Many people want to bring their currently owned vehicles to Spain due to the high cost of used vehicles and other factors.
These processes are very complicated with special documents needed, tests, customs, taxes and fees to pay.
Covered are experts in vehicle importation and registration to Spain from the UK, EU and the rest of the world with our sister company Vehicle Registrations Spain. Even historic, non EU vehicles and problematic registrations are possible as VRS specialise in all sorts of problem cases.
Even if the vehicle has no MOT, Tax or insurance, we can expertly place the vehicle on temporary Spanish registration and insurance during the process, allowing the owner to use the vehicle.
Covered are also experts in motorcycle registration with technical knowledge of motorcycles to aid the smooth process. We also have a dedicated motorcycle test bay for the import/itv test. This make for a more focused test and relaxed part of the process for the owner.
Spanish Vehicle Owner Transfer
Covered are Official Partners with the DGT Traffic Office, so vehicle transfers run smoothly & much faster as we take transfer documents directly to the traffic office. Covered do not pass your documents to an unknown third party. Covered check all the buyers and sellers documents and can give an immediate cost for the transfer tax and fees.
Insurance
Covered are a fully Independent Insurance Agent of Liberty Seguros and are able to make quotations and issue insurance policies directly from our offices. We can insure vehicles on UK registration plates whilst going through the import process.
Driving Licence
Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Spanish one is a common process for expats or residents who have moved to Spain. The procedure varies depending on the country where the original driving licence was issued, as Spain has different agreements with different countries. Here’s an overview of the key aspects of the Spanish driving licence exchange process:
1. Countries with Exchange Agreements
Spain has reciprocal agreements with several countries, meaning that drivers from these countries can exchange their foreign licence for a Spanish one without the need for additional tests. These countries generally include other EU/EEA countries, as well as certain non-EU countries.
Countries with an Exchange Agreement (EU/EEA):
European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA) countries: If you are from an EU/EEA country, you do not need to take a Spanish driving test to exchange your licence. You can simply swap your valid foreign licence for a Spanish one.
Countries with Reciprocal Agreements (Non-EU):
Argentina
Australia
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Colombia
Japan
New Zealand
Paraguay
South Korea
Switzerland
Drivers from these countries can also exchange their licences for a Spanish one without taking a driving test. However, the process may require additional documentation.
2. Countries Without an Exchange Agreement
If you are from a country that does not have a reciprocal agreement with Spain, you will need to follow the full process to obtain a Spanish driving licence. This typically involves:
Taking a written theory test (in Spanish)
Passing a practical driving test (also in Spanish)
3. Requirements for Exchanging a Licence
Whether you’re from an EU/EEA country, a non-EU country with an agreement, or a country without an agreement, you’ll generally need to fulfill the following requirements to exchange your licence:
Residency in Spain: You must be a legal resident of Spain. You’ll need to provide proof of your residence, usually in the form of your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) or residence card.
Age Requirement: You must be at least 18 years old to exchange your licence. For some countries, there may be a minimum age of 21 for the exchange.
Valid Foreign Licence: Your foreign driving licence must be valid. If it has expired, you may need to renew it in your home country before applying for the exchange.
Medical Certificate: You’ll need to provide a medical certificate proving that you are fit to drive. This can be obtained from a Spanish doctor and usually includes a vision test and a general health check.
Proof of Identity: You’ll need to show a valid passport or identity card.
Proof of Address: You’ll need to provide proof of your address in Spain, such as a recent utility bill or rental contract.
4. The Process of Exchanging a Licence
The general steps to exchange a foreign driving licence for a Spanish one are as follows:
Book an Appointment: In Spain, you need to book an appointment at the local Jefatura de Tráfico (Traffic Department). Appointments can usually be made online via the official website.
Submit Documentation: Prepare and submit the necessary documents, which typically include:
Your valid foreign driving licence
Proof of identity (passport or national ID)
Proof of residence in Spain (e.g., NIE or residency card)
Medical certificate (issued by a Spanish doctor)
Proof of address in Spain (e.g., utility bill)
Pay Fees: You will need to pay a fee for the exchange process. The fee varies but typically ranges from €20 to €30.
Wait for the Spanish Licence: Once your application is approved, you will receive your new Spanish driving licence. The process can take a few weeks, and you’ll be notified when your new licence is ready for pick-up.
5. Special Cases
Licence from a country outside the EU/EEA with no agreement: If you are from a non-EU country that doesn’t have a driving licence exchange agreement with Spain, you will have to apply for a new Spanish licence. This involves passing the theory and practical driving tests, similar to what Spanish citizens must do when they first obtain a driving licence.
Short-term residents or tourists: If you’re just visiting Spain temporarily and are not a resident, you can drive using your foreign licence for up to six months, as long as it is valid and in a language that can be understood by the Spanish authorities. If your licence is in a non-Latin alphabet (e.g., Cyrillic, Arabic), you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your foreign licence.
6. Important Notes
Language Barrier: All documents submitted for the exchange process must be in Spanish, or they must be officially translated into Spanish (with a sworn translation).
Validity of the Spanish Licence: Once exchanged, your Spanish driving licence will be valid for 10 years (or 5 years if you’re over 70 years old). After that, you will need to renew it.
Penalties for Driving Without a Valid Licence: If you’re caught driving without a valid Spanish licence (after six months of residence), you may be fined or even face legal penalties.
Conclusion
Exchanging a foreign driving licence for a Spanish one is a straightforward process for residents from EU/EEA countries or those from countries with reciprocal agreements. However, if you’re from a non-EU country without such an agreement, you will have to go through the entire process of taking the theory and practical driving tests. Understanding the requirements and having the necessary documentation in order will help ensure a smooth exchange process.
