Living Abroad / Driving In Spain With A US License
Driving In Spain With A US License
Key Takeways
- Tourists can drive in Spain for up to 6 months with a US license. However, they must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is required by law under Real Decreto 818/2009, Artículo 21. Failing to carry an IDP can result in a €200 fine. After 6 months, a U.S. license becomes invalid for residents and driving without a valid license can lead to fines and legal penalties.
- Americans cannot automatically exchange their US licenses for a Spanish license. This rule applies to all states, except for Maryland and Washington State residents in Madrid and Valencia. Therefore, Americans must take both the written theory and practical driving tests at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT). The process takes 2-4 months, costs between €700-€1,500 and includes a 30-question test (max 3 mistakes allowed) and a 25-minute road exam.
- Importing a car from the US to Spain can be costly. There is a 10% import duty and a 21% VAT on the car’s value. You also need to pay registration fees, which are about €600. An emissions test (ITV) is also required. Renting is usually cheaper than importing. Without a Spanish driver’s license, residents cannot legally drive in Spain after six months.
For most Americans looking to make Spain their new home, being able to legally drive there is absolutely essential. In many big cities like Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Malaga, you can often take a train or bus. If you want to explore other parts of Spain, like Andalusia or rural areas, you definitely need a car.
Before you hit the road, know that Spain has strict driving laws. This is especially true for people with a driving license not issued in the EU.
There are clear rules about this. These rules include how long a US driver’s license is valid in the country. They also explain when you need an IDP (International Driving Permit). Lastly, they tell you if you will need a Spanish license later.
It’s best to follow these rules to avoid any costly and unnecessary fines or legal troubles. This guide that we at Lancier developed will cover everything you need to know, including:
– How long you can use your US license in Spain
– When an IDP is required and how to get one
– Step-by-step process for getting a Spanish driver’s license
– How much it costs and how long it takes
– Importing a car from the US to Spain
1. Can You Drive in Spain With a US License?
The short answer is yes but only for a limited amount of time. The rules depend on whether you’re a tourist or a resident.
For Tourists & Short-Term Visitors (Less than 6 Months)
- You can drive in Spain with a US license, but you must also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
- Spain’s General Regulations on Drivers (Real Decreto 818/2009, Artículo 21) legally require the IDP.
- US licenses are only valid for 6 months from your date of entry into Spain.
For Residents (More Than 6 Months)
- After 6 months, your US license is no longer valid.
- Spain does not allow direct exchange of US licenses.
- You must obtain a Spanish driver’s license by passing the DGT driving test.
2. What is an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a legal translation of your US driver’s license into multiple languages which allows Spanish (and other countries’s) authorities to confirm that you have a valid driving permit. An IDP is always required for Americans that are driving in Spain or elsewhere for that point.
Practical Steps on How to Get an IDP in the US
✓ Apply through AAA or AATA (the only U.S. agencies authorized to issue IDPs).
✓ Cost: $20 + two passport photos.
✓ Processing Time: Same day if applying in person, 2 weeks if by mail.
✓ Validity: 1 year from the issue date.
Not getting an IDP can be a costly mistake for Americans looking to drive in Spain. For one you could get a fine of up to €200 and for two, if you’re unlucky, your vehicle could get impounded.
3. Exchanging a US License for a Spanish One
The general rule is that Spain doesn’t have any nationwide reciprocal driver’s license agreement with the US. However, there are some exceptions for certain US states and regions in Spain that have such agreements in place.
State-Specific Agreements
Some states in the US have established agreements with specific Spanish regions which allows for a more straightforward license exchange process.
- Maryland: Has an agreement with the Community of Madrid, permitting residents to exchange their U.S. license without undergoing the standard testing process.
- Washington State: Has a similar agreement with the Community of Valencia.
It’s super important to note that these agreements can change and their applicability can vary. So always double-check the current status by contacting the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) or the local traffic authority in your region.
4. Getting a Spanish Driver’s License as an American
Since most regions in Spain does not allow a direct exchange of US driver licenses, Americans must pass the Spanish driving test which consists of both a theoretical and a practical part.
Practical Steps to Obtain a Spanish Driver’s License
✓ Enroll in a Driving School (Autoescuela): This is required in order to be able to take the exam. Will typically cost you around €500-€1,200 depending on where in Spain you live.
✓ Successfully pass the Theory Exam: Generally costs around €90. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice on Spanish traffic laws of which only 3 mistakes are allowed. You take the theory exam at the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico) offices and it’s also available in English.
✓ Pass the Practical Driving Test: Usually a city driving with an examiner for 25 – 30 minutes. Some common failures to prepare for are not knowing the specific roundabout rules, checking blind spots and speeding.
✓ Get Your Spanish Driver’s License: The license is issued 2 – 3 weeks after you passed both the theoretical and the practical driving exams.
A Pro Tip: For those Americans who have a dual citizenship or residency with a country in the EU that allows for the exchange of driving licenses the process can be made much simpler. You could then first exchange your US driving license to that country (e.g. Germany, France or Italy) and then if you switch residency to another EU country use your new license. Any driving license issued in an EU country can be used and exchanged to that of any other EU country.
5. Shipping A Car From the US To Spain
To rent a car in Spain is usually a much cheaper option than importing your car from the US. However, for those Americans who want to ship their car over we outlined a few steps to do so below.
Step 1. Choose a Shipping Method:
- RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off): Cheapest option (about $1,500 to $3,000).
- Container Shipping: More secure but more expensive at around $3,000 to +$5,000.
Step 2. Pay Import Duties & Taxes:
- 10% import duty (on car’s value).
- 21% VAT (IVA in Spain) applies.
Step 3. Register the Car in Spain:
- Get a Matrícula Española (Spanish license plate).
- Pass the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos), similar to an emissions test.
- Buy a Spanish car insurance (~€300-€600 per year).
Final Thoughts
In this guide we covered everything you need to know about driving in Spain with a US license. What’s important to keep in mind is that after 6 month you, as an American, have to get a Spanish driver’s license. During the 6 months an IDP will suffice.
