Spanish driving licence

Yes you MUST be resident here in Spain and present your new Residence Certificate or the old Residence Card.

Sorry Robbi but you are wrong on this occasion.
Today I went to the traffic office here in Valencia to find out for myself and was told exactly what they require, they are as follows;

1) A copy of your DNI.
2) A copy of your passport.
3) Two passport size colour photographs.
4) Original existing UK driving licence.
5) Original copy of proof of your correct address and time spent living there. (Obtained from your local Town hall)

Hola Dios41 - OK! It sounds like the Valencia traffico are working to different rules than the Alicante traffico! In Alicante last September I definitely had to show the Residence certificate. I remember it clearly because he said he was the first one he had seen he was used to the old card. You do say however that they wanted proof of time living at your address which suggests that they are not going to issue to tourists. Did you get the new ID card type?

Why do we need to swap our UK license for a Spanish one, it's all EU, i thought that we were within our right to continue driving on any EU issued license as long as it is the plastic credit card size type with photo. I've been here 2.5 years and drive on my Uk license and don't want to give it up since it is valid until 2039! What's the renewal period on the Spanish license?

It may not be valid until 2039 under Spanish Law because (as I understand it) although we are no longer compelled to change to a Spanish License we do have to conform to local laws which in Spain mean having regular health checks. I quote from Brian Deller who writes in the Costa Blanca paper Round Town News (and also publishes a book on driving in Spain) that a British women (resident in Spain) who was involved in an accident in Spain was driving on a UK license but because she had not taken the appropriate Spanish health check was found in breach of the law and her insurance company would not pay out.

The text below is from the following site:
http://www.residenteseuropeos.com/entramites.php

From 1 July 1996, drivers from EU countries can drive with their original licence as long as it is valid and has not expired. However, the country of residence may apply its own national conditions in relation to validity period, medical check-ups and taxes, and can record on the licence any other information that is required for administrative purposes. (end of cut and pasted text)


So in my opinion despite the EUs best attempts to ?harmonise? this issue there is still a lot of ambiguity and regional interpretation of the rules so the only sure way to be legal is to go Spanish - and it will also give you aan easy way of having ID following the demise of the much loved Residencia card!

Hi Robi,
I have not yet received my Spanish licence but I assume that it will be the new plastic type, I will of course let you know when I finally receive it. I guess since the Spanish residency for Brits is no longer a requirement, that this is the reason that they are not asking for it any more when applying for a Spanish driving licence.

Hey guys, FYI that a proof of residency or time living in Spain can be provided by the empadronamiento instead of a residence permit. Hence one doesn't need to be a resident - just show an empadronamiento certificate older than 6 months. For EU citizens you don't even need this proof (according to that residenteseuropeos.com site). The requirements to exchange your drivers license are as follows:

- Official application form provided by the Provincial Traffic Headquarters where you wish to obtain the licence.
- Photocopy of your valid National Identity Card, Passport or Foreigner?s Identity Card (N.I.E.) which accredits your official residency or status as a student in Spain for the minimum period required, along with the original documents, which will be returned once checked.
- Two recent 32 x 25 mm photographs.
- Written declaration that you have not had your right to drive motor vehicles or motorcycles revoked by legal resolution or had your driving licence suspended.
- Written declaration that you do not hold any other type of driving licence, issued in Spain or another community country, of the same class as the one applied for. - The licence you wish to exchange, copy or photocopy.

Anyone know the validity of the Spanish license? 5 years/10 years?

Spanish group 1 driving licence,

Lasts for ten years until the age of 45, whereby this reduces to five years until age 70 when it reduces futher to two years, obviously each licence renewal is accompanied with its relevant medical examination.

I really DO NOT AGREE with the comments regarding Residencia and the need only to have a Padron. This goes against a document published by the government as against the local Alicante web site.

This document Regulations Governing EU citizens in Spain which I downloaded from
http://extranjeros.mtas.es/ (Adobe so I cant cut and paste ?)

Says - Royal decree 240/2007 Feb 16th

Within 3 months of arriving in Spain - go to Foreigners Office or Police and apply for registration on the Central register of Foreigners (this is not padron which is local town hall list of people living in the area) using form EX16. You will be issued with a Residents Certificate.



No way are the banks/notaries etc in my area (Costa Blanca) going to accept residence status without either the old card or the new certificate.


