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 through our UK-to-Valencia move guide, 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. Irish citizens follow a simpler EU route covered in our moving from Ireland guide.
What 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.)
What 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. Book your empadronamiento first - DGT needs both. If in doubt, book a free consultation 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)
Finding 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 to 60 EUR for a certified translation - our certified translation desk coordinates the order. Budget the licence exchange alongside your first-month Valencia costs and our relocation services team can sequence it for you. Always verify the translator's official registration - unofficial translations will be rejected.