Changing UK driving licence to a Spanish one 2024
UK driving licence exchange in Malaga without a DGT appointment
We can do the exchange in Malaga, without an appointment at Tráfico.
We can also exchange other EU licences.
Can’t get an appointment at DGT?
Don’t worry, we can exchange UK driving licences for Spanish ones without an appointment.
UK licences can still be exchanged if your licence is dated before 16th March 2023 and your residency began after the date on your licence. If your residency began after 16 March 2023, you have 6 months to exchange your licence from your residency start date.
DO NOT renew your UK licence if you are a Spanish resident as this will disqualify you from the exchange. Most expired UK licences can still be exchanged.
There is a special provision for Spanish residents who renewed their UK licences between January 2021 and 16th March 2023.
If you are a UK driving licence holder with Spanish residency and live in or visit Malaga or the Costa del Sol, then look no further! We are here to help you, we can do the driving licence exchange in Malaga hassle-free and without a DGT appointment. The process can be both time-consuming and confusing, and appointments are nearly impossible to get now. For only €150, which includes all taxes, we will take care of all the paperwork, and deal with the DGT office for you.
We understand that dealing with unfamiliar bureaucracy can be overwhelming, but we have extensive experience and offer a reliable and friendly service to make sure that you are able to get behind the wheel with confidence. Feel free to contact us today via email at [email protected] and we will provide you with more information about how we can assist you with this important task.
How to exchange a UK licence in Spain
Firstly, you need to book an appointment with DGT here. (Many are reporting that there are no available appointments).
If you can get an appointment these are the documents you must take with you.
Documents Needed For UK Driving Licence Exchange
- Original medical report (Certificado de aptitud psicofísica) from centro médico conductores
- Original driving licence
- Application form
- Original Residency card
- Proof of fee payment
- Photo – passport size
- DVLA code and driving summary in PDF from here
UK TO SPANISH DRIVING LICENCE EXCHANGE
If you can’t get an appointment at the DGT to exchange your licence, contact us today and we’ll do the exchange for you.
(No DGT appointment needed).
UK to Spanish driving licence approved at last!
Spanish ministers have finally approved the exchange of UK to Spanish driving licences for residents. From the 16th March 2023, residents with a UK licence can drive legally in Spain again. They have six months to exchange their licence without taking a Spanish driving test. After this time you won’t be able to drive in Spain with a UK driving licence, until you have exchanged your UK driving licence for a Spanish one. There are some special exceptions for
New residents have 6 months to exchange their UK to Spanish driving licence without taking a Spanish test.
Contact us if you want to exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one in Malaga.
Which countries can exchange their driving licence in Spain?
Licences can also be exchanged from EU and EEA countries and other countries that have an agreement with Spain. Some of the countries that have an exchange agreement with Spain are: Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Morocco, Nicaragua, Ukraine, Korea, Japan and New Zealand. You can find a full list of countries with bilateral agreements with Spain here. If you live in Torremolinos, Malaga, Benalmadena, Nerja, Estepona, Fuengirola, Marbella, Ronda or surrounding areas and would like us to exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one, contact us today.
Can I drive in the UK with a Spanish licence?
It is important to know that if you have a Spanish driving licence, you are allowed to drive in the UK. This means that if you decide to move back to the UK permanently, you can easily exchange your Spanish licence for a UK one without having to take a test. However, if you plan to drive outside of the EU, you will have to apply for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP).
Can I drive in Spain with a UK licence?
Yes, you can drive in Spain with a UK driving licence. Since Brexit, UK licences are still valid for short-term visitors in Spain, and there is no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) for stays under six months.
On the other hand, if you currently reside in Spain or are planning to live here for an extended period, we recommend that you exchange your UK driving licence for a Spanish one as soon as possible. As of March 16, 2023, you will have six months to legally drive in Spain with a UK licence. It is important to note that previously, many individuals with UK licences were banned from driving in Spain, so it is crucial not to get caught out again.
If you need to exchange your UK licence in Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Mijas, Fuengirola, Marbella, Velez-Malaga, Nerja, Torrox, Coin, Antequera, Ronda or surrounding areas contact us today at [email protected]. We will be happy to assist you.
Cabinet Meeting
Here is Hugh Elliott, Ambassador to Spain delivering the news.
Here is the full text from the cabinet meeting on the 14th March 2023, where the driving licence exchange was finally approved.
*Quoted from SUR in English.
The Council of Ministers has approved this Tuesday the agreement by which Spain and the United Kingdom will proceed to the reciprocal recognition and exchange of driving licenses as well as the exchange of information on traffic offences in terms of road safety.
This agreement puts an end to the successive extensions applied to the exchange of permits between the two countries that had been applied since the end of the transitional period provided for in the Withdrawal Agreement of the United Kingdom from the European Union.
From now on, holders of a valid and current driving licence issued by either of the two States may request the exchange of their equivalent driving licence where they have established their residence, without being subject to any additional requirement of practical test or theoretical and according to the equivalence tables between the categories of permits from both countries.
The agreement establishes that all valid permits or licences of current residents issued prior to its entry into force may be exchanged, while for permits issued after said entry into force it will be an essential requirement to access the exchange that the permits have been issued in the country where the applicant had his legal residence.
With this agreement, those British citizens residing in Spain who had not had their driving licence recognised before Brexit, nor in the successive extensions granted, will be able to do so as of Thursday, March 16.
To facilitate administrative processing at the provincial traffic headquarters, a period of six months has been granted during which British citizens can drive in Spain with their original licence while they process the exchange.
In addition, Spain and the United Kingdom undertake to provide each other with information on the data of the vehicles and their owners for the purpose of investigating traffic offences related to road safety, especially in cases of speeding, not wearing a seat belt, failure to stop at a red light, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of drugs, not wearing a crash helmet, driving in a prohibited lane, or illegal use of mobile phones.