Driving in Spain with a US License

Travel and Sport

February 12, 2025

Imagine this: You hop into a convertible and cruise along the sunny Costa del Sol. Or maybe you’re winding along the mountain roads in Asturias, Spain. It's every expat's dream. Whatever the case, all Americans need to know the rules about driving in Spain with a US license before renting or owning a vehicle in the country. The good news is: you can drive in Spain with an American license, but there are differences for visitors and long-term residents. Discover all the important details below about driving in Spain with a US license and whether or not you need an International Driving Permit.

Tourists and Visitors Driving in Spain with a US License

American tourists can stay in Spain for up to 3 months without a visa. During this time, many want to travel around Spain and often the best way of doing so is driving. Yes, train travel is great, but a car is the only way to appreciate the full beauty of the country and embark on the ultimate Spain road trip.

In order to drive a car around Spain, it is recommended to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be carried around in addition to your valid US license. You can obtain an international driving permit at your local AAA branch for a cost of around $20 and it has a validity of 12 months.

Many car rental companies do not require an IDP, only your US driver’s license along with your passport. However, if you get pulled over by Spanish police, they will ask for an International Driver’s License and you will probably incur a fine if you don’t have one.

For renting a car in Spain, keep in mind that you must be at least 21 years old to rent a car (for some providers it's 23), and there are normally restrictions or extra fees for drivers under 24-25 years of age. Make sure to brush up on Spanish road rules while you’re at it.

Long-Term Residents Driving in Spain with a US License

For Europeans, they have 2 years to use their national license before switching to a Spanish one. Unfortunately for Americans, we are not as lucky.

US citizens who are residents of Spain for more than 6 months must go through the entire process for obtaining a Spanish license. This is because there is no agreement between the United States and Spain in order to simply switch your license to a Spanish license (like there is with Germany, for example). There are some exceptions for diplomats, military members, etc.

older man driving in spain with a us license

In order to get a Spanish driver’s license, you must be at least 18 years old, undergo a short medical examination, and pass a written exam and driving test. Most people go through the process with a driving school (autoescuela) that also includes driving lessons. Remember, most cars in Spain and throughout Europe are manual instead of automatic. If you want to bring your own car to Spain, discover how to do so.

If you are a resident of Spain and you are caught driving without a Spanish license, you could incur a hefty fine. Although the process of obtaining a Spanish driving license may be annoying and time-consuming, it is something you will have to do sooner or later.

For more information about Spanish driver’s licenses, consult the Dirección General de Tráfico. To discover your how to switch your license to a Spanish one, read the free guide below:

If you are searching for car insurance in Spain, Caser Expat Insurance has the right policy for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required for Americans to drive in Spain, but it is strongly recommended. While your US driver’s license is valid, an IDP serves as a translation of your license and can help avoid misunderstandings if stopped by police or if you're involved in an accident. Some car rental companies may also require an IDP, so it's a good idea to have one along with your US license

To obtain a Spanish driver's license as a US citizen, you need to follow these steps:

Register as a resident in Spain (you must have lived in Spain for at least 6 months).
Obtain a medical certificate: You’ll need to pass a basic medical exam that checks your vision, reflexes, and overall health.
Pass a written test: You will need to take a theoretical exam that covers Spanish road signs, traffic laws, and safety regulations. Study materials and practice exams are available online.
Pass a driving test: After passing the written exam, you must also take a practical driving test. You can take driving lessons at a local driving school to prepare.
Provide necessary documentation: You’ll need to submit documents such as your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), proof of residence, your US driver's license, passport, and a medical certificate.
Pay fees: There will be fees for the tests, application, and other processes.

Once you pass both tests and provide the required documents, you’ll be issued a Spanish driver's license. In some cases, you may be able to exchange your US license for a Spanish one without taking the tests if there’s a reciprocal agreement between Spain and the state where your US license was issued. However, this is not applicable in most cases.