UK Driving Licence Exchange in Spain 2025 - Full Expat Guide

Exchanging your UK driving licence for a Spanish one has become easier in 2025 thanks to new digital systems, but it’s still a process packed with paperwork, deadlines, and potential pitfalls. Whether you’re newly resident, already living in Spain, or worried about missing your six-month swap window, this guide explains exactly what to expect — from documents and appointment booking to processing times, risks, and tips for avoiding rejection.

How Do I Start the UK-to-Spain Licence Exchange Online?

Begin on the official DGT portal. Select “Foreign Permit Exchanges,” choose “United Kingdom,” and enter your NIE/TIE and other details. Most major cities use digital uploads before your in-person appointment, while smaller provinces may require you to verify identity and present originals in person. If appointments are fully booked—which is common in popular expat areas—accredited Gestores or agencies can process your exchange directly via post or courier, often bypassing public queues. From late 2025, most provinces now offer a full remote application process.

Documents Needed to Exchange a UK Licence

• Valid passport and copy
  
  
• Residency card (TIE or green EU certificate, both sides, in date)
  
  
• Original UK driving licence (to be surrendered)
  
  
• Recent padrón certificate (showing local address, less than 90 days old)
  
  
• Medical fitness certificate (“certificado de aptitud psicotecnico”) from an authorised centre (valid 90 days)
• Passport-style photos
  
  
• DVLA check code (made online with your NI number; valid for ~21 days)
  
  
• Completed DGT form and proof of admin fee payment

Double-check expiry dates—out-of-date padrón or medical certificates are the most common reason for rejection. Always keep digital and paper copies of everything sent.

Special Scenarios & Common Pitfalls

If your licence expired, you can still swap it as long as it was valid when you arrived—BUT you can’t drive in Spain on an expired UK licence while waiting for your Spanish permit.

Licences from Crown Dependencies (Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man) are not eligible for exchange: you must pass the Spanish test.

Licences originally from a non-EU country and later exchanged for a UK one may not qualify—Spain reserves the right to refuse these.

If your UK licence was first issued or renewed after you became a Spanish resident, it cannot be exchanged and you’ll face Spanish theory and driving tests.

All paperwork must be in both original and copy; missing originals are a frequent source of delay or refusal.

If you miss your six-month post-residency swap window, you can still often exchange via a Gestor—but you are not legally allowed to drive until it’s processed.

During the exchange process, you’ll be given a provisional Spanish permit valid for use only in Spain (not internationally or for car rental abroad).

Typical Processing Times

Processing averages 4–6 weeks but can take several months during busy periods. Once you submit your application, you’ll receive a provisional permit (valid for driving only in Spain) until the plastic card arrives by post.

After the Swap

The original UK licence is retained by the Spanish traffic authorities and sent to the DVLA. You will not get it back.

Notify your insurer if your policy details include your licence—some policies require this for continued validity.

The Spanish licence typically includes all the categories from your UK licence, as long as your medical exam covers them.

From 2025, traffic infractions are shared between Spain and the UK—expect fines and points to be enforceable across both.

Risks of Driving With an Unexchanged UK Licence

Once resident in Spain, driving on a UK licence after six months is illegal and uninsured. Police use digital cross-checks—expect possible fines (typically €200), instant impounding, and your insurer will not pay out if you’re in an accident. If you are caught, your only recourse is to exchange the licence and temporarily stop driving until the process is completed.

Booking (or Avoiding) DGT Appointments

Appointments can be hard to find in expat-heavy areas. Accredited Gestores can submit applications directly, saving you weeks or months. If you cancel a slot or miss your appointment, you’ll often need to start over and pay again.

Extra Tips & FAQ

Tourists can drive up to six months with a UK licence; residents cannot.

Expired or lost UK licences are generally exchangeable, except in rare previous-exchange or post-residency-issue cases.

You must submit all original paperwork plus copies—even minor mismatches or missing pages can halt the process.

All provisional Spanish permits are only valid within Spain—don’t leave the country with just this document.

If unsure on any step, use a Gestor—fees are reasonable, and it avoids nearly all admin headaches.

Be aware that even after your swap, road safety and traffic rules differ; Spain is strict on DUI, speed, and mobile phone use.

Final Reminder

Check both the British Embassy and DGT websites for last-minute changes or digital system updates. Organize your paperwork timeline carefully—if in doubt, act early rather than risk being left off the road.

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