Although many people go about their lives barely stepping inside a car, public transport or other alternative means such as bicycles or electric scooters being enough for them, for others it is essential to use a personal vehicle in their daily lives. However, residents in Spain who come from other foreign countries have to take into account a series of aspects if they want to validate their driving license.
The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) establishes rules and requirements that must be met in order to validate the driving license in Spain due to a change of residence, or a temporary stay. Although the first point has to do with the exception that exists: permits belonging to countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area are valid. There are also other very specific special cases that can be consulted on the official website of the DGT. The rest of foreigners must go through these procedures.
Foreigners who want to validate their driving license in Spain must meet certain minimum requirements. The first of these is that no more than six months have passed since the holder obtained his Spanish residence. If this happens, the driver’s license cannot be validated, and it will be mandatory to go through the routine procedure to get Spanish.
Another key aspect is that the card must be in its validity period in order to be validated. And, in addition, the applicant must be of the minimum age required in Spain to obtain it. In the case of non-EU countries, the conditions may vary, so it is worth consulting. For example, on certain occasions an official translation may be required, as is the case for foreigners from countries such as Korea or Japan.
When starting the procedures to validate the driving license in Spain, it is necessary to provide a series of documents that are specified by the DGT. In the event that the person presenting this documentation is not the permit holder, it will be necessary for them to identify themselves with their original ID and show authorization from the applicant.
