What the official source says
- DGT’s general rule recognises valid EU/EEA licences in Spain; exchanging them is voluntary.
- For indefinite licences or validity exceeding 15 years for car categories and 5 years for truck or bus categories, DGT requires renewal after two years of normal residence in Spain.
Your next steps
A practical Tairix checklist. Confirm the current requirements for your situation.
- Check the issuing country, categories and expiry date.
- Confirm when your normal residence in Spain began.
- Distinguish voluntary exchange, required renewal and replacing a lost document.
- Check the documents and appointment for your procedure with DGT.
Prepare before you enquire
- Driving licence.
- Evidence of residence.
- Licence origin details if previous exchanges occurred.
A preparation list, not a complete official document requirement.
Keep in mindThis overview concerns EU/EEA licences. Other countries and documents with special restrictions require separate checks. Do not apply this rule to every foreign licence.