Your EU driving license in Spain: recognition, exchange, fines: what you need to know!

If you have moved to Spain or are planning to do so, you should inform yourself about the recognition of your EU driving license. At Anke Sevenster you will find all the current information about the regulations and we help you to drive on Spanish roads without worries and to avoid fines.

What you need to know if you want to use your EU driver's license in Spain:

Find out here which driving licenses must be exchanged and which deadlines must be respected.

A European driving license is valid in Spain as long as it is valid in its issueing country. It is not necessary to change it during this period, unless it...

...is open-ended, i.e. it does not have an expiration date, as is the case with many older foreign driving licenses.

...has been valid for more than 15 years, if it is an AM, A1, A2, A, B or B E class car or motorcycle driving license.

...has been valid for more than 5 years, if it is a bus or truck driving license of classes C1, C1 E, C, C E, D1, D1 E, D or D E.

Frequently asked questions answered by Anke:

What happens if I have residency in Spain, my driver's license has no defined term and I have not yet exchanged it for a Spanish driver's license?

If you are stopped by the police and you still have a foreign driving license, you can usually expect a fine of 400€. It is important to note that you can only use your foreign driving license for a limited time after moving to Spain.

Have you brought your car from abroad to Spain? Read here what you should consider

What do I need to change my driving license in Spain?

First, you must undergo a medical examination at a DGT-approved center. Then, you must submit the examination report

Remember that changing your driving license is not only a legal obligation, but also an important step to move safely on Spanish roads and avoid fines. If you have already received a fine, get informed.

If you do not yet have residency and need information about it, you can consult our NIE and residency service. Get more information here