Exchanging your driving licence in Spain: what you need to know when moving to Galicia

When we moved to Galicia, one of our practical questions was: what do I do with my driving licence? The good news is that it’s not as complicated as it might seem — but there are a few things worth knowing before you wait too long.

How long can you drive with a foreign licence?

Once you officially register in Spain — meaning you’ve applied for a NIE or TIE and registered at the padrón municipal — you have two years from that date to exchange your licence for a Spanish one. Driving after that period with your original licence can result in a fine.

How does the exchange work?

If you hold a driving licence from the Netherlands, Belgium, or another EU country, there’s no need to retake a driving test. Spain has bilateral agreements with most EU member states, which means it’s a straightforward administrative process at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico. In Galicia, you’ll find offices in A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense, and Pontevedra.

What you’ll need:

• Your original valid driving licence
• NIE or TIE
• Proof of registration (empadronamiento)
• A passport photo
• Medical certificate from a recognised centro de reconocimiento
• Payment of the administrative fee (around €20–30)

Tip: Book an appointment in advance via the DGT website (Dirección General de Tráfico). Walk-ins are generally not accepted.

What happens to your old licence?

Your original licence will be taken in and returned to your home country. Your new Spanish licence is valid throughout the EU.

Have you already gone through this process in Galicia? Feel free to share your experience in the comments!