I think the Residentes Europeos site tries to be helpful but loses a lot in translation!

Take it easy Robi,
If there is now no longer a requirement, why make things more difficult? The problem that we all have here in Spain is that the legislation is constantly changing also coupled with the length of time it takes to pass new laws from the European Government onto the local courts here in Spain, why even half of the Guardia are unsure of the current status with regards to the UK plastic type licence, for example at this moment in time there does not exist any way of processing penalty points onto a UK licence being used here in Spain.

Well, perhaps getting a drivers license is more difficult for EU citizens. :)

Obviously someone on a work visa is not going to have a Residence card/certificate. They're required to get a Spanish license after a year (if I remember correctly).

Edit: I realize this is not apples to apples because we were talking about exchanging your British license for a Spanish one, but if non-EU foreigners can get a Spanish license without residence card then shouldn't EU citizens as well? And according to the site that you pointed out, Rob, apparently there's no mention, specifically, of the residence card. Or did I miss something?

A residents card or certificate is no longer required for British expats living in Spain.

Hello Everyone,

Sorry if Im being silly but could someone please clarify something for me. We are moving over early 08 and plan to bring our english car with us as renting for 6-12months then if everything works will register as spainsh, however beofre we do this do we have to get our English card type license changed or will we be alright to drive in our car (before being registered as spainsh) on the licenses we already have in england.

Your advise is much appricatied.

Bringing a UK registered car into Spain is now a pretty limited thing to do, as the law has changed and the official time given to Brits actually living here in Spain is now only thirty days then the car must be reregistered with Spainish plates. If you have an email address I can send you just the info that you need regarding this matter.

Hi tracyandrich, if you wish to get spanish plates on your UK car then you do have to do it within 30 days of registering. If you are not going to register immediately then you will be able to drive on the UK plates with a insurance greencard since you will be like any other tourist. But if you're going to live here you might be better off at the end of your 'orientation' period to register and buy a spanish car and sell you UK car back in the UK since likely you will have to make modifications with headlights i would have thought.

> Why do we need to swap our UK license for a Spanish one, it's all EU, i thought that we were within our right to continue driving on any EU issued license as long as it is the plastic credit card size type with photo. I've been here 2.5 years and drive on my Uk license and don't want to give it up since it is valid until 2039! What's the renewal period on the Spanish license?



To get this thread back to the topic of driving licences, I refer to the above comment about RG's UK plastic driving licence being valid until 2039.

Think again!!!!

It may say 2039 on the back but check the front as that will show a much earlier expiry date. You may be licensed until 2039 but the plastic cards need renewing every 10 years. At the end of that 10 years the plastic card you hold will not be valid. At renewal time DVLA won't send licence to overseas address. You are supposed to give them your current UK address. Unless you give them a UK address that can forward your mail (not actually legal as DVLA need the UK address at which you live) you will need a Spanish licence to replace your UK one at renewal date.

Were did you get the info on renewing a photo card every 10 Years.
I have never heard of this

> Were did you get the info on renewing a photo card every 10 Years.
I have never heard of this


From the DVLA. The link to the appropriate page is http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/NeedANewOrUpdatedLicence/DG_078070

To save going to the page, here is what it says. It is a cut and paste directly from the DVLA page:

"In most circumstances, you?ll need to renew the photo on your driving licence before it expires, as the photo?s only valid for 10 years. If you?re a short period licence holder (over 70 or medical short period) you?ll only need to renew your photo when your driving entitlement expires.
Renewing your photo
With a renewal application

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will send you a renewal application pack two months before your photo is due to expire. You?ll need to:

complete the enclosed form
include a new passport type photo of yourself that?s been taken within the last month (you don?t need the back of the photo signed)
return both parts of your driving licence photocard and counterpart document
enclose a cheque or postal order for ?17.50 (no fee is needed if you have a medical short period licence or you?re aged 70 or over
send your completed application and fee to DVLA, Swansea SA99 1DH
If you have changed your name, you?ll also need to provide identity documents as proof."

In other words, the photo has a validity of 10 years so at the end of 10 years it will need renewing, hence the expiry date on the fron of the card.

I must add that you are completely legal driving in Spain with a UK plastic type driving licence, however you must comply with the Spanish law, as far as a current medical check is completed, which if you are living in Spain, it maybe just as easy to visit the nearest Gestoria, and start the fairly short process of obtaing a Spainish driving licence.

