TIME TO CHANGE YOUR UK driving licence FOR A new Spanish one?

If you live in Spain but still have a UK or other EU driving licence you are entitled to change it for a Spanish one.

Questions :

What happens? You need to make two trips to Trafico (your nearest office of the Spanish transport department DGT). The first visit involves paying the processing fee and making the application. After several weeks there will be a second trip which involves exchanging your old licence for a temporary Spanish one. Finally the new licence comes through the post.

How long will it take? The process can be time-consuming both on the day of your first visit to Trafico which involves several queues and in terms of the processing time they require. You might need to wait two months of more before actually receiving your licence.

Do you have to change it? No, UK licences are valid throughout the EU but it should be one of the new style picture passports with a EU ring of stars on. Most people changing to a Spanish licence do so because their UK one is due to expire or because they want a photo id card they can use in place of their passport.

Warning: If you choose not to change your licence for a Spanish one, you could face a big problem if the licence is lost or stolen. The UK licensing authority (DVLA) will not issue a replacement licence to anyone resident outside the UK. They might issue a letter saying you have the right to drive but this will not be sufficient to get a Spanish licence. The Spanish Trafico (DGT) will only issue a Spanish licence in exchange for a full, current EU licence with no exceptions. For more about replacement licences:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/Motoringtransactions/BeforeyouapplyC/DG_067507

What about a medical? Drivers in Spain have to have periodic medicals to keep their licence valid (see requirements below). Until recently you didn't need to have a medical to change your licence perhaps because the authorities assumed you already have one. Recently however, at least in Malaga, Trafico have been asking to see a medical certificate when picking up your new Spanish licence. When you come to renew your licence a medical will definitely be required.

Medical every 10 years if under 65

Medical every 5 years if over 65

To find a medical centre that does the test (called CRC or Centro de Reconocomiento Conductores) you could search on Google Maps or look here:

http://centros-psicotecnicos.es/

How do I renew a Spanish licence? Until now this has been a case of getting your medical certificate and then going to Trafico and submitting the forms along with photos and a fee. New rules actually make it possible to renew a licence without going to Trafico. The application can be done at the medical centre where you have the medical.

http://dgt.es/was6/portal/contenidos/documentos/prensa_campanas/notas_prensa/NotasDePrensa0030.pdf