UK Driving Licence Exchange. Good News for Some Residents

We thank one of our team members. residency application made before the end of last year, intent to exchange made on time and whose application for the exchange of a UK driving licence for the Spanish permit was denied.

“On 05/25/2021, the General Directorate of Traffic has changed the criteria for the resolution of the exchange of driving licenses from the United Kingdom for citizens of British nationality.

Your request was denied, but due to the aforementioned changes in criteria, it could be resolved favourably if you provide a padrón registration certificate (not a volante de empadronamiento) in which justifies your residence in Spain for at least 185 days prior to 12/30/2020, as stated in the General Regulations for Drivers”.

In relation to the above, the information below taken from a CAB post about the obligation to change some non Spanish EU driving licence.

“To proceed with the renewal of the permit, you must request a PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT at any Headquarters Provincial of Traffic, by phone 060 or on the DGT website www.dgt.es.
On the day of the appointment, you must go to the Provincial Traffic Headquarters with the following documents:
– Original driving license and photocopy.
– Document proving identity.
– Legal document proving residence, for example the registration certificate
in the Community Citizens Registry or registration certificate.
– Likewise, you must provide a phone number or an email where
can be located.Original driving license and photocopy.
– Document proving identity.
– Legal document proving residence, for example the padrón registration certificate”.

If you are in the situation where you made the intent to change your driving licence before December 30 2020 but are being denied the right to exchange due to not having your TIE in place, do use a favourable resolution letter or a padron certificate dated from last year. If still refused, contact us: www.citizensadvice.org.es

Please note: The information provided is based upon our understanding of current legislation. It is not legal advice but is provided freely to enable you to be properly informed. We recommend that if you are considering taking action, you should seek professional advice.