Moving to the beautiful Mijas Costa is a dream come true for many expats, but adapting to life in Spain involves a few administrative steps — one of which is ensuring your driving licence is valid. If you plan on driving while living here, you’ll need to understand how to exchange your foreign licence for a Spanish one.
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you through the process.
1. Do You Need to Exchange Your Licence?
Whether you need to exchange your licence depends on your nationality:
- EU/EEA Citizens: You can use your licence in Spain without exchanging it, provided it’s valid. However, after two years of residency, you’re required to register with the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) and may be asked to exchange your licence if it doesn’t meet certain standards (e.g., no expiry date).
- Non-EU Citizens: Most non-EU licences are only valid for six months after obtaining residency. After that, you must exchange it or obtain a Spanish licence.
Important: Spain has exchange agreements with several non-EU countries, including the UK (since March 2023), USA (selected states), Canada, and others. If your country is on this list, you may be eligible to swap your licence without taking a driving test.
2. Required Documents
To exchange your licence, you’ll need to provide the following:
- Valid Passport and NIE/TIE
- Current Driving Licence (and a sworn translation if not in Spanish)
- Proof of Residency (empadronamiento certificate)
- Medical Certificate (from an authorised Spanish medical centre)
- Photographs (DNI-size)
- Application Form (available from the DGT website or office)
- Proof of Payment of the administrative fee (Form 791)
3. How to Apply
You can apply in person or online:
In Person at the DGT Office (Jefatura de Tráfico)
The nearest DGT office to Mijas Costa is in Málaga or Marbella. You must book an appointment in advance through the DGT website:
👉 www.dgt.es
At your appointment, submit your documents, pay the fee, and surrender your original licence. In most cases, you’ll be issued a temporary driving permit until your Spanish licence arrives by post.
Online via the DGT Portal
If you have a digital certificate or Cl@ve system, you may be able to start the process online and then complete it at the office.
4. What If Your Country Doesn’t Have an Exchange Agreement?
If Spain doesn’t have an agreement with your home country, you’ll need to go through the full process of obtaining a Spanish driving licence. This includes:
- Passing the theory test (in Spanish, though some schools offer assistance in English)
- Taking practical driving lessons and passing the driving test
5. Tips for a Smooth Process
- Book early: Appointments at the DGT can take weeks to secure.
- Check the latest rules: Driving licence agreements can change, especially post-Brexit or for bilateral negotiations.
- Use a gestor: A local gestoría (administrative assistant) can handle the process for you — highly recommended if your Spanish is limited.
Final Thoughts
Exchanging your driving licence might seem like a hassle, but it’s a necessary step to ensure you stay legal and safe on the road in Spain. Once it’s done, you can enjoy the freedom of exploring the Costa del Sol, from the beaches of La Cala to the mountain roads of Mijas Pueblo — all with peace of mind.
If you’re planning your move or already enjoying life in Mijas Costa, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for help with relocation services, property advice, or connecting you with trusted local professionals.