Canje de permiso de conducción extranjero
Exchange an eligible foreign driving licence
Exchange a qualifying foreign driving licence for a Spanish licence under the DGT rules that apply to the issuing country and licence category.
- Who it is for
- EU and non-EU citizens
- Legal deadline
- country- and licence-specific
- How long it takes
- route-dependent; some current exchange routes state about 1.5 months for the definitive licence after the procedure
- Cost
- current DGT fee
- Where
- Online or in person · Dirección General de Tráfico
Steps
- Check whether the issuing country/licence is EU/EEA, covered by an exchange agreement, or outside the exchange framework.dgt.es
- Open the country-specific DGT page and confirm whether tests, medical/psychophysical evidence and original-licence surrender apply.dgt.es
- Complete the DGT online/in-person exchange route and pay the fee that matches the test/no-test scenario.dgt.es
That is the whole procedure
If you would rather go through yours with someone, describe it to NEXO first. You will find out what applies to you, and whether you need a person.
What to bring
What the official sources say
Valid EU/EEA licences are generally recognized in Spain and exchange is not universally mandatory merely because the holder becomes resident.dgt.es
Non-EU exchange eligibility depends on the current country agreement and route conditions.dgt.es
On applicable routes, DGT currently states that the psychophysical report is valid for 90 days and that the definitive permit can arrive in approximately one and a half months.dgt.es
What we see in practice
NEXO's own observations. They are not official information and carry no source.
- Never reuse one country's test/timing checklist for another country. Start from the current DGT country page every time.
Questions people ask
Do all residents have to exchange within one year?
No. The answer depends on the issuing country and licence type.dgt.es
Which fee applies?
DGT currently distinguishes the fee based on whether tests are required; do not use the old “790 código 2.4” wording.dgt.es
Can I do it online?
Many current exchanges have an online route; availability depends on the exact exchange.dgt.es
What gets it refused or delayed
- The licence/country is not eligible for the selected exchange route or the required tests/evidence are not completed.dgt.es
Does any of this sound like you?
- The licence is expired/restricted, the country is not clearly covered, or the test requirement is uncertain.
Cases like these need someone to look at the details. Describe yours to NEXO and we will tell you what applies and what to do next.