DGT Guide: How to Exchange Your Driving License in Spain (El Canje)
Introduction
Congratulations, you've finalized the purchase of your home in Spain and even imported your car. You're ready to enjoy the sunny roads. But a crucial administrative question arises: Is your French, Belgian, or Swiss driving license still valid? Exchanging your foreign driving license for a Spanish one, a process called "el canje", is a mandatory step for all residents.
Ignoring this step is a serious oversight. In case of a traffic stop or, worse, an accident, you could be considered as driving without a valid license. Your insurance might refuse to cover you, turning your dream into a financial and legal nightmare. As experts assisting expatriates, we explain the exact procedure to secure your right to drive in Spain.
The "Canje": What it is and When is it Mandatory?
The "canje" is the official administrative procedure managed by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), the Spanish road traffic authority. It involves "exchanging" your valid national driving license for a Spanish driving license. Spain issues you a new license and returns your old one to the authorities in your country of origin.
The golden rule is this: this process becomes mandatory six months after obtaining your legal residency in Spain (your "green card" CRUE or your TIE card), and not six months after your arrival as a tourist.
Rules Differ Based on Your Country of Origin
The procedure and urgency of the exchange are not the same for everyone. The key point is to know whether your country has signed an agreement (convenio) with Spain.
| License Type (Country of Origin) | Exchange Obligation (Canje) | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| EU/EEA Citizens (e.g., France, Belgium...) | Recommended, but not mandatory (as long as it's valid) | Your EU license is valid in Spain. HOWEVER, you will need to renew/exchange it for a Spanish license upon its expiry date. If you have an old "lifetime" license (e.g., French pink paper license), you have 2 years after obtaining residency to exchange it. |
| Countries with Agreement (Non-EU) (e.g., Switzerland, Morocco, UK, Colombia...) |
Mandatory | You must exchange it within 6 months of obtaining residency. After this period, your license is no longer valid for driving in Spain. |
| Countries without Agreement (Non-EU) (e.g., United States, Canada, Australia...) |
Impossible (no "canje") | You cannot exchange your license. You must retake the entire Spanish driving license test (theory and practical) after 6 months of residency. |
Official Resource
The Spanish administration is the only reliable source. To check if your country has a valid agreement (convenio) with Spain, consult the official list on the DGT website.
Check the list of countries with agreements on DGT.es.
The Exchange Process (Canje) Step-by-Step
The procedure may seem complex, but it is linear. The main hurdle is often obtaining the appointment.
- Obtain the "Cita Previa" (Appointment): This is the first and most difficult step. You must request an appointment online on the DGT website for "Canje de permiso de conducir". Slots are rare and fill up very quickly.
- Pass the "Psicotécnico" Test: You must obtain a medical fitness certificate (informe de aptitud psicofísica). This is a simple test of reflexes, vision, and hearing at an approved medical center (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores).
- Pay the Fee (Tasa): You must pay the administrative fee (Tasa 2.3 for an exchange, Tasa 2.1 for a renewal). This can be done online or via form 791.
- Gather the Documents: Prepare your complete dossier (see table below).
- Attend the DGT Appointment: You present your dossier. If everything is correct, the DGT keeps your old license and issues you a temporary driving authorization (autorización temporal) valid for 3 months, while you await your Spanish license by mail.
Document Checklist for the Canje
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application Form | The official DGT form ("Solicitud de canje") filled and signed. |
| Proof of Identity | Your TIE (non-EU) or your "Green Card" CRUE (EU) + Passport. (Originals + copies). |
| Proof of Residency | Your Certificado de Empadronamiento, issued within the last 3 months. |
| Driving License | Your original license (which will be retained) and a photocopy. |
| Medical Certificate | The "Psicotécnico" report (informe de aptitud psicofísica). |
| Proof of Payment | The receipt for the paid fee (Tasa). |
| Photo | A recent passport-sized photo (32x26mm). |
Expert Advice and Common Pitfalls to Avoid
As an agency accustomed to these procedures, we often see the same mistakes. Here is our advice based on our experience.
