If you have lived in Spain since before 16 March 2023, you can only drive on your UK license until 16 September 2023. Therefore, if you need to keep driving here, you must exchange your UK license for a Spanish before this date.
UK or Gibraltar license holders who moved to Spain before 16 March 2023 and fail to make the exchange by 15 September will no longer be able to drive on their UK license and will need to wait until their license exchange has been completed to drive after that.
If you move to Spain after 16 March 2023, you can drive using your valid UK or Gibraltar license for six months from the date you acquire residency. However, it is recommended you start the exchange process as soon as possible.
Exchange is still possible after six months. But your UK license will not be valid for driving in Spain while you await your exchange to be completed.
Can I renew my UK license if I live in Spain?
The official advice from the UK government website is that you cannot renew or replace your UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man driving license if you live in Spain.
If you have one of the above licenses, you can only use it to drive for up to 6 months after becoming resident in Spain. After this time, if you want to continue driving, you can only do so if you have applied for and received a Spanish driving license.
The process varies depending on whether you have a UK, Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man license.
Furthermore, you cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a Spanish license if you are resident in Spain.
UK or Gibraltar licence holders who moved to Spain before 16 March 2023 and fail to make the exchange by 15 September will no longer be able to drive on their UK licence and will need to wait until their licence exchange has been completed to drive after that.
If you move to Spain after 16 March 2023, you can drive using your valid UK or Gibraltar licence for six months from the date you acquire residency. We recommend you start the exchange process during this time.
Exchange is possible after six months. However, your UK license will not be valid for driving in Spain while you await your exchange to be completed.
How do I exchange my license?
The official advice and step by step instructions from the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT) can be found here. This advises you what you must do in advance of your appointment. You can request an appointment online or by phone. They explain all the documentation that is required to make the exchange, and the cost involved, which is under 30€. You can carry out the exchange process yourself or allow an authorised person to complete on your behalf. This would obviously involve an additional fee. The DGT also have a very useful “Frequently Asked Questions” section.
What is the DVLA check code?
As part of the process, along with your other documentation, you will need to present a check code from the DVLA to the DGT in Spain. The code is valid for 21 days, and you can start the process here. If you have problems obtaining a check code, contact the DVLA on 0044 300 083 0013.
Are you resident in Spain, over 70 years of age but with an expired driving license?
According to the UK Consulate in Spain, some UK licence holders with expired UK driving licenses (primarily those over 70) have been experiencing issues when trying to exchange it for a Spanish one. The Embassy advised they have been working with the Spanish Government to resolve this issue. Consequently, Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) will now be able to exchange expired UK licenses. This is as long as they expired after the you moved to Spain. A digital “check code” can be obtained from the UK government website. This will enable the DGT to verify your license.
