Driving License Exchange in Spain: Complete Guide

If you're moving to Spain, you may be able to exchange your foreign driving license for a Spanish one without taking tests. This guide explains the complete process.

Can You Exchange Your License?

You can exchange your driving license in Spain if:

• Your country has a reciprocal agreement with Spain
• You're a legal resident in Spain
• Your license is valid and current
• You exchange within 2 years of becoming resident (6 months for some countries)

If your country doesn't have an agreement, you must take Spanish driving tests.

Countries with Exchange Agreements

EU/EEA countries:

• All EU licenses can be exchanged
• No time limit for exchange
• Simple process

Non-EU countries with agreements:

• Full exchange: Andorra, Switzerland, Japan, South Korea, Serbia, Turkey, Ukraine
• Partial exchange (some categories): Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Morocco, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Venezuela
• UK: Agreement in place (post-Brexit)
• USA: Varies by state (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin)

Required Documents

To exchange your driving license, you'll need:

• Valid foreign driving license (original)
• Official translation (if not in Spanish):
  • By sworn translator (traductor jurado)
  • Or by consulate/embassy
  • Cost: €30-60
• NIE and residence permit (TIE or CUE)
• Passport
• Recent photo (32x26mm, white background)
• Medical certificate:
  • From authorized center (Centro de Reconocimiento)
  • Cost: €40-70
  • Valid for 3 months
• Modelo 790 payment receipt (€24.58)
• Certificate of authenticity (from your country's authorities, if required)

Exchange Process Step-by-Step

1. Get medical certificate at authorized center
2. Translate your license (if needed)
3. Pay Modelo 790 fee (€24.58) at bank or online
4. Book appointment at DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) office
5. Attend appointment with all documents
6. Submit application
7. Surrender foreign license (they keep it)
8. Receive temporary permit (valid 3 months)
9. Wait for Spanish license (arrives by mail)
10. Collect license at DGT office or by mail

Costs and Fees

Total cost to exchange license:

• Modelo 790 fee: €24.58
• Medical certificate: €40-70
• Translation: €30-60 (if required)
• Photos: €5-10
• Total: €100-165

Processing Time

How long does it take?

• Appointment booking: 1-4 weeks wait
• Processing: 1-3 months after appointment
• Total time: 2-4 months typically
• You can drive with temporary permit while waiting

Important notes:

• Your foreign license will be cancelled when exchanged
• Spanish license valid for 10 years (5 years if over 65)
• Must renew before expiration
• If you don't exchange within time limit, must take Spanish driving tests