Spain Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Spain
The Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) handles licence renewals in Spain. Your licence lasts 10 years (5 years for drivers aged 65+). Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Book a medical appointment — Find an approved Centro de Reconocimiento (medical centre) near you. Book a health and fitness check. You can search for centres by city on the DGT website.
- Pass the medical test — The test covers vision, hearing, movement, and thinking skills. It takes 15–30 minutes and costs €20–€40. You get your results right away.
- The centre submits your renewal — Most centres handle the full renewal for you. They send your form to DGT, take your photo, and process the payment. You pay the DGT fee at the centre too.
- Receive a temporary permit — You get a paper permit valid for 3 months while your new card is made. You can drive in Spain and the EU with this permit.
- Receive your new licence — Your new EU card arrives by post in 4–6 weeks. You do not need to sign for the delivery.
Spain Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | €24.58. |
| Currency. | EUR. |
| Validity period. | 10 years (5 years for drivers aged 65+). |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Spain.
- Valid DNI (identity card) or passport plus NIE for foreign residents.
- Current driving licence.
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved Centro de Reconocimiento.
- Completed application form.
- Proof of payment of the fee.
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
The Centro de Reconocimiento (medical centre) takes your photo during the check. You do not need to bring one. You must remove glasses for the photo. You should wear plain clothes with no hat or head cover.
Medical Rules
You need a health and fitness check for each renewal, at any age. Go to an approved Centro de Reconocimiento (medical centre). The test covers vision, hearing, movement, and basic thinking skills. Drivers aged 65 and over renew each 5 years. You can find your nearest medical centre on the DGT website. Most centres accept walk-ins, but you should book ahead.
If Your Spain Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence is a serious offence. The fine is €200. If it expired more than 5 years ago, you may need to retake the theory test. You could also lose points on your record. You should renew as soon as you can to avoid extra costs.
You can renew up to 3 months before it expires. There is no grace period after expiry. But you can renew with no extra tests if within 5 years. You keep your points balance when you renew on time. You should set a reminder so you do not miss the date.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Spain. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Spain
EU and EEA licences are valid in Spain. Non-EU licences last 6 months after you move there. Some countries have exchange deals for a direct swap. Others need you to pass the Spanish theory and road tests. You must register as a resident before you can start the swap. You can check the full list of exchange deals on the DGT website.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Spain Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Not booking the medical test early enough
Busy centres fill up fast. Book your visit 2–4 weeks before you need to renew.
Thinking you can skip the medical
Spain needs a medical for each renewal. This includes young car drivers, unlike most EU countries.
Letting the licence expire for over 5 years
If your licence expired over 5 years ago, you may need to retake the theory test. You still need the medical too.
What Makes Spain Different
Spain needs a medical check for every licence renewal. This applies to all ages and all licence types.
The medical centre handles most of the renewal work. You do not need to visit a DGT office.
Drivers aged 65 and over renew each 5 years, not every 10.
Spain uses a 12-point system. New drivers start with 8 points for their first 3 years.
You can renew your licence up to 3 months before it expires. You do not pay any extra for early renewal.
Spain does not offer online renewal. You must always visit a medical centre in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Spain is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.