Exchanging your foreign licence in Spain: 2026 guide 🔄
Quick answer: The exchange (canje) is the DGT procedure that converts your foreign licence into a Spanish one without exams, available only if your country has a bilateral agreement with Spain (~35 countries: most of Latin America, Morocco, the UK, Ukraine, Turkey…). The key rule: your non-EU licence is valid only 6 months from legal residence. The exchange fee is €28.87. Without an agreement, you take the full exam.
Updated: 17/08/2026 · Sources: DGT, BOE and current regulations
Who can exchange (and who can't)
You can exchange if you: (1) legally reside in Spain, (2) hold a valid, in-force licence from an agreement country, and (3) obtained it before becoming a legal resident of Spain — licences obtained after settling in Spain are not exchangeable (the anti-licence-tourism rule). EU/EEA licences don't need exchanging. Without an agreement (e.g. USA, Canada, China), the route is the full exam; employed professional drivers have an exception with a practical test. The agreement list changes — always verify the official list on the DGT website.
Documents and steps
- Appointment at the Jefatura (or the new digital exchange where available).
- Official application + fee 2.4: €28.87.
- Valid TIE/legal residence and your original licence (depending on the agreement, it stays deposited).
- Medical certificate from an authorised centre (€30–50) + ID photos.
- Some countries require authenticity verification with the issuing authority — extending the 2–6 week timeline to 4–12 weeks.
- You receive a provisional permit valid while the definitive card arrives by post.
Mistakes that sink applications
- Letting the 6 months lapse: the deadline is non-extendable and appointments take weeks — start now.
- Trying to exchange an expired licence: not possible; renew it in your country first if still possible.
- A licence obtained while already resident in Spain: not exchangeable.
- Assuming your country has an agreement without checking the DGT's official list.
If the exchange doesn't apply to you, plan B is the exam — and the theory test can be taken in English, prepared with TraficoTest entirely in your language.
Frequently asked questions
How much does exchanging a foreign licence cost in Spain?
The official fee is €28.87, plus the medical certificate (€30–50) and photos.
Which countries can exchange their licence in Spain?
Around 35 agreement countries (much of Latin America, Morocco, the UK, Ukraine, Turkey…) — check the DGT's official list.
Can I exchange a licence obtained after moving to Spain?
No — licences obtained while already resident in Spain are not exchangeable.
What if my country has no agreement with Spain?
You take the full DGT exam — the theory test is available in English, French or German.
