Living in Mallorca and wondering whether you need to exchange your driving licence for a Spanish one? This guide covers the whole process: when the exchange is mandatory, which documents you need, how to book an appointment at the DGT in Palma and what it costs — including the post-Brexit rules for UK licence holders.
Do I have to exchange my licence?
It depends on where your licence was issued and how long you have been a resident:
- EU/EEA licences: valid in Spain. However, after two years of legal residence the Spanish renewal periods apply to you (normally every 10 years until age 65), which in practice means going through the DGT anyway — so many residents simply exchange.
- United Kingdom: since the UK–Spain agreement of March 2023, UK licences are exchanged without taking a test. As a resident, your UK licence is only valid for your first 6 months of residence — after that you need the Spanish licence.
- Other countries with an exchange agreement (Switzerland, Andorra, Japan, New Zealand, most of Latin America and others): same as the UK — exchange without a test, valid for 6 months after becoming resident.
- Countries without an agreement (e.g. USA, Canada, Australia): your licence is valid for 6 months of residence; after that you must pass the Spanish theory and practical tests.
A bonus of the Spanish licence: you join the Spanish 12-point system. With a foreign licence you have no points balance, which can complicate matters if you are fined.
Documents you need
- Application form (at the Jefatura or on sede.dgt.gob.es)
- Passport + NIE/TIE — don’t have one yet? See how to get your NIE in Mallorca and the TIE card explained
- Empadronamiento (current town-hall registration) — see our empadronamiento guide
- Medical certificate (the «psicotécnico») from an authorised Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores (25–50 euros; centres in Palma, Inca and Manacor — a simple sight and reaction test)
- Your original licence, still valid
- Passport photo (32 × 26 mm)
- Proof of fee payment (see below)
Depending on the issuing country, the DGT may also ask for a certificate of authenticity of your licence, obtained from your consulate or licensing authority (for UK licences the DGT verifies electronically with the DVLA).
How to book your DGT appointment (cita previa)
- Go to sede.dgt.gob.es → “Cita previa” → office “Illes Balears (Palma de Mallorca)”.
- Choose the procedure “Canjes de permiso de conducción” (licence exchange).
- Identify yourself with Cl@ve, a digital certificate or your personal details.
- No slots available? Try again early in the morning between 8 and 9 am, when new appointments are released — or call 060.
The DGT office in Palma
The exchange is handled by the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico de les Illes Balears:
- Address: Carrer de Manuel Azaña, 50, 07006 Palma
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8:30 am – 2:30 pm
- Phone: 971 465 262 (general information: 060)
You will not be seen without an appointment. Bring originals plus copies of everything.
Fees and costs (2026)
- DGT fee (tasa 2.3, exchange without tests): 28.87 euros
- Medical certificate (psicotécnico): 25–50 euros depending on the centre
- Passport photo: 5–10 euros
All in, a standard exchange costs around 60–90 euros. Pay the fee online at sede.dgt.gob.es, in the miDGT app or at your appointment.
The process step by step
- Book your cita previa online (see above)
- Do the psicotécnico — the centre sends the result to the DGT electronically
- Pay the fee online or prepare to pay at the appointment
- Attend the Jefatura in Palma with all your documents
- The DGT keeps your original licence and issues a temporary driving authorisation
- Your Spanish licence arrives by post within 4–8 weeks
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive while the exchange is being processed?
Yes. The temporary authorisation the DGT gives you lets you keep driving in Spain until the new licence arrives.
Do I have to take a driving test?
Not with an EU/EEA licence, and not with a licence from an agreement country — including the UK, Switzerland, Japan and most of Latin America. Without an agreement (USA, Canada, Australia), you will need to pass the Spanish theory and practical exams.
I’m British — what exactly changed after Brexit?
Since 16 March 2023 a bilateral agreement lets UK licence holders exchange without a test, restoring the pre-Brexit situation. If you become a resident, do it within your first 6 months — after that your UK licence is no longer valid for driving in Spain as a resident, though the exchange itself remains possible.
What happens to my old licence?
The DGT withdraws it and returns it to the issuing authority. You cannot keep both — one driver, one licence.
I’m only here on holiday — does this affect me?
No. Tourists can drive on an EU or UK licence without any time limit, and on other licences together with an International Driving Permit. The exchange only concerns residents.
Is there a digital licence?
Yes. Once you have your Spanish licence, the miDGT app carries it on your phone with the same legal validity as the plastic card in Spain.
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