The Insurance Trap
Don't gamble with the 6-month rule. If you've been a legal resident for more than 6 months and have an accident with a non-EU, unexchanged license, your Spanish insurance may refuse to cover the damages. You will be considered as driving without a valid license, which can lead to disastrous financial consequences.
- 🛑 The Cita Previa Trap: Don't wait until the 5th month to seek an appointment. "Citas Previas" at the DGT are very difficult to obtain. Start looking as early as your 3rd month of residency or use a gestoría (administrative consultant) who is familiar with these procedures.
- 🛑 The Translation Trap: If your license is not in Spanish (or bilingual), an official translation (traducción jurada) will be required.
- 🛑 The "Lifetime" License Trap: If you have an EU license (e.g., an old French pink paper license) without an expiration date, you have a legal obligation to renew (and therefore exchange) it after 2 years of residency in Spain.
Conclusion
The exchange of your driving license (the canje) is not a minor administrative formality; it is a legal obligation that secures your resident status in Spain. Just like obtaining your NIE, Empadronamiento, or Tarjeta Sanitaria, this step is essential for a stress-free expatriation.
Although the procedure (especially getting an appointment at the DGT) can be tedious, it is indispensable for driving legally and being covered by your insurance. Anticipate this step so that your property project in Spain remains a pleasure, from signing the deed of sale to your daily commutes in the sun.
FAQ: Driving License Exchange (Canje) in Spain
Everything UK and US investors need to know to drive legally in Spain after settling. This process is crucial to avoid insurance issues and potential fines.
The "Canje" is the official administrative procedure managed by the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) which involves exchanging your valid national driving license for an equivalent Spanish driving license.
The exchange becomes mandatory six months after obtaining your legal residency in Spain (this could be a TIE or, for some EU citizens, the green residency certificate), and not six months after your initial tourist arrival.
The main risk is the refusal of coverage by your insurance company in the event of an accident, as you would be considered to be driving without a valid license. You also risk fines for driving without a valid license.
No. While EU citizens generally have more flexibility regarding immediate exchange (often exchanging only upon their license's expiration), UK and US citizens are subject to different rules. For most UK/US citizens, after six months of residency, you will either need to exchange your license if an agreement exists between Spain and your country (as is currently the case for the UK), or re-take the Spanish driving test entirely if no such agreement is in place (as is currently the case for the US, for example). Please refer to question 1203 for details on non-EU countries without an agreement.
Si vous possédez un permis UE sans date d'expiration (comme le permis rose français), vous avez l'obligation légale de l'échanger après 2 ans de résidence en Espagne.
The procedure is carried out at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), which is the competent Spanish authority for road traffic.
The first step is to obtain a "Cita Previa" (prior appointment) online via the DGT's website. This is often the most challenging step, as appointment slots can be scarce.
This is a mandatory medical fitness certificate. It involves a simple test of reflexes, eyesight, and hearing, carried out at an authorised medical centre.
Yes. The DGT will issue you a temporary driving authorisation valid for 3 months while you await the receipt of your definitive license by post.
If no agreement exists between Spain and your country (e.g., USA, Canada), the "Canje" is not possible. In this scenario, you will be required to re-take the entire Spanish driving test (theory and practical) after six months of residency.
You must provide the official application form, your proof of identity (Residency Card - TIE/green certificate, plus Passport), proof of residency (such as your Empadronamiento, which is your registration on the local town hall census), your original driving license, the medical certificate, proof of payment of the fee, and a recent photograph.
No. During the exchange process, the DGT will retain your old license to send it back to the authorities in your country of origin.
If your license is not issued in Spanish (or is not bilingual), an official sworn translation (traducción jurada) will be required at the appointment.
It is advisable to start seeking an appointment as early as your 3rd month of residency, as waiting times for appointments can be long and may extend beyond the 6-month deadline.
Yes, using a gestoría (an administrative agency or advisor) is highly recommended if you are struggling to obtain an appointment, as they are experienced with these procedures and can often expedite the process.
