Renewing a driving licence abroad in 2026: periods and cost
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The Spanish B licence expires every 10 years until 65, and every 5 years after that. Renewal requires a medical certificate from an authorised centre plus the traffic-authority fee. Driving with an expired licence costs a €200 fine.
Renewing a driving licence is one of those tasks almost everyone leaves until the last day, yet in Spain it is among the simplest procedures. No exam, no studying — and if you choose the right place, you can walk out of the medical centre with everything filed and a receipt that lets you drive from that same moment. This guide explains the validity periods, the 2026 renewal steps, the cost, and what happens if you are caught with an expired licence — including the EU residence rules that decide where expats must renew.
When the licence expires
Validity depends on the licence category and your age, under the Spanish General Driver Regulation:
- A and B licences (motorbike and car): 10 years until age 65, then 5 years.
- Professional C, D and trailer categories: 5 years until 65, then 3 years.
- New drivers: the same 10-year validity applies; what changes is the starting balance of 8 points during the first three years, not the expiry.
The expiry date is printed on the back of the card, in the column for each category. Check it: the traffic authority does not always send a reminder, and driving with an expired licence is punishable from the day after expiry.
The EU rule: renew where you live
Under Directive 2006/126/EC, EU driving licences are mutually recognised, but renewal and exchange happen in the country of normal residence. If you live in Spain and your EU licence expires, you renew it through the Spanish system described here — not in your home country. Non-EU licences generally must be exchanged (where an agreement exists) or re-tested; check the traffic authority's exchange list for your country.
Special cases with shorter validity
The examining doctor may propose a shorter validity period if a condition needs more frequent review: vision problems, treated diabetes, heart conditions or sleep disorders, among others. The licence can then be limited to 1, 3 or 5 years, with adapted conditions such as mandatory glasses. It is a safety measure, not a punishment.
How to renew, step by step
You can renew from three months before the expiry date without losing days: the new period counts from the old expiry, not from the processing day. There are two routes.
Option 1: authorised medical centre (recommended)
The most comfortable route, chosen by most drivers:
- Find an authorised driver medical centre (centro de reconocimiento) in your province.
- Go with your ID and driving licence. No traffic-office appointment needed.
- Take the check: vision, hearing, blood pressure, coordination and a short medical interview.
- The centre sends your data to the traffic authority online and pays the fee for you (included in the bill).
- You leave with a provisional receipt valid for driving in Spain for 90 days.
- The new licence arrives by post in about 4-6 weeks.
Option 2: directly at the traffic office
If you prefer to handle it yourself or your case needs extra documents:
- Get the medical certificate at an authorised centre.
- Book an appointment at the traffic office via the traffic authority's e-office or phone 060.
- Pay the fee (form 791) before the appointment.
- Attend with your ID, current licence, a recent photograph and the medical certificate.
- You receive the provisional receipt and the licence arrives by post.
What renewal costs in 2026
The total has two components:
| Item | Indicative amount |
|---|---|
| Traffic-authority renewal fee | around €24-25 |
| Medical certificate | €20-60 depending on province |
| Usual total | €45-85 |
Medical centres usually offer a closed price that already includes the fee, the photo and the online processing. Compare several centres nearby: differences of €20 or more for the same procedure are common.
Exemptions
Drivers aged 70 or more are exempt from the traffic-authority fee, though they still pay for the medical certificate. There is no general income-based discount on the state fee.
Driving with an expired licence: fine and consequences
Driving with an expired licence is a serious offence under Spain's Traffic Act, fined at €200 with no points deducted. Distinguish it from two far more serious situations:
- Driving without ever holding a licence, or with a court-withdrawn licence: a road-safety crime, punishable with 3-6 months' imprisonment or a fine plus community service.
- Driving after losing all points: also a crime, with the same penalties.
Expiry is an administrative matter solved by renewing; the other two take you to court. Still, €200 for a one-morning procedure is an expensive oversight, and some insurers may dispute claims if the licence was not valid.
Common renewal mistakes
Leaving it until after expiry. You can renew up to three months early without losing validity. Waiting until the last day risks driving a few days on an expired licence.
Confusing expiry with points loss. They are different procedures. Renewal does not restore lost points — check your balance on the traffic authority's e-office or the miDGT app.
Not updating your address. The new licence is posted to the address in the traffic-authority register. If you moved, update your address during the procedure so it does not go missing.
Throwing away the receipt. The provisional document proves you are mid-renewal and lets you drive in Spain for 90 days. Outside Spain, check first whether the destination country accepts it: many do not.
Frequently asked questions
How often must a Spanish licence be renewed?
The B licence is renewed every 10 years until age 65 and every 5 years after that. Professional C and D licences are renewed every 5 years, and every 3 years from 65.
How much does renewal cost in 2026?
The traffic-authority fee is around €24-25, plus the medical certificate from an authorised centre, typically €20-60 depending on the province: €45-85 in total.
Can I drive with an expired licence?
No. Driving with an expired licence in Spain is a serious offence fined at €200, with no points deducted. The processing receipt does let you drive while the new licence arrives.
I live in Spain with another EU licence. Where do I renew?
Under EU rules you renew in the country where you have normal residence. If you live in Spain, you renew with the Spanish traffic authority when your licence expires.
Do I need to visit the traffic office in person?
Not necessarily. Authorised driver medical centres can complete the whole renewal online and hand you a provisional receipt valid for driving.
Next step
If your licence expires within the next three months, book an authorised medical centre nearby and compare the closed price before going. And to stop adding penalties that cost points, install Soplo and drive with real-time warnings for cameras, checks and hazards.