Until 2013, holders of a German driving licence residing in Spain could use their licence to drive throughout Spain without any particular restrictions. Since the beginning of 2013, however, a restriction has applied which primarily affects German citizens permanently residing in Spain and which, in certain cases, requires the exchange of the driving licence.

As Spanish driving licences must be renewed every 10 or 5 years subject to a medical fitness examination, whereas German driving licences were issued with unlimited validity, German citizens living in Spain must exchange their German driving licence for a Spanish one after two years of permanent residence.

You must therefore exchange your German driving licence with unlimited validity for a Spanish driving licence if you have been residing in Spain (residencia) for more than two years. After two years of permanent residence in Spain, your German driving licence is no longer valid in Spain unless it has been exchanged.

You are considered to be permanently resident if you spend more than 185 days per year in Spain.

The driving licence can be exchanged for a Spanish licence at the Spanish Traffic Authority (DGT). The procedure is subject to a fee of €27.40 (as of September 2014), which can usually be paid directly by debit or credit card.

Important: If your German driving licence was issued after January 2013 and therefore has a limited period of validity, it does not have to be exchanged. However, a German driving licence may be voluntarily exchanged for a Spanish driving licence at any time, and the German diplomatic missions and consular offices recommend this option for persons permanently residing in Spain.

The Spanish driving licence obtained through the exchange is fully valid in Germany. However, if you wish to retain your German driving licence, for example because you intend to return to Germany in the foreseeable future, you can have your German driving licence renewed by the German authorities. The new driving licence issued after 2013 will then have a limited period of validity and can therefore be used in Spain without any problems.

To apply for the exchange of your driving licence, follow these 5 steps:

1. Make an appointment with the DGT using the following link: Link to book an appointment (If you do not yet have an N.I.E., you should apply for one beforehand: NIE)

2. Bring the following documents to your appointment at the DGT: N.I.E., identity card or passport, European driving licence and a copy thereof, and a passport photograph measuring 32 x 26 mm.

3. After applying for the Spanish driving licence, you will be asked in writing approximately 2 to 4 weeks later to surrender your German driving licence to the DGT. You should make another appointment for this purpose.

4. When you surrender your German driving licence, the DGT will issue you with a provisional Spanish driving permit, which allows you to drive in Spain until you receive your Spanish driving licence.

5. Two to four weeks after surrendering your German driving licence, you should receive your new Spanish driving licence by post.

Once you have received your Spanish driving licence, you can use this link to access information such as the number of points on your driving licence. Further information on the procedure is available in Spanish at the following link: Canje de los permisos de conducción

Good to know: In addition to your personal details, the Spanish driving licence obtained through the exchange also includes your N.I.E.

Author:

Christoph Sander
Lawyer and Tax Advisor
CEO, Partner, Director
info@sspartners.es
Tel: (+34) 951 12 13 06
Facebook I LinkedIn I Amazon