The advantage of keeping a UK licence is that the Spanish police can't put points on it (for a couple more years at least). They will give you a fine however, but you can always play the dumb forigner.

On the risk of being a bore...(not intended)

Question #1 I have a paper based licence (only) issued in 1994, this is the one that is a combination of pink and green, it is valid until 2034, though I expect it will collapse way before that as it is almost falling apart now. The title on the front is UK Driving Licence (Model - European Coummunities Model.

Now I have seen contrary opinions all over the web but from what I can now gather it appears that I can swop this for a spanish licence or I can keep it subject to having all the medicals and also a translation of the licence. I would like to become a model citizen and have a spnaish one...the question is..can I?

I already have my NIE/Padron and I will go and get the medical, is this all I need?

Question #2 I intend to buy a new car...can I get one without a spanish licence, only having the pink and green UK and will I get Insurance etc? (I would prefer to have a spanish one)

I am not resident yet for tax purposes as I am still being paid from Ireland (don't ask) and still have a house...bottom line I want to make sure that if I get stopped that I am not going to get fined...and earfull...locked up...or even worse..

all answers appreciated

after irish Budget think you change tax payments LOL

hi. I just rewed my Irish license (which was about to expire) today in Valencia trafico. I do not have a DNI but an "old style" NIE. They required that I provide them a new style green NIE (certificado de registro de cuidanano de la uni?n) which I had to go and get (2 visits and 7 hours of waiting in the street - Calle dels Gremis, Patraix).

I also presented the following documents:
- Passport
- Old drivers licence
- Certificado de inscripci?n en el registro central de extranjeros (certificado de registro de cuidanano de la uni?n)
- they asked also to see a valid empadronamiento which i supplied them.
- Medical test result
- Form proving fee payment (available on same day)

I had to go twice. The first time they accepted my documents but told me that they had to verify the existence of my licence with the Irish government and that this would take 1 - 1.5 months. In the end it only took 2 weeks.

However my advice is if your license is going to expire soon then do not leave it too late.

Has anyone had success changing their UK paper license for a Spanish license (no one replied to WANNAMOVE above)?

I have the same type of license, which I got when I lived in the UK in 1997. I'm actually Australian, but there doesn't appear to be a reciprocal agreement to swap Australian licenses, so unless I can swap the UK one I think I have to attend a driving school and sit the written and practical exams (???)!

Thanks in advance for information about your experience.

Nene.

> I must add that you are completely legal driving in Spain with a UK plastic type driving licence, however you must comply with the Spanish law, as far as a current medical check is completed, which if you are living in Spain, it maybe just as easy to visit the nearest Gestoria, and start the fairly short process of obtaing a Spainish driving licence.


Maybe so, but it is illegal to use a UK driving license with an out of date or invalid UK residence address.
IE - Your British license must be legally linked to your British residence.

A lot of Brits in Spain do not have a valid address in the UK anymore, so the license is invalid.
Also if the photo is 10years or older it invalidates too.
A fine if caught in the UK of up to a 1000pounds.

If you don't legally reside in the UK just call the DVLA and ask for a D737, they will post overseas for 5pounds all in.
This document confirms your active and legal EU driving rights - switch up to a Spanish License..

dSB.

Given the UK DVLC will not register a Spanish address on a UK licence and given it is legal to drive in Spain as a resident on the UK ID type of DL then it is simply not possible to have a valid Spanish address on the licence. I have often wondered how this works out and can only assume that the EU law authorises the invalid address under these circumstances (ie being a resident in another EU country)

Also the comment on the photo - it cannot be out of date as the ID type licence only lasts 10 yrs, so when the licence expires (and then Brit Expat Spanish Residents must swop over to a Spanish DL) the whole licence is invalid.

Could not find any reference to a D737 on the DVLC site and they say if you move aboard -

Moving to another country
If you move to another country, you should get
information about driving there from the relevant
authority in that country.

> Given the UK DVLC will not register a Spanish address on a UK licence and given it is legal to drive in Spain as a resident on the UK ID type of DL then it is simply not possible to have a valid Spanish address on the licence. I have often wondered how this works out and can only assume that the EU law authorises the invalid address under these circumstances (ie being a resident in another EU country)

Also the comment on the photo - it cannot be out of date as the ID type licence only lasts 10 yrs, so when the licence expires (and then Brit Expat Spanish Residents must swop over to a Spanish DL) the whole licence is invalid.

