Which driving licence is accepted for car hire in Spain
Licences issued in the European Union and the European Economic Area are accepted in Spain without any additional document, while licences issued elsewhere generally require an international driving permit or an official translation alongside the original.
gelisted editorial team · Updated 15 August 2026
The short version
- EU and EEA licences need no translation or international permit.
- An international driving permit costs around 10 € and lasts 1 year.
- Hire companies usually require 1 to 2 years of licence holding.
- Residents with a non-EU licence must exchange it after 6 months.
Arriving at the desk and finding the licence is not accepted ruins a trip before it starts. The rule is simple and depends only on where the licence was issued.
Licences from the European Union
Valid as they are, with no translation and no international permit. The harmonised community model is recognised across every member state and the European Economic Area. You present the original in date together with photographic identification and a card in the main driver's name. Licences issued in the United Kingdom are accepted in practice by the sector, though it is worth confirming at the time of booking.
| Licence issued in | Additional document | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| European Union | none | 0 € |
| European Economic Area | none | 0 € |
| Switzerland | none | 0 € |
| United Kingdom | none in practice | 0 € |
| United States | international permit recommended | about 10 € |
| Latin America | international permit or translation | 10 to 45 € |
| Non-Latin script | international permit required | about 10 € |
| Minimum age at most companies | 21 years | young driver fee applies |
The international permit
It does not replace the licence, it accompanies it. It is a booklet translating the categories into several languages and it has value only when presented with the original licence. It is issued by the country that issued the licence, costs around 10 €, and is normally valid for 1 year. It cannot be obtained in Spain for a foreign licence, so it must be arranged before travelling.
Age and licence age
Most companies require a minimum age of 21 and 1 to 2 years of licence holding, rising to 3 or 5 years for higher categories. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge of 8 € to 20 € per day. On premium vehicles the minimum age can rise to 25 or 30. These conditions appear in the booking terms rather than at the desk and are valid grounds for refusal without refund.
The relevant date is the first issue of the category B entitlement, not the date of the most recent replacement card.
Residents with a foreign licence
A person who takes up residence in Spain holding a licence from outside the EU may drive on it for the first 6 months. After that it must be exchanged, where an agreement exists with the issuing country, or a Spanish licence obtained. Beyond that period the licence is no longer valid for driving in Spain and a hire company that notices will decline the rental. This is the most frequent problem among long stay foreign residents.
Frequently asked
+Is my EU licence valid in Spain?
Yes, with no translation or international permit. The original in date plus photographic identification is enough.
+When do I need an international driving permit?
For licences issued outside the EU, and always where the licence is in a non-Latin script.
+Can I get one in Spain?
Not for a foreign licence. It is issued by the country that issued the licence, for around 10 €.
+What licence age is required?
Usually 1 to 2 years, rising to 3 or 5 for higher vehicle categories.
+What if I live in Spain with a non-EU licence?
It is valid for 6 months from taking up residence, after which it must be exchanged or replaced.
Sources
- 1Dirección General de Tráfico, Ministerio del Interior (August 2026)
- 2Policía Nacional, Policía Nacional (August 2026)