Reminder on Exchanging UK/Gibraltar Driving Licence

Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles)

If you were living in Spain before 16 March 2023, you can use your valid UK or Gibraltar driving licence to drive in Spain for 6 months.

If you move to Spain on or after 16 March 2023, your valid UK or Gibraltar licence will be recognised for 6 months from the date you obtained residence.

If you hold a UK or Gibraltar licence, you can exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one without taking a practical or theory test. You should aim to do this within 6 months from 16 March 2023, or within 6 months of the date you obtain your residence, whichever is later.

After this time your UK or Gibraltar driving licence will no longer be valid for driving in Spain. However, you will still be able to exchange it for a Spanish one.

If you hold a licence from Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you cannot currently exchange this for a Spanish licence. You must apply for a Spanish licence as a non-EU national to drive in Spain, which involves taking both a theory and practical driving test.

You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of a Spanish licence.

We thank the U.K. gov site for the clears and concise information above.

Note* For those that were residing here before March 16, 2023. Remember that your license is no longer valid to drive on since September 15, 2023, but you can still exchange it.

Exchanging your U.K. licence DGT

Various questions are asked by licence holders about residency in relation to exchanging driving licences.

I am providing facts based on law. I cannot give guarantees of the interpretation by either the DGT or traffic police.

What is meant by normal residence DGT?

Normal residence is the place where a person habitually stays, that is, for at least one hundred and eighty-five days per calendar year.

Normal residence is understood as the stay in Spain in a regular situation, which must be duly accredited in accordance with the provisions of Organic Law 4/2000, of January 11, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration.

Residency status NLV.

The initial authorisation for temporary residence will have a duration of one year, and its validity will begin on the date of entry into Spain.

Golden visa or those who hold residency but are habitually resident abroad. You should hold a license in the place where you are habitually resident. Saying that, the traffic police seeing you have residency status in Spain (TIE etc.) will expect you to hold a Spanish license. If these regulations were in black and white, it would be a lot more simple.

Using a Spanish licence when visiting the U.K.?

Yes, your Spanish license is valid for visits and also if you return to reside there. Full information can be found by searching “driving on a foreign license in the UK”.

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.