Spain Driving License Exchange Online: 2025 Guide
DGT's new digital system (canje telemático) makes license exchange faster and easier
🆕 NEW: Online Exchange Available Since May 2025
Spain's DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) launched a digital exchange system that eliminates most in-person visits and significantly speeds up the process.
Key Benefits:
- • Complete application online from home
- • Only one office visit required (hand over old license)
- • Faster processing (reduced bureaucratic backlogs)
- • New license posted to your home address
Check Your Eligibility
🌍 Non-EU Countries (Online Exchange Available)
Countries with bilateral agreements can use the new online system:
🇪🇺 EU/EEA Countries (Simplified Process)
EU/EEA licenses are valid indefinitely. Exchange is optional:
Important: You can drive with your EU/EEA license as long as it's valid. Exchange only if you want a Spanish license.
View EU/EEA Countries
Before You Start: What You Need
🔐 Digital Access (Required)
Choose ONE of these options:
Cl@ve System
Register at [email protected] with NIE/passport. Get SMS/app authentication.
Digital Certificate
Request from FNMT (fnmt.gob.es) or get from police station/town hall.
📄 Required Documents
- •Original driving license (valid, not expired)
- •Official Spanish translation (sworn translator)
- •NIE/DNI (residence document)
- •Empadronamiento (municipal registration)
- •Psychotechnical certificate (medical exam)
- •Passport-style photo (white background)
- •Fee payment (approximately €25-30)
Step-by-Step: Online Exchange Process
Access DGT Electronic Headquarters
Go to: sede.dgt.gob.es
- • Log in with Cl@ve or digital certificate
- • Select "Canje de permisos de conducir" (License exchange)
- • Choose "Solicitud telemática" (Online application)
Complete Online Application
Fill out the digital form with your details and upload documents:
- • Personal details (must match NIE registration)
- • Current license information (country, issue date, categories)
- • Upload scanned documents (PDF format preferred)
- • Pay the processing fee online (approximately €25-30)
Wait for DGT Review
DGT reviews your application digitally:
- • Processing time: 3-8 weeks (much faster than before)
- • You'll receive notifications via SMS/email
- • Check status online at sede.dgt.gob.es
- • If approved, you'll get appointment instructions
Single Office Visit Required
Once approved, visit your nearest DGT office:
- • Bring your original driving license (surrender required)
- • Show original NIE, passport, and empadronamiento
- • Collect provisional Spanish license (valid while waiting)
- • Take new photo if required
Receive Your Spanish License
Your new Spanish driving license will be sent by post:
- • Delivery time: 2-4 weeks after office visit
- • Sent to your registered address (empadronamiento)
- • New license valid for 10 years (depending on age/category)
- • Old license is permanently surrendered
Important Tips & Common Issues
⚠️ Document Translation
Your license MUST be translated by an official sworn translator (traductor jurado). Online translations or notarized translations are not accepted.
🏥 Medical Certificate
Get your psychotechnical exam at any authorized center. It includes vision, hearing, and basic coordination tests. Valid for 90 days from issue date.
📍 Address Consistency
Ensure your NIE, empadronamiento, and application all show the same address. Mismatches cause delays or rejections.
⏰ License Validity
Your foreign license must be valid throughout the exchange process. If it expires during processing, start the renewal first.
Special Process for EU/EEA Licenses
No Exchange Required
- • Drive with your EU/EEA license indefinitely
- • Must be valid and unexpired
- • No time limit for residents
- • Exchange is voluntary, not mandatory
If You Choose to Exchange
- • Much simpler process (no medical exam)
- • No sworn translation needed
- • Can be done at DGT office directly
- • Faster processing (2-4 weeks typical)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive while my exchange is being processed?
Yes, you can drive with your original foreign license for up to 6 months after becoming a Spanish resident. After the office visit, you receive a provisional Spanish license to use while waiting.
What if my country isn't on the eligible list?
You'll need to take the Spanish driving test. However, check if your region/state has a separate agreement - some US states and Canadian provinces have individual bilateral agreements with Spain.
How much does the online exchange cost?
The DGT fee is approximately €25-30. Additional costs include: medical certificate (€20-40), sworn translation (€30-60), and potentially new photos (€5-10).
Can I get help with the online application?
Yes, gestoría services can help with the online application for a fee (typically €100-200 total). They can also help obtain required documents and handle the digital certificate process.
What happens if my application is rejected?
Common rejection reasons include missing documents, expired licenses, or address mismatches. You can reapply after fixing the issues. The DGT will specify what needs to be corrected.
Official Links & Resources
- DGT Electronic Headquarters (sede.dgt.gob.es)(Main portal for online exchange)
- Cl@ve Digital Identity System(Register for digital access)
- FNMT Digital Certificate(Alternative digital access method)
- Official Government Information(General guidance on license validity)