We have been receiving some messages lately asking about driving in Spain with a US license. So we decide to write this post to help those of you who are planning to visit Spain for a couple of weeks, for a year or even those who are planning to settle down in Spain permanently. So here is what you need to know before visiting:
Driving in Spain with US license: is there any official agreement between Spain and the US?
The answer is “no, there isn’t”. At the moment there is no agreement for a validation of the US driver’s license in Spain. So what steps do you need to take in order to be able to drive in Spain with a US license? Here is what you need to know depending on the scenario.
Driving in Spain with a US license: 2 scenarios
Scenario 1: If you are visiting Spain for a couple of weeks or months
In this case, before traveling you will need to get an International Permit Drive (IPD).
Take in mind that this document is not valid by itself, since it has to be accompanied with your US driver license when in Spain. So these are the documents you should bring with you as a validation of your license:
- US passport
- US driver’s license
- International Permit Drive (IPD)
A US driver license in Spain means having these three documents, as long as you are staying in Spain no longer than a year. So there is another point to take into account: the International Permite Drive (IPD) is valid just for one year.
So if you are thinking about renting a car in Spain to travel the country and explore the most beautiful places, take in mind that you would need to have those documents to be able to rent a car with a US license.
Scenario 2: If you are moving to Spain for more than a year or permanently
Either you are moving to the country for a couple of years (personal or professional reasons) or even retiring here, an International Permit Drive won’t be valid (since, as we pointed out, it is valid for a year maximum). In this case of long-term staying you must attend a Spanish school and take the Spanish exam. There is no possibility of driving in Spain with a US license and the IPD. You will have to do it the “Spanish” way.
To learn more about the main rules you should take into account while driving in Spain, read the article about Driving in Barcelona, things you need to know.
In case you are thinking about planning a road trip to explore Spain and can’t decide whether to choose the North or the South of the country, keep reading: Northern Spain vs. Southern Spain.
Bon voyage!
This article is for informational purposes only. We recommend checking directly with the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) or relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding driving permits in Spain.