Foreign driving licences in Spain (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: EU/EEA permits are valid while in force, with a two-year renewal rule for permits without a normal expiry. Permits from outside the EU/EEA are valid for six months from entry or from residence.

RuleWhat applies
Licence from another EU/EEA state valid for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceYes [1]
EU/EEA licence after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceRemains valid for driving in Spain while in force, and exchange for a Spanish permit is voluntary. A permit without an expiry date, or valid for more than 15 years (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE) or more than 5 years (C1, C, D1, D and their combinations), must be renewed once two years have passed since the holder established normal residence in Spain. [2]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA for a visitorUsing a foreign driving licenceValid if in force, if the holder meets the age required in Spain for the equivalent permit, and if it is in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation or is an international permit. Without proof of normal residence, the limit is six months from lawful entry into Spain. [3]
Licence from outside the EU/EEA after becoming a residentUsing a foreign driving licenceValid for a maximum of six months from the date the holder acquires normal residence in Spain, unless a treaty provides otherwise. After that an exchange (only for countries with an agreement) or a Spanish permit is needed. [4]
International Driving Permit needed with an EU/EEA licenceUsing a foreign driving licence⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The DGT page was last updated on 13 November 2020 (visitors) and 17 November 2020 (EU/EEA exchange).
  • The DGT pages read do not state whether an International Driving Permit is needed with an EU/EEA permit; they say such permits are valid while in force.

Sources

  1. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT): Permisos extranjeros para visitantes en España (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT): Canje de permisos de países de la Unión Europea y el Espacio Económico Europeo (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Boletín Oficial del Estado: Real Decreto 818/2009, de 8 de mayo, por el que se aprueba el Reglamento General de Conductores (artículo 21) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT): Canje de permisos de países extracomunitarios (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

Compare all countries →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.