International Driving Permit in Spain with an EU licence: register it first

Can you get the IDP in Spain with an EU licence?

Yes, on two conditions: normal residence in Spain, and a valid Spanish licence or a licence from another EU or EEA country previously registered in the DGT Register of Drivers (Registro de Conductores). You must also not be banned or suspended from driving. The registration links your foreign licence to the DGT database; without it, the DGT has no record to base the international permit on.

What does "registered with the DGT" mean?

The DGT calls it inscripción: registering an EU/EEA licence in the Register of Drivers when you take up residence in Spain. Once your licence is in that register, the DGT treats it like a Spanish licence for procedures such as the IDP. Many EU residents registered theirs when they moved here. If you are not sure whether yours is registered, tell us in the chat: we confirm the steps for your case rather than guessing.

What if your licence is from outside the EU/EEA?

Then the Spanish IDP is not available until you exchange your licence. The DGT is clear: a non-EU licence that has not been exchanged cannot be used to obtain a Spanish international permit, whatever the country of origin. Once you hold a Spanish licence, you qualify like any other resident; see how the Spanish IDP works.

Do you even need the IDP?

Not inside the EU or EEA, where your licence is valid on its own in all 29 countries, nor in the 30 countries with a bilateral agreement with Spain (Japan excepted; South Korea and New Zealand require it in practice). You need it for the rest of the world: the IDP is accepted in the 103 parties to the Geneva Convention of 1949 and, in practice, almost everywhere else. It is recommended in the United States.

Documents EU residents need

• Your ID card or passport, original and valid.
• Your EU citizen registration certificate (certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión).
• Your registered driving licence.
• A recent 32 × 26 mm colour photograph, plain background, head uncovered, no dark glasses.
• The €10.51 fee, paid by card.

Non-EU citizens with a Spanish licence show their residence authorisation instead of the EU certificate. The procedure is the same as for anyone else; see how to apply.

How we can help

Applying online needs a Spanish digital certificate, electronic DNI or Cl@ve, which many foreign residents do not have. We prepare and submit the application; you then collect the permit two working days later at the Jefatura you choose, without an appointment, or receive it at home by certified post from a chartered gestoría with a DGT agreement (delivery time confirmed when you order, depending on your province). The fee is included in both options; pick one below. Depending on the option you choose, the application is handled by our team or by a chartered gestoría with an agreement with the DGT. We are not the DGT and have no connection with it.