Buyers Guide ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Driving your car in Spain

Non-residents can drive in Spain on a Foreign or international driving licence (permiso de conducción) for a maximum of six months in a calendar year.   European Union residents can drive on their existing EU licence and aren't required to obtain a Spanish driving licence, although non-EU residents must obtain a Spanish driving licence after one year.

  However, residents driving on a foreign EU licence must present their licence to their provincial traffic headquarters (jefatura provincial de trafico) to have it registered in their computer. Note, however, that this isn't always known or recognized by the local police, and there have been cases of EU nationals resident in Spain driving Spanish registered vehicles being fined for not having a Spanish licence.   Licence holders must also undergo the same medical exams and eye tests as holders of Spanish licence's.  Many people find it's simpler to exchange their foreign licence for a Spanish one!

To apply for a Spanish driving licence (or a renewal) you require the following:

• a completed application form TASA 2.3 (solicitud de Carnet del Permiso de Conducir), available from the información-impresos counter at the local provincial traffic department (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico);

• your Spanish residence card (residencia) and a photocopy;

• your current foreign driving licence and a photocopy. Your current Spanish licence is required for a renewal.

• the registration number of a Spanish registered vehicle or a sworn statement that you don't own a vehicle with Spanish registration (not required for renewals);

• one passport-size photograph.

•  the fee of €16 (there is no fee for drivers over the age of 70), payable at a Caja Postal, which also applies to renewals and the replacement of a lost or damaged licence. If a Spanish licence is being renewed and is over 30 days out of date, an additional fee of around €10 is payable.

If a person other than the new owner makes the application, he must provide written authorisation from the owner and supply his own resident card and copy.

Thinking Spain?     Think Orangestate!