How to convert your foreign driving licence in Granada

Who needs to exchange and when

EU and EEA licences are valid in Spain, but once resident you must follow Spanish renewal rules. Many EU residents still swap to a Spanish card for convenience with insurers and to avoid questions at traffic stops. If your EU licence has no expiry date or very long validity, the DGT can require you to exchange after two years of residency.

Non-EU licence holders who become residents generally have six months from the date of residency to drive on their foreign licence. After that, you must hold a Spanish licence to drive legally. Spain has exchange agreements with several countries, allowing a direct swap without taking Spanish tests. If your country is not on the DGT exchange list, you will need to obtain a Spanish licence through a driving school with theory and practical exams.

UK residents: Spain and the UK have an exchange agreement that allows swapping a valid UK licence for a Spanish one without tests. The terms and deadlines have been extended before, but they can change, so always check the latest DGT or consular guidance before you book.

What you need to bring

For a standard exchange in Granada, prepare everything in advance to avoid multiple trips. Originals are required, and copies are often helpful.

• Passport and your TIE or EU residency certificate, plus NIE
• Your valid driving licence from your home country
• DGT application form for exchange (canje) completed and signed
• Proof of address in Granada, usually your padrón certificate
• One small passport photo is rarely asked for, but bring one just in case
• Sworn translation of your licence if it is not in Spanish or an EU format. Some licences are accepted with an International Driving Permit
• Medical fitness certificate (psicotécnico) from an authorised Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores
• Payment for the DGT fee, usually rate 2.3 for exchanges. Expect around 30 euros, updated yearly

Medical certificate in Granada

Before your DGT appointment, book a quick medical check at an authorised driver recognition centre. These are dotted around Granada, especially along Camino de Ronda, near La Caleta, and around the university areas. Ask for a certificado psicotécnico for a driving licence exchange.

The appointment takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You will do a basic health questionnaire, eyesight test, and a hand-eye coordination test. Most centres now send the result electronically to the DGT and give you a receipt or reference number. Costs in Granada typically run 30 to 45 euros. The certificate normally has a 90-day validity, so time it close to your DGT visit.

Booking and where to go in Granada

Book a cita previa with the DGT online. Choose the Granada province and select the exchange option that fits your situation. For non-EU exchanges, the system may ask for your country and licence details to pre-check eligibility. You can also call 060 to book by phone.

Your appointment will be at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico in Granada. The office is in the Joaquina Eguaras and La Caleta area, close to several public buildings. It is easier to go by bus, taxi, or a short walk from the city metro line than to find street parking. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early with your documents and your medical certificate reference.

If lines build up, staff will direct you. The process is usually two windows: document review and fee payment, then photo and signature capture. Many offices take your photo on site. If your licence is from a country that requires verification, the DGT may keep a copy and ask you to return with the original when the green light arrives.

What happens after your appointment

If everything is approved, the DGT issues a provisional driving permit on paper the same day. Keep this with your ID when driving. It is valid in Spain only while your plastic card is produced. Delivery times vary, but in Granada expect 3 to 8 weeks for EU and straightforward exchanges. For some non-EU agreements, it can stretch to several months while authorities verify your record.

Your original foreign licence is normally retained by the DGT and sent back to the issuing authority once the exchange is final. If you need to drive abroad during the wait, talk to the DGT before handing over the original. When your Spanish card is ready, it is mailed to your registered address in Granada. If delivery fails, you will receive a notice to collect or rearrange.

Local tips and common pitfalls

Book the medical first, then the DGT slot. If the medical expires, you will need to pay again. If your licence is expiring soon, start early.

Translations cause delays. If your licence is not in Spanish or an EU format, arrange a sworn translation in Granada or via your consulate before the appointment.

Names must match across passport, TIE, padrón and your licence. If they do not, bring proof of name change.

Consider using a gestor in Granada if you are short on time. Expect 80 to 180 euros for full handling, which can be worth it for non-EU exchanges that require extra follow-up.

Parking near the DGT office is limited. Plan public transport or a taxi and save your energy for the paperwork.