License exchange

EU and EEA licences are exchanged automatically without testing under Article 11 of Directive 2006/126/EC. Beyond that, bilateral agreements vary by host country and change without much notice. Spain (DGT) currently has direct-exchange agreements with the UK, Switzerland, Andorra, Monaco, and roughly 20 Latin American and Asian countries (Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines among them). Germany's KBA publishes Anlage 11 to the FeV listing countries with full or partial exchange — US licences vary by state. France lists eligible countries on Service-Public.fr's "Échange d'un permis étranger" page. Always check the host authority's current list — agreements are updated annually.

The standard pack across most European authorities: original foreign licence, certified translation if the licence is not in the host language or not in the standard EU format (Spain accepts EU licences without translation; Germany requires ADAC or sworn translator certification for non-EU licences), proof of legal residency, passport, two recent biometric photos, a medical fitness certificate (psicotécnico in Spain, Sehtest plus Erste-Hilfe-Kurs in Germany for some categories), and the application form with fee receipt. Spain's DGT lists the exact checklist per nationality on sede.dgt.gob.es. France routes applications through ANTS. Germany processes through the local Führerscheinstelle. Bring originals plus copies — authorities usually keep the foreign licence.

Spain: the DGT exchange fee is €28.87 in 2026 (Tasa 2.3, published on sede.dgt.gob.es), plus roughly €30–€50 for the psicotécnico medical and €40–€80 for a sworn translation if needed. Germany: the Führerscheinstelle charges €35–€44 (FeV gebührentabelle) plus €30–€60 for the eye test and €40–€60 for the first-aid course where required for non-EU exchanges. France: the ANTS exchange is free for the procedure itself but applicants pay for sworn translation (€30–€60). UK: DVLA charges £43 for a first GB licence and £14 for a photocard renewal. Budget €100–€200 total in most countries.

Spain: 3–6 weeks for EU licences through the DGT; 2–4 months for non-EU exchanges that require the foreign authority to confirm authenticity (DGT publishes current waits on sede.dgt.gob.es). France: ANTS averages 3–6 months for non-EU exchanges per Service-Public.fr's official guidance, with a temporary récépissé issued in the meantime. Germany: 4–8 weeks for straightforward EU exchanges; longer if the Führerscheinstelle requests verification through the issuing country. UK DVLA: 3 weeks for standard cases. Apply at least three months before your foreign licence expires or your driving entitlement runs out, especially if you need to drive for work.

Within the EU/EEA no test is required — Article 11 of Directive 2006/126/EC mandates exchange without examination. Outside that, the answer turns on whether your country sits on the host authority's bilateral list. Spanish DGT exchanges with around 25 listed non-EU countries skip both tests; nationals of unlisted countries (including the United States and Canada at the federal level) must take the full theory and practical exams. Germany's FeV Anlage 11 grants full exchange for some US states and Australian states, partial exemption for others, and full retest for the rest. Professional categories (C, D and CE/DE) often require additional testing regardless of nationality.