Deadline for UK expats to change driving licence extended to January 31 – what you need to know

The special measures put in place by the Spanish Department of Transport for UK nationals to exchange their driving licence have been extended to January 31.

British expats who have been legal residents for two years in Spain must exchange their UK driving licence for a Spanish one – under current measures, the procedure is straightforward and costs just €27.70.

However in the event of a no deal Brexit, the Spanish government have said UK licences held by British legal residents will only be recognised for nine months.

To exchange your licence, you must apply before January 31 to ensure you will have a Spanish one before the end of the grace period.

According to the British Embassy, British residents with an expired licence should apply for a ‘renovación’. If a UK licence is lost, the applicant should ask for ‘sustitución’.

British expats can begin the application process so long as they have a NIE – a green residency card is not necessary.

Appointments can be made at your local Jefatura Provincial de Trabajo.

For any questions, applicants may contact the British Embassy in Madrid via their Facebook page.