Brits in Spain

*Update on UK driving licence exchange*

We have had questions from some of you asking how to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish licence.

If you live in Spain and have a valid UK driving licence, you will be able to continue using this to drive in Spain until 30 June 2021.

If you want to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one, the process to follow depends on whether you registered your intention to exchange with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020.

1. *If you registered with the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) before 30 December 2020*

If you were resident in Spain before 1 January 2021 and registered with the DGT before 30 December 2020, you should request an appointment with the DGT to exchange your UK licence by 30 June 2021.

To exchange your licence you will need:
• proof you are registered as a resident in Spain (e.g. TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero; green EU residence certificate)
• your UK licence

Read DGT’s guidance on how to get an appointment (in Spanish with English translation) here:

The DGT will exchange your UK licence for a temporary driving permit (‘autorización temporal para conducir’) until your Spanish licence is processed. This document is valid in Spain only.

2. *If you did not register with DGT before 30 December 2020*

If you did not register with DGT before 30 December 2020 and want to exchange your UK driving licence, you should follow the DGT process for non-EU nationals. This includes taking a driving test.

The UK government is in discussion with the Spanish government on future driving licence exchange without the need for a practical test. You can sign up for email alerts to this page, to get notified of our updates on changes to the rules.

Your valid UK licence will continue to be recognised in Spain until 30 June 2021.

3. *Driving in the UK with a Spanish licence*
You can use your Spanish licence in the UK for short visits, or exchange it for a UK licence without taking a test.
We will update the ‘Driving in Spain’ section of our Living in Spain guide if there are any changes to the rules, as soon as information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain#driving-in-spain