Could not find any reference to a D737 on the DVLC site and they say if you move aboard -

Moving to another country
If you move to another country, you should get
information about driving there from the relevant
authority in that country.

--

Then you need to read the threads I've been in on the other expat site...
http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=606919&page=3
Also read this:
http://www.spainvia.com/motoupdatesept2005.htm
--
I called the DVLA a few days ago, and amongst the many voice options there was an option regarding "to update your expired 10 year photo press ***"
--
Finally a paste from another post I was in:
DVLA Reply:-

I am sorry, but if you are no longer resident in GB, it is not possible to
reissue your British licence.

As you have lost your licence, please make enquiries with the Licence
Issuing Authority in the country in which you now reside regarding advice on
driving there.

Should the Spanish licensing authorities require confirmation of your driving
licence details, please telephone the Centre to request a certificate of
entitlement.

Switchboard Telephone No. 01792 78 2341

Opening Hours - Monday to Friday 8.15am - 4.30pm

A fee of ?5.00 is charged to cover the cost of issuing a certificate giving
licensing details (a D737 certificate).

When you telephone the Centre you will be asked to provide your full
personal details or driver number and details of your credit/debit card
number (we accept Visa, Eurocard, Mastercard and Maestro). If the
credit/debit card holder is someone other than yourself we will also need to
speak to them.
--END PASTE--


DSB.

> Take it easy Robi,
If there is now no longer a requirement, why make things more difficult? The problem that we all have here in Spain is that the legislation is constantly changing also coupled with the length of time it takes to pass new laws from the European Government onto the local courts here in Spain, why even half of the Guardia are unsure of the current status with regards to the UK plastic type licence, for example at this moment in time there does not exist any way of processing penalty points onto a UK licence being used here in Spain.



Hi there...do u have any idea about how long does it take to exchange the old eu lic. with spanish licence?

What is

'old eu lic. '

do you mean your UK one ?

> What is

'old eu lic. '

do you mean your UK one ?



sorry,I mean that how long does it take(days/weeks) to exchange a designated country licence(say Columbia) with spanish licence? and is it possible that a British citizen who has a Columbian licence and who lives in spain as a resident can exchange his columbian licence with spanish licence?is it allowed?

Yes you might be lucky - research here:

http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/conductores/canje_permisos/

The actual licence may take weeks to arrive but they will give you a temporary one.

> [quote author="ROB1305" date="1249245913"]What is

'old eu lic. '

do you mean your UK one ?



sorry,I mean that how long does it take(days/weeks) to exchange a designated country licence(say Columbia) with spanish licence? and is it possible that a British citizen who has a Columbian licence and who lives in spain as a resident can exchange his columbian licence with spanish licence?is it allowed?[/quote]

UK Options / FYI.

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Diol1/MotoringDecisionTrees/HowToImportorExportaVehicle/exchange_driving_licence.dsb

DSB.

> Yes you might be lucky - research here:

http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/conductores/canje_permisos/

The actual licence may take weeks to arrive but they will give you a temporary one.


Hi Mate
Many thanks for the info.

Hi Guys, I?m finding a lot of differing opinions here and this has never been something I?ve really understood! Could someone tell me if it?s actually legal for me to drive on my UK photo licence, when I live here in Spain and am resident and empadronada. The UK address on my licence is my Dad?s house, where I lived before moving to Spain and where he still lives so I am still "contactable" there so to speak, even though I?m a Spanish resident. I?d much appreciate a definite answer as if I?m driving illegally I?d best do something about it!! Thanks all!!

> Has anyone had success changing their UK paper license for a Spanish license (no one replied to WANNAMOVE above)?

I have the same type of license, which I got when I lived in the UK in 1997. I'm actually Australian, but there doesn't appear to be a reciprocal agreement to swap Australian licenses, so unless I can swap the UK one I think I have to attend a driving school and sit the written and practical exams (???)!

Thanks in advance for information about your experience.

Nene.


If you got the UK license in exchange for the Australian licence ( ie you took your test in Australia) then you wont be able to exchange it for a Spanish licence regardless of whether it is paper or plastic.

