Exchange of a driving licence in Spain

An Italian driving licence remains valid in Spain even after the transfer of residence. Exchange for a Spanish licence is as a rule optional, but it is required in certain cases and for licences issued by countries outside the Union. The Firm verifies the holder's position and handles the procedure before the Dirección General de Tráfico.

Italian licence or licence of another Member State of the Union

• A licence issued by a Member State of the Union is valid in Spain until its expiry, by virtue of the principle of mutual recognition (Directive 2006/126/EC).
• Exchange (canje) is optional; on expiry, a holder resident in Spain renews the licence with the Spanish authority.
• Licences without an expiry date or with a period of validity exceeding the prescribed limits (fifteen years for categories AM, A and B; five years for categories C and D) must be renewed in Spain once two years have elapsed from the acquisition of residence.

A citizen of the Union submits the application with the registration certificate; a non-EU citizen holding an Italian licence does so with the residence card. On application, a provisional authorisation to drive is issued.

Licences issued by countries outside the Union

• A foreign licence permits driving in Spain for a maximum of six months from the acquisition of residence; thereafter, exchange or the obtaining of a Spanish licence is required.
• Exchange is possible only for licences issued by countries that have concluded an agreement with Spain and obtained before taking up residence in Spain.
• For categories A and B exchange does not require any examination; for professional categories a practical or theoretical test may be required.
• Certain countries require specific documentation: for Argentine licences, for example, the certificate of legality and seniority issued by the issuing body, bearing an apostille.

Required documentation

• Application to the Dirección General de Tráfico, prepared by the Firm and signed in original.
• Original licence, passport-size photographs, passport and identity document or NIE.
• Medical certificate of physical and mental fitness issued by an authorised centre, where required.
• Certificado de empadronamiento, if the address differs from that shown on the document.

Costs

The fee of the Dirección General de Tráfico, updated annually, is payable. The Firm issues a detailed, no-obligation quote.

Immigration procedures in Spain

Sources: Directive 2006/126/EC · Real Decreto 818/2009 (Reglamento General de Conductores), art. 15 · Dirección General de Tráfico, pages on the canje of EU licences and of licences from countries with an agreement. Information only, updated September 2026.