A useful guide to renew driving license in Spain

The kingdom of Spain boasts a well-developed road network, efficiently connecting its diverse regions and ensuring safe journeys, whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned driver. The country’s road system features a variety of options, each separated by a distinct color and function.

From the blue-colored motorways to the red-colored national roads, Spain’s unique roadways ensure that the color differentiation proves a specific functionality. For instance, blue-colored motorways denote minimum driving speeds of 60 km/h, while the speed limits on the red-colored national roads are generally lower. On the other hand, regional and local roads are color-coded in orange, green, and yellow for easier understanding. In addition to that, Spain has a strict blood alcohol limit (0.5 milligrams per liter) for all drivers, along with the mandatory use of dipped headlights and on-street metered parking services.

Having said that, if you possess a Spanish driving license, then it is crucial that you keep it updated at all times so that you can avoid any hefty fines. And if your license is nearing expiration, then our comprehensive guide will help you learn everything you need to know to renew and extend its validity.

What are the Steps to Follow For Renewal

The Spanish DGT (Directorate-General for Traffic) states that you should always renew your driver’s permit or license before it expires. Usually, you can submit the renewal application three months before the date of loss of validity. And for renewals, you are only required to pass a medical examination. However, if your license has already expired, you can continue renewing it without incurring any additional fees.

Additionally, if you are a holder of a Spanish driving license and your habitual residence is in another member state of the European Union (or you are temporarily residing there as a student), the renewal must be done in the state where you are residing. To start the renewal process online, follow the suggested steps laid out below.

1. Before you can start the online driving license renewal process in Spain, you need to first obtain a psychophysical fitness report from an authorized Driver Recognition Center. The report will be valid for 90 business days.
2. Once you have obtained the report, you need to pay the requisite fees for your renewal to the DGT before your process is even started. Without paying the fees first, you cannot proceed with the renewal.
3. After successful payment, print the payment receipt and then head over to the ‘Electronic Registry’ to fill out your request information. Remember, to use the electronic registry, you need to have a valid electronic ID or an electronic certificate of your ‘CL@VE’ credentials.
4. Click on ‘New Registration’ and then verify your identity using your preferred ‘CL@VE’ identification method.
5. Once you are signed in to your account, select your preferred headquarters or traffic office as the ‘Recipient Body’.
6. After that, select ‘Subject > Driving License Renewal’ and then enter the applicant’s DNI (National Identity Number) credentials.
7. In the next step, click on ‘Add Document’ and then attach the supporting documents, such as your filled out official renewal application form, your obtained psychophysical aptitude report, and your payment receipt proof. Keep in mind that you need to provide an authorized representation through ‘Registry of Powers of Attorney’ if you are being presented by a representative on your behalf.
8. Finally, register your request and print a copy of the submitted form with the receipt.

Once your request is received and processed, you will be notified via phone and/or email address to arrive at your selected traffic office via an appointment. Ensure you bring a passport-sized photograph of yours and complete the renewal process therein.

Other Ways to Renew

Besides renewing your driving license online in Spain, you can also do the same by visiting any associated ‘Driver Recognition Center’ near you. To do that, follow the below-mentioned steps judiciously.

1. Begin by first locating an associated ‘Driver Recognition Center’ via the official website here.
2. Simply select your preferred province, and the online portal will showcase the designated centers near you.
3. Once you have found your preferred center, note down its address and then head over there with your ID card or passport, along with your current or expired driving license. Remember that if you are a foreigner (whether community or non-EU), you will require a valid residential authorization.
4. At the ‘Driver Recognition Center’, fill out the renewal form, provide the supporting documents, and pay the requisite fees for the renewal.

Once your renewal is approved, your driving license will be mailed to your registered address by post.

How to Contact For Help

If you have any queries or require assistance, you can contact the Spanish DGT via phone at 011 or 060 (+34 902 887 060 when calling from abroad). Phone lines are open 24×7.

Additionally, you can contact them physically at the following address: C/Josefa Valcarcel, 28 – 28071 Madrid – Spain, or even submit your suggestions or complaints via the online form here.

Some Useful Information

The Spanish DGT offers driving licenses for a variety of vehicle types and classes, namely the AM, A1, A2, A, and B. Each license is renewed for a maximum of 10 years up to the age of 65, and from age 65 onward, the renewal period is 5 years.

The ‘AM’ license allows driving for two- and three-wheelers (including mopeds), along with light four-wheelers (up to 50 cc). The minimum age to hold this license is 15 years old. Then you have the ‘A1’ license, which is for motorbikes up to 125 cc with a maximum power of 11 kW, while the ‘A2’ license is for motorbikes with a maximum power of 35 kW. The minimum age for both of the aforementioned licenses is 18 years old.

Then you have the ‘A’ driving license, which allows the driving of motorbikes of any power and weight, along with all vehicles from the AM, A1, and A2 classes. The minimum age for owning this license is 20 years. And finally, you have the ‘B’ driving license, which allows the driving of cars that do not exceed 3500 kg and are built for no more than 10 people (including the driver).