As EU citizens, it is obvious for us Dutch people not to think about our driving license during holidays in Europe, because the Dutch driving license is everywhere in the EU valid. Are you going moving to SpainIn this article we would like to explain the rules regarding a driving licence in Spain.
Driving license in the European Union
So it is that when a driving license is issued in an EU country, it is recognized throughout the EU. Whether you have a Dutch driving license or a Belgian driving license. However, you may only have one driving license from one EU country. At the beginning of your emigration, this is your Dutch driving license and you may use it for up to 2 years after your registration as a resident of Spain. After this period, you must renew the driving license in Spain and you will receive a Spanish driving license.
If you are eligible for renewal or in case of damage or theft, you can apply for a Spanish driving license immediately.
Exchange Dutch driving license
By the way, if your Dutch driving license has been revoked and you think you can try in Spain, we unfortunately have to disappoint you. The Spanish authorities will contact the Dutch authorities when you apply to check everything.
You should also not expect any points on your Dutch driving licence to disappear, because the points will simply be transferred, as the points system for your driving licence applies throughout the European Union.
Apply for a Spanish driving license
Now we come to the frequently asked question; how do you apply for a Spanish driving license when you live in Spain? To replace/apply for your driving license you have to go to the 'Dirección General de Tráfico' (DGT)If you want to replace your driver's license, you must do so before the expiration date.
It is also useful to request a certificate of authenticity of your driving licence from the RDW. The validity of your driver's license does not matter in this application. It is purely for the local authorities to check whether you have actually ever obtained your driver's license.
Medical test
After this you have to make an appointment for your medical check-up. In Spain it is mandatory to undergo a medical test in addition to your driving test and theory test. Fortunately, you no longer have to take these tests and it is only the medical check-up that has to be done. And this is only once, because in the future you will no longer have to do this when renewing.
Here you can find a list of recognized doctors throughout Spain.
Do you already have your Spanish driving license and do you only want to renew it? Then they can also apply for a new driving license for you here. So only for applying for the Spanish driving license you have to pass the medical examination, for renewing your Spanish driving license this is not necessary!
Necessary documents
After arranging everything, you now have to go to the relevant DGT office. Don't forget to bring your passport, NIE, passport photo and possibly your old driving license. You also have to fill in the form from Conductors' Tramites have filled in. If you are unable to do so, they will be happy to help you.
Costs
You also need to sign the required documents and finally you need to pay. The cost of a Spanish driving license is €24.34. Your driving license will also be taken here. After about a week you will be called and you will receive a temporary driving license.
Please note that this driving license is only valid in Spain and this temporary driving license often causes problems when renting a car. So plan these things well.
After a few weeks you can expect your Spanish driving license by post.
Make an appointment at DGT
How do you make an appointment at the DGT? You can do this online by going to Apply for a quote first to go. On the page you will see a heading with '¿Qué necesitas para solicitar una cita?' and below that is the heading Renovación de permits de conucción (solo UE/EE) Because you want to replace a Dutch driving license or apply for renewal, you must choose this option.
It also states what else you need for your application and provides you with information about payment. After that you can appointment to make.
