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Obtaining a Spanish driving license A Spanish driving licence (licencia de conducción) is the standard EU model, of laminated pink card, with a photograph of the holder. However a process has begun to replace that with a plastic, credit card-sized permit with photograph. All valid EEC (European Economic Community) driving licences are valid in Spain provided that the licence holder is 18 years or older (18 being the minimum driving age in Spain). There is no obligation for the licence to be exchanged for a Spanish one. However a foreign resident in Spain is quite entitled to exchange he EEA licence if the choose to. Note: The EEC includes all European Union countries, Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein. Very important to note that although an exchange for a Spanish licence is not required, all Spanish licence regulations will apply to the EU licence being used by a foreign resident in Spain. These are:
If a driving infraction occurs, Spanish authorities can require the holder of a licence from an EU country to obtain a new, Spanish licence so that points can be removed. Foreign drivers from within the EU will still need to register with the traffic authorities within six months of moving to Spain. Details must be registered with the Central Register of Drivers and Minor Offenders (Registro Central de Conductores e Infractores) of the Provincial Traffic Headquarters (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) of their place of residence. Once registered, they will need to undergo a medical examination to show mental and physical fitness and the standards that apply to Spanish drivers will apply to them.
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Exchanging an EEC licence for a Spanish licence
The holder of an EEC driving licence may exchange it for an equivalent Spanish licence. Application must be made at the Provincial Traffic Headquarters of the applicant's province of residence and an application form ssued by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters must be completed.
Documents required:
- Proof of identity (passport original and copy)
- Proof of residence (Certificate of Registration in the Central Aliens Register - the NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjer)
- Valid driving licence to be exchanged (original and photocopy)
- Two recent photographs (32 by 25 mm)
- Declaration in writing stating that the applicant has not been banned or suspended from driving
- Declaration in writing stating that the applicant does not hold another driving licence of the same class in another country
New credit card-sized licences are being introduced across the country, so in addition to the documents currently required an applicant will need to submit a "photocard". This will be issued free by the traffic department and must be filled in with identity details, signed and have a recent photograph attached to it.
The driving licence will be sent by ordinary post.
The licence will need regular renewal; a standard Spanish driving licence for a private car or bike is valid for ten years when the holder is under 45 years of age, five years between 45 and 70, and two years from 70 on.