Exchange driving license Spain

Last updated: March 5, 2026

Exchange Driving License in Spain: A Practical Guide for Dutch Expats

If you are a Dutch citizen moving to Spain, exchanging your Dutch driving license for a Spanish one is an important step to ensure legal driving status. This guide outlines the procedures, costs, and necessary documents for the exchange process.

Who Needs to Exchange Their Driving License?

As a resident of Spain, you are required to exchange your non-Spanish EU driving license if you plan to stay long-term. Since the Netherlands and Spain are both EU countries, your Dutch license is initially valid in Spain. However, once you register as a resident (empadronamiento), you should exchange your license to avoid future complications, especially after the license’s expiration.

When to Exchange Your License

Within 2 years of establishing residency is recommended.
Your Dutch license remains valid until it expires, but exchanging it ensures compliance with Spanish traffic authorities (DGT).
If your license is lost, stolen, or damaged, you must exchange it to continue driving legally.

Where to Exchange Your Driving License

The exchange process is handled by the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) in Spain. You can initiate the procedure at your local provincial DGT office.

Official DGT website: https://www.dgt.es

Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before visiting the DGT office:

Original valid Dutch driving license.
Photocopy of both sides of the Dutch license.
Valid passport or national ID card.
Proof of Spanish residency (empadronamiento certificate).
Recent passport-sized color photograph with a white background.
Medical fitness certificate (Informe de Aptitud Psicofísica), which can be obtained at authorized medical centers (centros de reconocimiento de conductores).
Completed application form (available at DGT or online).
Proof of payment of the exchange fee.

Step-by-Step Procedure

Obtain a medical fitness certificate
Visit an authorized medical center to get the fitness certificate required for the exchange.
Complete the application form
Download and fill out the form from the DGT website or collect it at the DGT office.
Gather all documents
Make sure you have originals and photocopies of all required documents.
Pay the exchange fee
The fee is approximately €28.30 (subject to change). You can pay at banks authorized by the DGT or online beforehand.
Submit your application at the DGT office
Present all documents, the application form, and proof of payment. Your Dutch license will be retained by the DGT during processing.
Wait for processing
The process typically takes a few weeks. You will be notified when your Spanish license is ready for collection.
Collect your Spanish driving license
Return to the DGT office to pick up your new license. You may be required to surrender your Dutch license permanently.

Costs Involved

Exchange fee: Around €28.30 (DGT official fee)
Medical fitness certificate: Approximately €30-€50 depending on the medical center.
Photographs: Around €5-€10 if you do not have suitable photos.

Total estimated cost: €65-€90.

Practical Tips

Book an appointment online via the DGT website to avoid long waiting times.
Bring extra photocopies of all documents.
Keep a copy of your Dutch license until your Spanish license is issued.
Check the validity of your Dutch license before starting the process; expired licenses cannot be exchanged and require taking a Spanish driving test.
If you lose your Dutch license during the process, notify DGT immediately.
If you are under 18 or have restrictions on your Dutch license, check specific rules before exchange.

Common Mistakes

Not registering as a resident first: You need proof of Spanish residency (empadronamiento) before exchanging your license.
Missing medical fitness certificate: This is mandatory; skipping it will delay your application.
Not paying the fee correctly: Payment must be made through authorized channels; otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Failing to book an appointment: Walk-ins are often not accepted or result in long waits.
Assuming immediate license issuance: The process takes several weeks; plan accordingly.
Trying to exchange an expired license: You cannot exchange an expired Dutch license; you must apply for a Spanish license and pass tests if necessary.

For complete and up-to-date information, always refer to the official DGT website: https://www.dgt.es