Step by step guide for changing your driving licence in Spain
Living in Spain can be an incredible experience, but you may need to exchange your driving licence to drive in this beautiful country legally. Driving with an international driving licence is only valid for a certain period, and after that period, you have to sort out your Spanish licence.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to exchange your driving licence in Spain:
Step 1: Check if you are eligible to exchange your driving licence
You may only exchange your driving licence only if you are a resident of Spain. If you have been living in Spain for at least six months and have a valid residency card or a certificate of empadronamiento, you are eligible to change your driving licence.
Step 2: Gather the necessary documents
You will need to collect several documents before starting the process of changing your driving licence. These documents include:
- Your original driving licence
- Your NIE or TIE documents that prove your identity
- A completed application form called “solicitud de canje de permiso de conducción.” You can collect this form from the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico or download it from the website
- The fee for processing and updating your licence, which is around €28.30
- A medical certificate, which is also called a Certificado Médico para el canje de permisos de conducir, has to be issued by a Spanish doctor.
- A translation of your original driving licence, which must be approved by the Spanish consulate.
Step 3: Submit the application
Once you have gathered all the necessary documents, you need to make an appointment with the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico office. You can make an appointment online by visiting the DGT website, calling the DGT or in-person. Then, take all the documents you gathered and submit them to the office. Your application will be reviewed, and you will be informed of the further steps in the process.
Step 4: Wait for your new licence to arrive
After submitting your application, an on-screen notification will inform you of the approximate time it will take to process the exchange of your driving licence. Once the process is complete, your new licence will be sent to the address you provided on your application form.
By following these simple steps, you can exchange your driving licence in Spain with ease. Enjoy your new driving privilege safely and responsibly!
What are the eligibility criteria for changing your driving licence in Spain
If you have recently moved to Spain and want to continue driving, it is important to know how to change your driving licence from your home country to a Spanish one. The good news is that the process is relatively simple, but you need to meet certain eligibility criteria before applying for the change.
The eligibility criteria for changing your driving licence in Spain are as follows:
- You must have a valid resident permit or be a Spanish citizen.
- You must have a driving licence from an EU member state or a country with a reciprocal agreement with Spain.
- You must be over 18 years of age.
- Your driving licence must not be suspended or revoked in your home country.
If you meet these eligibility criteria, you can proceed with the process of changing your driving licence in Spain. It is important to note that you must start the process within 2 years of becoming a resident in Spain, or your home country licence may no longer be valid.
Documents you need for changing your driving licence in Spain
Changing your driving license in Spain can be a bit confusing if you’re not sure what documents you need. Here are the documents you’ll need:
- Your original driving license from your home country.
- A photocopy of the front and back of your driving license.
- Your NIE number (which is your foreign identification number that you get when you move to Spain).
- A photocopy of your NIE number.
- A medical report from a Spanish medical center. This report should state that you are physically and mentally capable of driving. Make sure to bring the original report with you, as well as a photocopy.
- A passport-size photo.
It’s important to note that if your driving license is from a country outside of the European Union, you may also need to take a written and/or driving test in Spain in order to obtain a Spanish license.
Once you have all of these documents, you can make an appointment at a local traffic office (called a Jefatura de Tráfico) or through the DGT website to have your license changed. The cost for changing your license varies, but it is typically around €30-40.
How to book an appointment for changing your driving licence in Spain
Changing your driving license in Spain can be a daunting task but with the right guidance and information, the process can be less stressful. To start with, one of the essential steps in changing your driving license is to book an appointment at the DGT (Direccion General de Trafico) office.
Booking an appointment can be done in a few ways, you can do it online, by calling the DGT directly, or via email. One of the simplest ways is to use the Tráfico online appointment booking system. You’ll need a digital signature (firma electrónica) and your driving license to complete this process online.
It’s recommended to plan the appointment ahead of time as availability may vary depending on the region you are in. It’s also important to note that some offices may not offer appointments for certain services, so it’s best to check the Tráfico website to find out which office can perform the service you require.
Once you’ve made your appointment, make sure to bring all the required documentation with you such as your ID or passport, residencia or empadronamiento, the original driving license, and a photocopy. Failing to bring the necessary documents may result in the appointment being cancelled or delayed.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be on your way to getting your Spanish driving license and driving with ease across the beautiful roads of Spain.
How much does it cost to change your driving licence in Spain
Are you planning to drive in Spain but have a driving licence from another country? If so, you need to get your driving licence changed to a Spanish one. It may seem like a daunting task, but it is a straightforward process if you have the right information.
One of the essential pieces of information you need before making the switch is the cost of changing your driving licence. The cost varies depending on the type of licence you have and whether you need to take a driving test.
If you have an EU driving licence, you can change it to a Spanish one for free. However, if you have a non-EU licence, you will need to pay a fee. This fee can vary depending on the region you are in, but it usually ranges from €40 to €90.
If you need to take a driving test, the cost will be higher. The cost of a driving test in Spain varies depending on the region, but it is usually around €90. You will also need to take a theoretical test at a driving school, which costs about €40.
It’s worth noting that the process can take some time, so it’s best to plan accordingly. You’ll need to submit paperwork to the Traffic Department, which can take several weeks to process. Also, make sure to bring all the necessary documents with you, including your current driving licence, your passport, and proof of residency in Spain.
