you must exchange for a Spanish licence. If you're a non-resident using a UK licence for occasional visits (under 183 days/year), your UK licence remains valid indefinitely for those visits. The exchange process is straightforward and no driving test is required.
US, Canadian, Australian licences: Valid for driving in Spain for up to 6 months from the date of entry (as a tourist or short-stay visitor). After 6 months, or if you become resident, these licences are NOT valid and you must pass the Spanish driving test to obtain a Spanish licence. There is no direct exchange agreement.
International Driving Permit (IDP): If you hold a non-EU/non-UK licence, an IDP alongside your national licence allows you to drive during the first 6 months. IDPs are not a long-term solution and do not allow you to exchange for a Spanish licence.
The UK Licence Exchange Process
Since 2021, the UK and Spain have a bilateral agreement that allows UK residents in Spain to exchange their UK licence for a Spanish one without sitting a test. The exchange process:
- Register as resident at your local ayuntamiento (get your empadronamiento certificate — the proof of registration).
- Book an appointment at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (Spain's DGT, the traffic authority). In the Alicante area, the main DGT office is in Alicante city.
- Surrender your UK licence. This is sent to the DVLA in the UK. You cannot keep both licences.
- Receive your Spanish licence. Processing takes 4–8 weeks. You receive a temporary paper authorisation to drive while you wait.
Documents required:
- Valid UK driving licence (original)
- NIE certificate
- Empadronamiento certificate (registration at local council)
- Medical certificate (certificado médico) from an authorised Spanish centro de reconocimiento
- Passport
- 2 passport photos
- Fee (approximately €30–40)
The medical certificate is a practical test of eyesight, basic reflexes, and fitness — not a full medical examination. It takes about 20 minutes and costs around €40–60 at a DGT-authorised medical centre.
EU Licence Exchange Process
For EU licence holders becoming Spanish residents, the process is similar but simpler:
- The exchange is required after 2 years of Spanish residency
- No medical certificate is needed for most EU licences (depends on age and licence category)
- The DGT processes the exchange administratively
- No test required
For practical purposes, many EU residents keep their home licence until the 2-year deadline approaches. Check the DGT website for current bilateral agreements.
Driving Rules in Spain: Key Differences
Whether you're driving on a foreign licence or a Spanish one, these rules apply:
Speed limits:
- Motorways (autopistas/autovías): 120 km/h (100 km/h if raining)
- Main roads (carreteras): 90 km/h
- Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 km/h in residential zones)
- School zones: 20–30 km/h
Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l for general drivers (0.3 g/l if licence is less than 2 years old or if driving professionally).
Mobile phones: Strictly prohibited while driving, even hands-free earphones can be considered an offence. Use a properly mounted hands-free kit.
Roundabouts: Traffic on the roundabout has priority (as in the UK), but this changed in 2011 and some older Spanish drivers may not yield — be careful.
Seat belts: Mandatory for all occupants, including rear passengers.
Warning triangles and high-vis vest: You must carry two warning triangles and a high-visibility vest. In a breakdown or accident, the vest must be worn before exiting the vehicle on the road.
DGT fines: Spain has a points-based licence system (starting at 12 points for new drivers, 8 for learners). Fines are significant and speed cameras are widespread, particularly on the A-7 Costa Blanca motorway.
Importing Your Car to Spain
If you plan to live in Spain long-term and drive your UK/Swedish-registered car, you must register it in Spain once you become resident. Driving a foreign-registered car as a Spanish resident for more than 30 days is technically illegal.
The import process (matriculación) involves:
- ITV (MOT equivalent) inspection at an authorised ITV station
- Payment of registration tax (Impuesto de Matriculación) — varies by CO2 emissions (0%, 4.75%, 9.75%, or 14.75%)
- Payment of IVA (VAT) unless you can prove the vehicle has already been taxed in the EU
- Registration at the DGT, receiving Spanish plates
For UK cars imported post-Brexit, additional paperwork and customs clearance applies. Using a specialist gestor for car import is strongly recommended — the process is complex and errors are costly.
Renting a Car in Spain
If you're visiting on a property viewing trip, renting is straightforward. EU licences are accepted by all major rental companies with no restrictions. UK licences are accepted for rentals. US licences are accepted — most rental companies require a minimum of 1 year's driving experience. An IDP is not required by most rental companies in Spain (though it's worth having for older US-style licences).
At Alicante airport (the nearest major airport for Costa Blanca), all major rental companies operate: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Enterprise, and budget options like Goldcar and Centauro. Book in advance for July/August — supply is tight and prices spike significantly.
