Important reminder
If you live in Spain and have a valid UK driving licence, this licence will only be recognised legally for driving in Spain until 31 December 2021. You may wish to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one. The process for how to do this will depend on whether or not you had registered your intention to exchange licences before 30 December 2020 or not.
Option 1 – You registered with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020
If you were resident in Spain before 1 January 2021 and registered with the DGT before 30 December 2020, you should request an appointment with the DGT to exchange your UK licence by 31 December 2021.
To exchange your licence you will need:
- Proof you are registered as a resident in Spain by way of the TIE card or green EU residency card/certificate.
- Your UK driving licence.
At Expat Services we can arrange all this for you, including how to get an appointment at the DGT.
The DGT will exchange your UK driving licence for a temporary driving permit (‘autorización temporal para conducir’) until your Spanish driving licence is processed. Note, this permit is only valid in Spain.
Option 2 – You did not register with DGT before 30 December 2020
If you did not register with DGT before 30 December 2020 and wish to exchange your UK driving licence, you should follow the DGT process for non-EU nationals. This includes taking a driving test.
While the UK government is in discussion with the Spanish government on future driving licence exchange without the need for a practical test, there is no sign yet of an agreement.
Your valid UK licence will continue to be recognised in Spain until 31 December 2021.
After 31 December it will only be non-residents (tourists) who will be able to drive in Spain with a UK driving licence.
Contact us
For information on how we can support you with a Spanish driving licence, either via a licence exchange or a driving test, call us on 621 25 70 65 or email help@expat-services.es