UK Driving Licence Exchange in Spain — DGT Guide 2026
Since Brexit, British driving licences are no longer automatically recognised in Spain. Once you become a resident, you have a limited window to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish DGT carnet — before you risk driving illegally.
What Changed After Brexit?
Before 31 December 2020, UK licence holders could drive in Spain indefinitely — and even exchange their licence in a simplified process. Post-Brexit, the UK-Spain bilateral agreement applies different rules.
check_circleWhat You Can Still Do
- Drive on your UK licence for up to 6 months after becoming resident
- Exchange without sitting a theory or practical driving test
- Keep all existing licence categories (car, motorbike, etc.)
cancelWhat Changed
- You must exchange within 6 months of registering as resident
- You need a medical/psychotechnical test (new requirement)
- Certified translation of your UK licence is required
- Driving on an expired tourist-visitor status with UK licence is illegal
Important: The 6-month clock starts from the date you formally become a resident — typically the date of your TIE card or NIE registration, not your arrival date. If in doubt, start the process as early as possible.
Step-by-Step Exchange Process
Get Your Empadronamiento & NIE
Before DGT will process your exchange, you need both your NIE number and a current empadronamiento certificate. These prove you are legally resident in Spain.
Pass a Medical & Psychotechnical Test (Reconocimiento Médico)
Book an appointment at a Centros de Reconocimiento de Conductores — not a hospital or GP. The test costs approximately €40–€60 and includes vision, hearing, and basic cognitive checks. It takes 20–30 minutes. No preparation required.
Gather Your Documents
Prepare all required documents including certified translations of your UK licence. A sworn translator (traductor jurado) is required — unofficial translations are not accepted.
Book a DGT Appointment
Go to sede.dgt.gob.es and select 'Canje de permiso de conducción extranjero'. In Valencia, the DGT office is on Avenida del Cid. Slots are limited — book 4–6 weeks in advance.
Submit Application & Surrender UK Licence
Attend your appointment and hand over all documents including your original UK licence. The DGT will retain your UK licence throughout processing. You will receive a temporary driving certificate valid for 45 days.
Collect Your Spanish Licence (DGT Card)
Your Spanish carnet de conducir (credit-card format) is issued within 30–45 days and sent by post or held at the DGT office. It is valid for 10 years (for under 65) or 5 years (over 65).
Complete Document Checklist
Original UK driving licence (pink card — both parts if you have them)
Certified (sworn) Spanish translation of your UK licence
Original passport + photocopy
NIE certificate or TIE card + photocopy
Empadronamiento certificate (dated within 3 months)
Completed DGT application form (PC-001) — available at office
Medical/psychotechnical certificate from reconocimiento médico centre
2 recent passport-style photos (35 × 45 mm, white background)
Payment receipt for DGT fee (approx €23.65 via Modelo 790 Código 060)
translateFinding a Sworn Translator (Traductor Jurado)
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintains an official registry of sworn translators at exteriores.gob.es. Expect to pay €30–€60 for a certified translation. Always verify the translator's official registration — unofficial translations will be rejected.
Costs & Timeline Summary
Cost Breakdown
Typical Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive on my UK licence while waiting for the Spanish one?
Yes. Once you submit your application and receive the temporary driving certificate (autorización provisional de conducción), this is valid for 45 days. DGT can extend it if processing takes longer — always carry it with the receipt of your application.
What if my UK licence has penalty points?
Spain does not import or recognise UK penalty points. Your Spanish licence starts with a clean slate at 12 points. However, dishonesty about your UK record could create legal complications.
I have an Irish licence, not UK. Does this apply to me?
No. Ireland is an EU member state. Irish licence holders can drive in Spain indefinitely and exchange their licence under much simpler EU rules without a medical test.
My UK licence expired — what do I do?
You must renew your UK licence via DVLA before exchanging. You cannot exchange an expired licence. Alternatively, if you have lived in Spain long enough, you may need to apply for a Spanish licence from scratch — consult DGT directly.
Does this apply to motorcycle and HGV categories?
Yes. All categories on your UK licence are exchanged. If you hold a full motorcycle licence (AM, A1, A2, A), these categories will be transferred to your Spanish carnet.