Lorraine Williamson
Anyone with a Spanish driving licence can check their DGT points in Spain online, through the miDGT app, or by phone. It is one of those small admin checks many drivers ignore until a fine, sanction, or letter from Tráfico lands.
Yet it matters. Spain’s points-based driving licence system can affect your right to drive, not just the amount you pay after a traffic offence. For residents, commuters, parents, self-employed workers and anyone living outside a city centre, losing that right can cause real disruption.
The good news is that checking your balance is free, official and relatively quick if you already have digital access set up. The DGT says drivers can consult their current points balance and history, provided their licence is valid and in force.
The quick answer
You can check your DGT points through the official DGT electronic office, the miDGT mobile app, or by calling 060. Online access usually requires digital identification, such as Cl@ve, a digital certificate, or an electronic DNI. The service allows drivers to see their current points balance and, in some cases, download a record showing points lost or recovered.
Why DGT points matter in Spain
Spain uses a penalty points system for driving licences. Points can be lost for offences such as speeding, drink-driving, drug-driving, using a mobile phone at the wheel, failing to wear a seat belt, or other road safety breaches.
For many foreign residents, the system can feel easy to overlook. The fine may seem like the main issue. However, points loss can have longer-term consequences, especially if several offences build up over time.
The DGT says knowing your points balance is important because it allows drivers to take action before the situation becomes more serious. Drivers can also download supporting documents showing their current points position or a more detailed history.
How many points do drivers usually have?
Most drivers in Spain start with 12 points. New drivers and drivers who have recovered their licence after previously losing it usually start with eight.
Your balance can rise over time if you avoid offences. It can also fall if you commit road traffic offences that carry penalty points.
The maximum balance is usually 15 points. Some drivers may reach that level through safe driving over time, or through approved safe and efficient driving courses where conditions are met.
How to check your DGT points online
The most direct route is the DGT’s official online service for checking points.
Go to the DGT electronic office and look for the service called Consulta y justificante de puntos. This is where drivers can check their current points and, where available, their points history. The DGT confirms that this service is available when the driving permit is valid and in force.
To access the service online, you will normally need one of Spain’s recognised digital ID systems. These include Cl@ve, a digital certificate, or DNI electrónico.
For many foreign residents in Spain, Cl@ve is often the most practical route. It is also useful for other official procedures, including tax, health, town hall and Social Security services.
Checking through the miDGT app
The miDGT app is another useful option. It is the official DGT mobile application and gives drivers access to licence, vehicle and points information from their phone.
The DGT’s own guidance lists the miDGT app as one of the three main ways to check your points balance, alongside the electronic office and the 060 phone service.
For residents in Spain, it is worth having the app installed. It can make everyday motoring admin easier, especially if you own a vehicle, need to check licence details, or want quick access to DGT information.
Can you check by phone?
Yes. The DGT also lists 060 as an option for checking your points balance. This is Spain’s general citizen information telephone service for many public administration procedures.
This may be useful for people who are not comfortable using digital certificates or apps. However, for regular use, setting up Cl@ve or miDGT is likely to be more convenient.
Can you download proof of your points?
Yes. The DGT allows drivers to download information about their points balance. Depending on what you need, you may be able to obtain a basic points receipt or access more detailed driver information.
This can be useful if you need to prove your balance for work, professional driving, insurance, or an administrative reason. For most drivers, however, the standard check will be enough for personal peace of mind.
What happens if you have lost points?
Losing points does not automatically mean losing your licence. But it is a warning sign.
If you still have points left, you may be able to recover them by avoiding further offences for a set period. The DGT says drivers can recover their initial 12-point balance after two years without a final sanction that involves points loss.
There is also the option of an official road awareness and re-education course. Recent DGT guidance states that completing and passing a recovery course can allow drivers to recover four points, without exceeding the number of points previously lost.
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What if you lose all your points?
If a driver loses all their points, the situation becomes much more serious. The DGT says drivers who need to regain their licence must complete and pass a recovery course for the driving permit or licence.
This is why checking your balance early matters. If you realise your points are low, you may still have time to change habits, avoid further offences, or look into official recovery options.
Waiting until the licence is already at risk leaves far fewer choices.
Newer safe driving courses can add points
Spain has also introduced safe and efficient driving courses that can give eligible drivers a two-point bonus. These courses are voluntary and are aimed at improving driving technique, reducing risk, and encouraging safer, more efficient driving.
The DGT says these courses are available for motorcycles, mopeds and cars, depending on the licence category. They can add two points up to a maximum balance of 15.
Drivers must meet the conditions. These include having a valid licence and a positive points balance at the time of the course.
Why foreign residents should not ignore it
Many foreign residents drive in Spain for years without checking their DGT points. Some simply assume that if they have paid a fine, the matter is finished.
That is not always the case.
A fine and a points deduction are separate consequences. You may pay the fine, then later realise your points balance has also changed.
For people living in rural areas, working across towns, managing school runs, or depending on a car for daily life, that can become a serious problem.
A simple check that belongs on your life-in-Spain list
Living in Spain comes with a long list of small but important admin tasks. Registering for Cl@ve, checking Social Security records, downloading official certificates, renewing documents and managing DGT details all form part of everyday life here.
Checking your DGT points belongs on that list.
It only takes a few minutes once your digital access is ready. It can tell you whether your licence is safe, whether previous fines have affected your balance, and whether you need to take action before the problem grows.
For anyone who drives regularly in Spain, it is a sensible habit. It is also far better to check your points calmly at home than discover a problem when you urgently need your car.