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Planning to drive in Spain long-term? Whether you’ve moved from the EU or outside Europe, you may need to exchange your foreign driving license for a Spanish one (Permiso de Conducción). While the Spanish system is fairly structured, the process can vary based on your nationality, license origin, and residency status.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know in 2025 — including who needs to exchange, what documents are required, how long it takes, and how we can help you get it done easily.

Who Needs to Exchange Their License in Spain?

You are required to exchange your license if:

• You are a resident in Spain (not a tourist)

• You have a non-EU driving license

• Your license is expiring, or you’re staying for more than 6 months

You are not required to exchange your license immediately if:

• You are from an EU or EEA country, and your license is still valid

• You’re a temporary visitor, student, or tourist using an international license

However, even EU citizens are encouraged to register their license with Spanish authorities for easier renewal and replacement in the future.

Countries That Have License Exchange Agreements with Spain

Spain has agreements with many countries, allowing license holders to exchange without taking a driving test.

Some of the major ones include:

• 🇦🇷 Argentina

• 🇧🇷 Brazil

• 🇺🇸 United States (some states)

• 🇨🇦 Canada (select provinces)

• 🇲🇽 Mexico

• 🇵🇪 Peru

• 🇵🇭 Philippines

• 🇲🇦 Morocco

• 🇹🇳 Tunisia

• 🇨🇴 Colombia

• 🇨🇱 Chile

• 🇺🇾 Uruguay

• 🇪🇨 Ecuador

• 🇨🇷 Costa Rica

• 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic

• 🇯🇵 Japan

• 🇰🇷 South Korea

 If your country is not on the list, or you hold a license from a non-covered state/province, you’ll need to take both theory and practical tests in Spain.

Documents Required for License Exchange in Spain

To exchange your license, you’ll need the following:

• Original valid foreign driving license (not expired)

• Official translation into Spanish, if the license is not multilingual

• Valid passport or national ID

• NIE (Spanish Foreigner Identification Number)

• Proof of legal residence in Spain (residence certificate or TIE)

• Recent passport-sized photo

• Medical certificate (Psicotécnico) from an approved center

• DGT application form (Solicitud de Canje)

• Tax payment proof (model 791)

We help prepare and validate all documents, book your appointment, and assist you at every step.