If you are a foreigner and you find yourself living in Spain, you may need to exchange your driving license for a Spanish one. In this article, we will explain the steps to exchange your driving license in Spain as a foreigner, outlining the available options and the necessary documents.
Redeem your driving license in Spain as a foreigner
Depending on your country, you may be able to drive in Spain with your current license, but there are certain limitations. In general, citizens of countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area can drive with their license, while those from other countries must exchange it. Some countries have an exchange agreement with Spain, which makes the process much easier.
Countries with a swap agreement with Spain
Spain has exchange agreements with some non-EU countries, such as: Peru, Argentina, Japan, Colombia, Ecuador and Chile, among others. If your country is on the list, you will be able to redeem your permit easilyIf not, the process will be more complicated and will require you to meet additional requirements.
Check the complete list of countries this article.
Requirements for exchanging driving licenses
If your country is not on the list of countries that have an agreement with Spain, you must comply with a set of requirements To redeem your permit:
You must be legal resident in Spain and have obtained your driving license in your country of origin before acquiring Spanish residency. This requirement is essential.
In addition, you must meet certain additional requirements, such as having previous experience as a professional driver (at least more than 6 months of verifiable experience) or passing a test of skills and behavior when driving on public roads open to traffic.
Likewise, You will not be eligible for the exchange If your driving license is suspended or administratively intervened.
Driving license exchange process
To exchange your licence, you must go to the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) with the necessary documentation. You have two options: do it online, with a digital certificate, or in person at a traffic office near your place of residence. In both cases, you will need to request an appointment.
You can book your appointment in advance this article.
Documents required for the exchange
The documents you must present are:
- Tu NO or residence card.
- Passport Number (original and valid) or DNI if you have Spanish nationality.
- Certificate of registration.
- Original driving license (that of your country of origin).
- Certificate of legality of permission.
- Official completed form that they will give you on the day of the appointment.
- Psychophysical aptitude report which you can obtain at any authorized medical center through an examination.
- Payment of the corresponding traffic fees.
- recent photo with white background and passport size.
- Depending on the type of permit you are exchanging and your country of origin, you may be required to take additional tests. See details below. this article.
Estimated time for the exchange process
The time taken for the redemption process may vary. Getting an appointment could take between 2 and 3 months, especially in large cities such as Madrid and Barcelona. Once you have attended the appointment, you will receive a provisional card. Subsequently, within a period of approximately 3 months, you will receive your Spanish driving license at your home.
International Driving Permit in Spain
If you need to drive in another country with your Spanish driving license, you may need to obtain a International Driving Permit (IDP). The PID It is valid for one year and can be requested at the DGT. To obtain it, you must present your DNI or NIE, a Spanish driving licence, two recent photos and pay the corresponding fee. This document will allow you to drive temporarily in countries that are not part of the EU or do not have an exchange agreement with Spain.
Tips to facilitate the exchange process in Spain
To make the process of exchanging your driving license easier, we recommend that you follow these tips:
• Check in advance whether your country of origin has an exchange agreement with Spain, which will facilitate the process.
• Gather all necessary documentation before requesting the appointment, since you will have to present all required documents at the appointment.
• If you have difficulty getting an appointment in a large city, consider looking for appointments at traffic offices in nearby towns, where they may be less crowded.
• Please note that some countries may require additional testing, so please find out about the specific requirements for your home country.
• If you are thinking of travelling abroad and driving there, don't forget to apply for an International Driving Permit.
By following these tips, you will be better prepared to face the process of exchanging your driving license in Spain as a foreigner and you will be able to drive legally in the country.
Conclusion
Exchanging your foreign driving license for a Spanish one is a necessary process if you are a legal resident in Spain and do not belong to an EU or European Economic Area country. Make sure to review the requirements and necessary documents, and follow the steps outlined in this guide. Also, if you plan to drive in other countries, consider getting an International Driving Permit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I drive in Spain with my foreign license?
It depends on your country of origin and whether Spain has an exchange agreement with it. EU and EEA citizens can drive with their licence, while those from other countries must exchange it.
2. How long does the process of exchanging my driving license take?
The estimated time may vary, but getting an appointment can take between 2 and 3 months.
Once you have attended the appointment, you will receive a provisional driving licence, and in approximately 3 months you will receive your Spanish driving licence at your home.
3. What documents do I need to exchange my foreign driving license?
You will need your NIE or residence card, passport or DNI, registration certificate, original driving license, recent photo, official form, psychophysical fitness report, payment of the corresponding fees and, in some cases, a certificate of legality and additional evidence.
4. How can I obtain an International Driving Permit in Spain?
To obtain an International Driving Permit (PID), you must apply for it at the DGT, presenting your DNI or NIE, Spanish driving licence, two recent photos and paying the corresponding fee. The PID is valid for one year and will allow you to drive temporarily in countries that are not part of the EU or do not have an exchange agreement with Spain.
5. What can I do to facilitate the process of exchanging my foreign driving license in Spain?
Some tips to make the process easier are: check if your country of origin has an exchange agreement with Spain, gather all the necessary documentation before requesting the appointment, look for appointments at traffic offices in nearby towns if you have difficulty getting them in large cities, find out about the specific requirements for your country of origin and apply for an International Driving Permit if you plan to drive abroad.