> Hi Guys, I?m finding a lot of differing opinions here and this has never been something I?ve really understood! Could someone tell me if it?s actually legal for me to drive on my UK photo licence, when I live here in Spain and am resident and empadronada. The UK address on my licence is my Dad?s house, where I lived before moving to Spain and where he still lives so I am still "contactable" there so to speak, even though I?m a Spanish resident. I?d much appreciate a definite answer as if I?m driving illegally I?d best do something about it!! Thanks all!!


Your UK license is legal within Spain, but you need to follow the driving laws of the country with regards vialidating the license.

You need to have a medical and contact Traffico.

It is al egal requirement for all Drivers resident in Spain to have an up to date medical check, without that you can only be legal on a UK license if your visiting Spain.

Here are the rules from the Spanish Govt.

http://www.dgt.es/portal/es/oficina_virtual/conductores/

This one from RACE

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.race.es/servicios/gestoria_automovil/carnet_conducir_extranjeros/canjes_carnet_de_conducir_extranjeros/&ei=7fJ3SqLWLNChjAfY6eWnBg&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=1&ct=result&prev;=/search?q=Tu+permiso+de+conducci%C3%B3n+extranjeros+en+espana&hl=en&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-Address&rlz=1I7PBEA

only states you change to a Spanish license, although you don`t need to by EU law, the Spanish prefer you exchange it to a Spanish one.

My advice is to exchange it, its very easy and saves hassle any Traffico officer will probably let you off for minor violations if you were a UK national resident in Spain on a Spanish license, if your all of those but still on a UK license there likely to go over your car and documents to find something to fine you for.

There is less complaints from Residents with Spanish licenses than those without.

I have been living in Spain for nearly 8 years. driving on an English licence. However, I knew I was driving illegally. Nothing to do with EU laws and my licence being valid in all EU countries, but for the fact that I hadn't informed DVLA of my new address. As my new address is here in Spain, I am not entitled to use an English licence. My English licence is due for renewal, which I won't get, so I am now in the throws of trying to get a Spanish Licence. All I can add is .... HELP!!!!!

> Hi Guys, I?m finding a lot of differing opinions here and this has never been something I?ve really understood! Could someone tell me if it?s actually legal for me to drive on my UK photo licence, when I live here in Spain and am resident and empadronada. The UK address on my licence is my Dad?s house, where I lived before moving to Spain and where he still lives so I am still "contactable" there so to speak, even though I?m a Spanish resident. I?d much appreciate a definite answer as if I?m driving illegally I?d best do something about it!! Thanks all!!


You are driving illegally using a UK licence when you actually live in Spain.

Suggest you look here
http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/cars

> Suggest you look here
http://ukinspain.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/living-in-spain/cars


Suggest who looks here?

> I have been living in Spain for nearly 8 years. driving on an English licence. However, I knew I was driving illegally. Nothing to do with EU laws and my licence being valid in all EU countries, but for the fact that I hadn't informed DVLA of my new address. As my new address is here in Spain, I am not entitled to use an English licence. My English licence is due for renewal, which I won't get, so I am now in the throws of trying to get a Spanish Licence. All I can add is .... HELP!!!!!


Have a look here:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DG_10023103

which says:

Moving to another country

If you move to another country, you should check with the driving licence authorities there for information about driving and exchange of licences. You don't need to notify DVLA of a change of address when moving to live abroad.

That said, you cannot RENEW your licence in the UK.

B&H, it was a while ago that I changed my licence - nine years ago in fact, but I beleive that the procedure would be more or less the same. You have to go to "Trafico" and put yourself in the queue for information to get the form to change your licence over, you need two fotos. There is a charge which you put yourself in the queue where people pay their speeding fines. You then take the completed form, the proof of payment, the fotos, and your UK driving licence to one of the general windows and they will issue your Spanish licence, just to be sure though, take your NIE or residence certificate and your empadronamiento with you. When I changed mine over, my UK licence had lots of time left on it so most categories were issued for 10 years. Yours will be issued up till the expiry date of your UK licence. If it has already expired, you should still be able to change it over, but you'll have to pass a 'psicometrico' test first. Generally as you approach any DGT office, as you get closer people will approach you like drug pushers, whispering "psicotecnico?". On the form, make sure that you list all the categories that you want changed over, if you do not list them they will not add them to your Spanish licence.