If you’re British and living in Spain, you’ve probably wondered what happens with your UK driving licence or your car registered in the United Kingdom. After Brexit, the rules changed, and it’s important to stay up to date to avoid fines and penalties.
In this article, we’ll explain clearly when and how you must exchange your UK driving licence, as well as the steps to register your UK car in Spain.
Exchanging Your UK Driving Licence in Spain
How long can you use your UK licence?
If you are a resident in Spain and hold a valid UK driving licence, you can use it for six months from the date you entered the country or from the moment you obtained residency.
Is the exchange mandatory?
Yes. After those six months, you will no longer be able to drive legally with your UK licence. From then on, you must exchange it for a Spanish licence at the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT).
Requirements for the exchange
To complete the process, you must:
• Meet the administrative requirements set by the DGT.
• Hand in your original UK licence.
• Book an appointment with the DGT and provide the required documentation.
Important: If you obtained your UK licence after becoming a legal resident in Spain, you will not be able to exchange it.
Professional drivers
For professional drivers, companies can streamline this process through the DGT.
Fines for not exchanging your licence
If you drive in Spain with a UK licence that is no longer valid, you could face fines of up to €500 and other penalties.
Registering a UK Car in Spain
Residents
If you are a resident in Spain and own a car with a UK registration plate, you must register it within six months of settling in the country.
Non-residents
If you are not a resident, you can drive with your UK-registered car in Spain for a maximum period of six months without registering it.
Brexit: What changed?
After Brexit, the process for registering a UK car in Spain is the same as for a non-EU vehicle, which means:
• Paying import duties and taxes.
• A longer and more complex process compared to before the UK left the EU.
MOT and documentation
Before registering your UK car, you must:
• Pass the ITV (Inspección Técnica de Vehículos – Spanish MOT) to obtain approval.
• Gather all required documents.
• Book an appointment with the DGT for the final registration.
Costs and penalties
• When registering a UK car in Spain, you will need to pay the applicable taxes (registration tax and, in some cases, import duties).
• Driving a car without registering it when required can result in fines ranging from €500 to €1,500, as well as the immobilisation of the vehicle.
At Orke Servicios we help you manage the exchange of your UK driving licence and the registration of your UK car in Spain quickly and efficiently.
Contact us and forget about complicated paperwork. Drive legally and with peace of mind in Spain with Orke Servicios!
Phone: +34 966 721 935
Whatsapp: https://wa.me/615624471
Mail: info@orkeservicios.net
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