Who needs an International Driving Permit?
Do you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Spain?
SGM Abogados – Practical guidance for visitors, residents and car-hire customers
Spain applies clear (but often misunderstood) rules on foreign driving licences and the International Driving Permit (IDP). Below we summarise who needs an IDP, who doesn’t, and the common pitfalls—so you can drive legally and avoid issues at the roadside or the rental desk.
Quick answers
EU/EEA licences (including Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway): valid in Spain without an IDP for visitors.
UK photocard licences (visitors): you do not need an IDP to drive in Spain. Paper-only UK licences or licences from the Crown Dependencies may still trigger IDP requests—especially for car hire.
Non-EU licences (e.g., US, Canada, Australia): carry your home licence + IDP. Some official advisories state an IDP is required; in practice, many hire companies also insist on it.
If you become a resident in Spain: your foreign licence is generally valid for 6 months from the date you acquire residency; after that you must exchange it (if a treaty exists) or obtain a Spanish licence.
IDP basics: it’s a translation that must be carried together with your original licence; it is valid for 1 year.
Who does not usually need an IDP?
1) Visitors with an EU/EEA licence
Tourists and short-term visitors holding a valid EU/EEA licence can drive in Spain without an IDP. (Normal age, category and validity rules apply.)
2) UK visitors with a photocard licence
The UK Government confirms an IDP is not required to drive in EU countries, including Spain, if you hold a modern UK photocard licence. Car-hire companies may still impose their own conditions, so check the small print.
Who should carry an IDP?
Visitors from non-EU countries (e.g., the United States): official US guidance states you should obtain an IDP before arriving if you plan to drive in Spain. Beyond the legal position, many rental desks will ask for it.
Drivers whose licence is not in Roman/Latin script (e.g., Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese): the IDP avoids translation disputes at traffic stops and with insurers. (Spain’s official travel/tourism guidance also “recommends” the IDP for non-EU licences.)
UK drivers with older paper licences or licences from Jersey/Guernsey/Isle of Man: you may be asked for an IDP, and some rental companies won’t accept paper licences alone.
Residents vs. visitors: mind the 6-month rule
If you become resident in Spain, your non-Spanish licence is generally valid for six months from the date you acquire normal residence. After that, you must exchange it for a Spanish licence where a reciprocal agreement exists, or obtain a Spanish licence. Driving beyond that period without the proper exchange can lead to sanctions.
Tip: the IDP does not extend your right to drive once you are resident; it’s only a temporary translation/companion document.
Car-hire reality: company terms can be stricter
Even when Spanish law does not require an IDP, rental companies may insist on one (or refuse paper licences). We regularly see clients turned away at the desk because the booking’s fine print demanded an IDP or a photocard licence. Always check your voucher and T&Cs.
What documents should you carry when driving?
Your original driving licence (and IDP if applicable).
Passport/ID matching the licence.
Proof of insurance and vehicle documents required by Spanish law (your hire company will provide these for rentals). Official guidance describes the IDP as a companion document that must be carried with your licence and ID.
How to get an IDP (overview)
Before travel: apply through the competent authority in your home country (e.g., AAA in the US, Post Office in the UK).
If you hold an EU/EEA licence but need an IDP issued in Spain (rare for visitors): Spain’s DGT issues IDPs with 1-year validity; you must carry it with your valid licence and passport.
Common scenarios we see at SGM Abogados
US visitor renting a car in Alicante: The rental desk asks for an IDP in addition to the US licence—those without one are refused. (The US State Dept also tells travellers to obtain an IDP in advance.)
UK tourist with a modern photocard: Drives legally without IDP, but a low-cost rental brand still demanded an IDP in its terms—caught only in the booking fine print.
New resident from a non-EU country: Can drive short-term, but must exchange the licence within 6 months of acquiring residency—IDP doesn’t change that deadline.
Bottom line (and our advice)
EU/EEA and UK photocard: generally no IDP required for visiting drivers. Always carry your licence and passport and verify your rental company’s terms.
Non-EU licences: bring an IDP + your home licence. This avoids disputes with police, insurers and hire desks.
Becoming resident: the conversation changes—plan your licence exchange within 6 months of residency.
If you’re unsure which rule applies to you—or you’ve been fined or refused a vehicle due to licence/IDP issues—SGM Abogados can review your case, the rental contract and your immigration status to give you a clear, written position and next steps.
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