Driving Licence Exchange (Canje de Permiso de Conducir)
Exchange your foreign licence for a Spanish one at DGT. EU licences valid but exchange avoids complications. Non-EU must exchange within 6 months if bilateral agreement exists.
Non-EU: licence invalid after 6 months. Driving with invalid licence = fine + criminal charge.
Ready to start this procedure?
Use our interactive tool with form generation, document checklists and appointment booking.
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Step-by-step process
Verify licence is exchangeable
EU: always. Non-EU: check DGT list of countries with bilateral agreements (UK, some US states, Japan, Brazil, Ukraine, etc.).
Get medical certificate
Visit Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores. Usually walk-in. Bring passport + NIE/CUE.
Get sworn translation (if needed)
EU standard format licences usually exempt. UK, USA, etc. need sworn translation.
Pay Tasa IV.4 (€28.87)
Pay DGT fee online at sede.dgt.gob.es or at bank.
Book DGT appointment
Book at sede.dgt.gob.es for "Canje de permiso de conducción extranjero".
Attend DGT appointment
Bring all documents. Surrender original licence. Receive temporary permit while Spanish licence is produced (4-8 weeks by mail).
Required documents
Must be valid. You surrender it to DGT. Get a copy/photo before surrendering.
Sworn translation (traductor jurado). EU standard format usually exempt. UK post-Brexit needs translation. Cost: €30-80.
Proof of legal residency.
From Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores. Vision + basic physical/cognitive test. €25-60. Valid 90 days.
Recent, color, white background.
Available at DGT office or online.
Tips and common pitfalls
Non-EU licences become invalid 6 months after establishing residency. Driving with invalid licence is a serious offence.
DGT keeps your original licence. Get a certified copy or photo BEFORE the appointment.
Medical certificate valid only 90 days. Do not get it too early.
USA: only some states have exchange agreements. Others require full Spanish exam.
EU licence holders: exchange avoids problems when licence expires (renewal must be done in Spain if resident).
If no agreement exists, Spanish driving exam is in Spanish only. Use "test de conducir" apps to study.
Regional variations
DGT Arturo Soria, long waits. Try Alcobendas or Getafe.
DGT Barcelona 2-4 week wait. Girona and Tarragona faster.