Overall, changing your driving licence in Spain is a relatively simple process, and the cost is reasonable, especially if you have an EU licence. Remember to plan ahead, bring all necessary documents, and be prepared to wait for the paperwork to be processed.
What is the duration of the process to change your driving licence in Spain
As an expat living in Spain, one of the first things you will need to do is exchange your foreign driver’s license for a Spanish license. This is a requirement for EU citizens who have been living in Spain for more than two years, and for non-EU citizens, it is mandatory to change their license within six months of obtaining residency in Spain.
The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months depending on several factors like the country you obtained your license from and the workload of the traffic authority processing your application.
For EU citizens, the process is generally straightforward and can be completed within a few weeks. You will need to visit the local traffic authority office with a valid identification proof, proof of residency, and your foreign license. They will take your photo and signature, and you will need to pay the fees. Once your application is approved and your Spanish license is ready, you will be informed via email or telephone to come and pick it up at the traffic authority office.
For non-EU citizens, the process can be more complicated and can take several months to complete. You will need to present a certificate of registration, a certificate of empadronamiento, and a medical report which can be obtained from a local medical center. Additionally, some non-EU countries require a practical driving exam, which can significantly increase the processing time.
It should be noted that if your license expires before you have obtained a Spanish one, you will need to start the process all over again. Therefore, it is recommended to start the process as soon as possible to avoid any inconvenience.
What to do if your application for changing your driving licence in Spain gets rejected
While changing your driving licence in Spain could be a breeze for some people, it might not be as easy for others. If you find yourself in the situation of having your application rejected, do not panic as there are a few steps you can take to try and resolve the issue.
The first step would be to review the notice of rejection in detail. Make sure that you completely understand why your application was rejected. This will help you identify what you need to do in order to satisfy the authorities in charge of the process.
Once you understand the reason for the rejection, you can start preparing the necessary documents or taking the needed actions in order to solve the issue. An example of a common reason for rejection could be missing or incorrect paperwork, and in other cases, it could be due to a medical condition that does not comply with Spanish regulations.
The second step would be to ask for help from a qualified professional who can guide you through the process. This could be a lawyer, an authorized driver’s instructor, or any other expert who has experience with the process. They can review your application and help you identify any issues that need to be addressed.
If you feel that the rejection was not justified, or if you believe there has been some mistake, you can also file an administrative appeal. To do so, you should follow the guidelines set by the Spanish Authority responsible for issuing driving licences. Appealing might involve additional cost, but it could be well worth it if you are confident in your case.
In conclusion, having your application for changing your driving licence in Spain rejected could be a frustrating experience. However, there are steps you can take to work towards resolving the problem. The most important thing is to review the notice of rejection carefully and to seek help from a qualified professional to guide you through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about changing your driving licence in Spain
If you are living in Spain and plan to drive, it is essential that you have a valid driving licence. If you hold a driving licence issued by another country and are new to Spain, you must obtain a Spanish driver’s licence to drive legally in Spain. Here are some FAQs to help you understand the process of changing your driving licence in Spain:
1. Who is eligible to exchange their driving licence?
If you are a legal resident of Spain with a valid driving licence from an EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you are eligible to exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one. Non-eu nationals can also exchange their driving licence under certain conditions, such as holding a residence permit in Spain.
2. How long do I have to exchange my driving licence?
If you are a resident of Spain and hold a driving licence from another EU country, you will have two years from the date that you registered as a resident in Spain to exchange your licence for a Spanish one. If you are a non-EU resident, you must exchange your licence within six months of obtaining legal residence in Spain.
3. What are the required documents for exchanging my driving licence?
You will need to present your original driving licence, your NIE, and proof of residency in Spain. You may also be required to provide a medical certificate and a psychological assessment, depending on your age and the type of vehicle you intend to drive in Spain.
4. How much does it cost to exchange my driving licence?
The cost of exchanging your driving licence in Spain varies depending on the region where you live. On average, the cost is around €28, but it can be more in some areas. You may also need to pay additional fees for medical and psychological examinations, if required.
5. How long does it take to exchange my driving licence?
The process varies from region to region, but it typically takes around three months to exchange your driving licence in Spain. However, in some regions, the process can take up to six months.
6. What happens if I don’t exchange my driving licence within the required time frame?
If you fail to exchange your driving licence within the required time frame, you may be fined by the Spanish authorities. You could also face legal problems if you are involved in a traffic accident or are stopped by the police while driving with an invalid licence.
Changing your driving licence in Spain can seem like a complicated process, but it’s important to do it to avoid any legal issues. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it’s best to seek advice from a professional.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exchanging your foreign driving licence for a Spanish one is a relatively easy process if you follow the necessary steps. First, ensure that you are eligible to exchange your licence by meeting the criteria for residency, age, and the validity of your driving licence. Second, gather all the necessary documents required for the process, including your original driving licence, NIE, medical certificate, and a completed application form. Third, submit your application at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico office and wait for your new licence to arrive. It is also important to note that the process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on certain factors like the region you are in and the workload of the traffic authority processing your application. Lastly, if your application is rejected, do not panic. Instead, review the notice of rejection, seek guidance from a professional and consider filing an administrative appeal if you have grounds to do so. With the right information and guidance, getting your Spanish driving licence can be an easy and enjoyable experience, and you can hit the road safely and responsibly while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Spain.
