Contingency Plan Spain In Case of No-Deal Brexit – Driving Licences

Royal Decree, approved today, March 1st 2019, containing a Contingy Plan in case the UK exits the EU without a deal on March 29th this year.

With regards to Driving Licences it says that Spain will continue to recognise the validity of British licences and will provide a 9 month grace period for those UK nationals living as residents here, to renew or exchange (canje) their licences for Spanish ones. See the Brexit Protocol for further info on how to make sure you´ll be able to make use of this grace period.

Of course, the ´2 year resident protocol´ remains in force as well, so if for instance you registered as resident in May 2017 and your licence is subject to renewal under the protocol, you need to renew after 2 years of residency, so in May 2019, and not wait till November as you risk being fined then.

INFO ON 2 YEAR RESIDENT PROTOCOL AND HOW TO RENEW OR EXCHANGE DRIVING LICENCE

After the 9 months, British licences will be subject to the regulations for ´third countries´ and it will no longer be possible to renew or exchange your British licence for a Spanish one, unless a bilateral agreement between the UK and Spain is in place by then.

Further info, update 9.11.2019.

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.