If you are moving permanently to Spain and wondering what happens with your driving license, here is some information that might be helpful:
As we all know, on December 31st the transition period will come to an end and as of January 1st, the rules that used to be applicable to UK nationals as part of EU will change. (detailed information here)
When it comes to your driving license, until January 21st your British driving licenses are valid. You are not required to do any administrative procedure until then.
As of January 21st, the applicable law is the one to non-EU countries and according to it, the validity of a driving license is for 6 months from the date of entry into Spain.

What does it means for UK citizens:
- If you are already a resident, you should apply to change your driving license for a Spanish one before the end of the transition period.
- If you are moving during the transition period, we recommend you to start the procedure as soon as possible, however, you would need to consider your entry date in Spain to know for how long your permit would be valid.
PROCEDURE:
The interested person or someone on his/her behalf, would need to present the application in person at the DGT (equivalent to the DVLA).
The appointment can be booked online at the DGT website or by phone (060).
Below is the documentation to start your application:
- Form (click here to download)
- Id document (Passport and EU certificate), after transition period, your new TIE will be required.
- Proof of residence. Here you can either present a certificate from the city hall (empadronamiento) or authorize the DGT to consult it with regards your address.
- Driving license
- Updated photo, size 32×26 cm
- Administrative fees of 28.30€ already paid
If you prefer or need to have someone else applying on your behalf, be aware that a specific authorization must be issued.
Once you apply for your Spanish permit, the DGT will keep your old driving license and issue a provisional one, valid in the whole of Spain, to be used until the permanent one arrives via post to your home address.
*You may also be interested in….
- Residence in Spain for UK nationals before and after the withdrawal agreement
- British citizens in Spain without legal residence? What to do:
- BREXIT: Spanish legal residence for non-EU citizen, but as a UK national relative
If you’re interested, do not hesitate to contact us.