— Expats in Spain · since 2015
Exchange your foreign driving licence in Spain
We check whether your licence can be exchanged, prepare the documents and manage the procedure with the DGT.
Complete review, application and representation for the exchange. If your country, licence dates or residence history prevent the exchange, we tell you before you spend time obtaining unnecessary documents.
4.9 ★
Google reviews
10+ years
helping expats in Spain
2015
Managin application of driving licences ever since.
We can help you
We manage your driving licence exchange with the DGT
The exchange procedure depends on the country that issued your licence, when you obtained it, when you became resident in Spain and the vehicle categories included.
We prepare your application, manage the official forms, supporting documents, verification with the issuing country and the DGT procedure that applies to your case.
Some applications can be submitted digitally through an authorised representative. You may still need to attend the DGT to surrender your original licence and collect the provisional permit. We explain when your involvement is required and prepare everything before that stage.
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Requirements
Can your driving licence be exchanged in Spain?
The answer depends on where your licence was issued and your circumstances in Spain.
01
EU or EEA driving licence
The exchange is normally voluntary while your licence remains valid. Expiry dates and unusually long validity periods can change the procedure.
02
UK or a country with an exchange agreement
Your licence may be exchanged if you are resident in Spain and it was obtained before you became resident.
03
Country without an exchange agreement
A direct exchange is normally unavailable. We can check whether a different route applies to your licence or vehicle categories.
Send us the country of issue, licence dates and residence details. We will check the applicable route before asking you to prepare the full application.
More about it
What our driving licence exchange service includes
We adapt the service to the country that issued your licence and the type of permit you hold.
Initial review of the country, licence dates, Spanish residence and permitted categories.
Preparation and review of the documents required for the exchange.
Verification with the issuing country and coordination of the medical certificate when required.
Submission of the application and representation before the DGT where permitted.
Follow-up until the original licence is surrendered and the provisional permit is issued.
Step by step
How we manage your driving licence exchange
01
We collect and review your information
You send us a copy of your driving licence. We check whether your licence can be exchanged and tell you which documents are needed for your route.
02
We manage the DGT procedure
We prepare the forms and supporting documents, coordinate any previous verification or medical certificate and submit the application through the corresponding DGT channel.
We keep track of the procedure and contact you if the DGT requests further information.
03
The exchange is accepted
Once the application is accepted, we arrange the surrender of your original driving licence and the issue of your provisional permit.
The definitive Spanish licence is subsequently sent to your registered address.
Find us
Gestoria in Torrevieja
We work in person and online. Most clients handle the preparation of their driving licence exchange remotely, but if you would rather meet the team you can visit our office.
Advisors Costa Blanca
Office
C. de Pedro Lorca, 6, 2-I (B, 03181 Torrevieja, Alicante
Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 17:00
Why us
Why exchange your driving licence with Advisors Costa Blanca?
A foreign driving licence exchange connects your country of origin with your residence in Spain and the information held by the DGT. Working with a team that regularly handles procedures for international residents makes each stage clearer.
01
We work with expats every day and know the process
Our clients arrive in Spain with licences from different countries, residence documents and personal circumstances.
We know which details need to be checked before applying, how the route changes according to the issuing country and what the DGT will expect at each stage.
02
We take care of the entire exchange procedure
We review your eligibility, prepare the application, coordinate the supporting documents and manage communication with the DGT.
When a step requires your presence, such as surrendering the original licence, we tell you what to bring and what will happen at the appointment.
You have one team following the case until the provisional permit has been issued.
03
We can also manage the other paperwork you need in Spain
A driving licence exchange is often one of several procedures required after moving to Spain.
Advisors Costa Blanca can also help with residency documents, NIE and TIE procedures, SIP healthcare cards, vehicle ownership transfers, Spanish wills and other administrative services for expats.
Any question?
Frequently asked questions about driving licence exchanges
Can I exchange my UK driving licence in Spain?
Yes, UK driving licences can be exchanged under the agreement between Spain and the United Kingdom.
The licence and residence dates still need to meet the applicable requirements. We check them before preparing the application.
Is exchanging an EU driving licence compulsory?
The exchange is normally voluntary while an EU or EEA licence remains valid.
You may need to renew it in Spain when it expires or when its validity period exceeds the limits applied to Spanish driving licences.
Can I exchange a licence obtained after becoming resident in Spain?
A non-EU licence obtained after you became legally resident in Spain cannot normally be exchanged.
The date of the original licence matters. We review your driving history and residence documents before confirming whether the application is viable.
Do I need to take a theory or practical test?
Ordinary motorcycle and car licences from the EU, EEA and countries with an exchange agreement can generally be exchanged without a test.
Professional categories for trucks and buses may require additional theory or practical tests. This depends on the issuing country and the categories you want to retain.
Can the driving licence exchange be completed entirely online?
Much of the application can be prepared and managed digitally. You may still need to attend the DGT to surrender your original licence and collect the provisional permit.
We tell you in advance whether an in-person step applies and prepare the documents you will need.
Can I drive in Spain with a UK license?
You can drive in Spain using a foreign driver’s licence for a set period, this period of time will depend on your nationality.
Let's talk
Contact our advisors
Need to exchange your driving licence in Spain?
Tell us which country issued it, when you obtained it and when you became resident in Spain. One of our advisors will review the information and contact you within the next 48 hours.