Driving Licences: Who should change them and when?

Those who have a European Union or European Economic Area (EU/EEA) driving license who are resident in Spain are required to exchange their driving licence for a Spanish one when their current photo card expires. However, they have the option to make the exchange earlier if they so desire.

Those who hold a driving license from a third country with an agreement in place, must exchange their driving licence within 6 months of becoming resident if they wish to maintain their driving privileges. Whilst changing after this period is still possible, driving legally is contingent on obtaining a Spanish licence. The countries that have an agreement or Convenio in place are:

Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Japan, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, North Macedonia, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland, Türkiye, The Philippines, Tunisia, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Uruguay.

Please note, It might not be possible to exchange all categories depending on the Convenio.

Third-country nationals without an agreement in place are permitted to drive for the initial 6 months of residency. To continue driving beyond this period, they must undergo the Spanish driving test, the theory of which can be taken in English if necessary.

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