How to exchange a foreign driving licence for a Spanish one: the DGT process, step by step
Reviewed on 11 October 2026 · sources: DGT, BOE
Short answer. The DGT exchanges a foreign licence for a Spanish one without a driving test only if three things are true: you are a resident in Spain, the licence comes from a country that has an exchange agreement with Spain, and you got it before you became a legal resident. Among English-speaking countries, the agreement list covers the United Kingdom (with Northern Ireland), New Zealand and the Philippines. The United States, Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa are not on the list, so their licence holders take the Spanish theory and practical tests. Ireland is in the EU, which is a separate rule.
This page explains the procedure. Whether your country is covered, and what happens if it is not, is on the foreign licence overview.
English-speaking countries, checked against the DGT list
The DGT's list of exchange countries was last updated on 26 June 2026 (checked on 11 October 2026).
| Country | Agreement with Spain? | What is specific |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom and Northern Ireland | Yes, since 16 March 2023 | No tests, not even for lorries and buses. No prior verification step, but you supply a DVLA check code. Learner and provisional licences are excluded. Details in Spanish: Carnet británico en España |
| New Zealand | Yes, since 2 June 2023 | The DGT puts New Zealand in the group where the issuing country verifies your licence before you apply |
| Philippines | Yes, since 21 September 2008 | Same verification step; lorry and bus licences need a specific test plus a driving test |
| Ireland | EU licence | Valid while in force; renewing in Spain is a different procedure |
| United States, Canada, Australia, South Africa, India, Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana | No | Spanish tests apply. See US, India, Pakistan |
The two groups: who checks your licence first
The DGT splits the agreement countries into two groups for the online procedure (DGT sede, online exchange):
- Group A, verification first. Your country must confirm that the licence is genuine. You ask for it, wait for an email (it can take days or weeks) and get a locator number. Only then do you apply. Group A includes New Zealand and the Philippines.
- Group B, no prior verification. You go straight to the application. The United Kingdom is in this group, with the check code as the extra document.
The steps
- Check the three conditions above. If the licence was issued after you became a legal resident, stop here: it cannot be exchanged.
- Get the medical certificate from an authorised driver testing centre. It is valid for 90 days.
- Apply online (Cl@ve, a digital certificate or an authorised representative) or book an appointment for the exchange area. In Group A, ask for the verification first.
- Attach the documents: ID, passport or residence authorisation; proof of residence; proof that you did not live in Spain when the licence was issued; both sides of the licence; the medical certificate; the fee.
- Pay the fee: 28.87 € (fee 2.3) for car and motorbike. Lorry and bus licences, where tests are required, pay 94.05 € (fee 2.1, two attempts).
- Hand over your original licence at the traffic office you chose. You receive a provisional licence valid for six months, in Spain only.
- The permanent licence arrives by post in about six weeks.
Do I need a translation while I wait?
Spanish law accepts a foreign licence if it follows the 1949 Geneva or 1968 Vienna model, is written in Spanish, comes with an official translation, or is an international permit (RGCond art. 21). The 2023 UK agreement adds an exemption: UK licence holders can drive temporarily in Spain without an International Driving Permit or official translation (BOE-A-2023-8050, clause 5). For other countries, check that your licence qualifies under article 21.
Common mistakes
- Counting six months from your last arrival. For residents, the six months start when you gain normal residence (at least 185 days a year in Spain, legally).
- Trying to exchange a licence taken after moving. The DGT does not exchange licences obtained while you were already a legal resident of Spain, with exceptions for the Republic of Korea and for licences obtained before the agreement with that country was signed.
- Cancelling an appointment. You can only hold one exchange appointment over time, and cancelling means starting again, including the verification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I exchange a US driving licence in Spain?
No. The United States is not on the DGT's list of agreement countries. You need to pass the Spanish theory and practical tests.
Which English-speaking countries can exchange their licence?
The United Kingdom, New Zealand and the Philippines, according to the DGT list updated on 26 June 2026.
Do UK licence holders need to take a test?
No. The 2023 agreement says the exchange is not subject to any additional practical or theory test.
How much does the exchange cost?
Fee 2.3 is 28.87 € for cars and motorbikes. Where tests apply to lorries and buses, fee 2.1 is 94.05 €.
How long can I drive on my foreign licence while I wait?
Up to six months from the day you gain normal residence in Spain, provided the licence is in force and meets the article 21 conditions.
Sources
- DGT, Countries with exchange agreements (updated 26/06/2026, in Spanish) and the DGT sede pages on online exchange, checked on 11/10/2026.
- BOE, Reglamento General de Conductores, article 21; Spain-UK agreement of 15 March 2023.
- DGT, press note of 14 March 2023.
This page explains the rules; it is not legal advice. For your own case, ask your provincial traffic office or call 060.
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