Exchange your foreign driving licence in Spain 2026 (DGT)

Which countries can exchange their licence?

Spain has bilateral agreements with certain countries that allow direct exchange without taking a new test:

EU / EEA countries: all EU member states, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein (automatic mutual recognition — no exchange needed; just register at DGT).

Countries with bilateral agreement (selected): Andorra, South Korea, Morocco, Japan, Switzerland, Algeria, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Philippines, Uruguay, Venezuela, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, and others. Check the current list on the DGT website as agreements may change.

Countries without agreement: You must take a full driving test in Spain.

Required documents

1. Original foreign driving licence + photocopy
2. Valid DNI or NIE + photocopy
3. Completed DGT application form (available on sede.dgt.gob.es)
4. Medical certificate (issued by an authorised medical centre — CRC)
5. Passport photo (32×26 mm, recent)
6. Tax form 790 (code 064) paid — €28.71 (2026)
7. Sworn translation of the licence (if it is not in Spanish, English, French, Italian or Portuguese)

Step-by-step process

Step 1: Medical examination

Book an appointment at any authorised driving aptitude centre (CRC). The examination tests vision, hearing and basic motor skills. Cost: approximately €25–40.

Step 2: Book an appointment at the DGT

Go to sede.dgt.gob.es → "Licences → Exchange of foreign licence" and book an appointment at the provincial DGT office in your area.

Step 3: Submit documents

Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies. The clerk will verify everything and issue a receipt.

Step 4: Collect your Spanish licence

The Spanish licence is usually ready within 4–6 weeks and will be sent to your registered address. You may use the receipt as a temporary driving permit.

What happens to your foreign licence?

The DGT retains the original foreign licence and sends it back to the issuing country's authorities. You will not get it back.

Important: deadline for EU licence holders

If you hold an EU driving licence, you do not need to exchange it — it is valid in Spain indefinitely. However, you should register it with the DGT if you become a Spanish resident.

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GovEasy helps you check whether your country has an agreement with Spain and guides you through each step of the exchange process.