International Driving Permit in Spain
International Driving Permit for your travel in Spain
- Instant approval
- Fast & Easy Process
- Valid from 1 to 3 years
- Drive Legally Overseas
- Translated in 70 Languages
- Recognized in over 150 countries
- Worldwide Express Shipping
Where to get an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Spain is straightforward if you hold a valid Spain national driver's license. For those planning a visit to Spain, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority in your home country to secure an IDP before departure. However, if you are already traveling and do not possess the IDP, you may opt to have your national driver's license translated online. This method offers a quicker, more convenient, and efficient way to ensure you can legally drive during your travels.
The International Driving Permit is a translation of the national driving license into many languages. The first ID cards appeared in 1926, after the Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic. The International Driving Permit was also influenced by two other conventions in 1949 and 1968. The International Driving Permit is the same as the International Driving License.
We remind you that the IDP works only with a valid national license.
How to obtain an International Driving Permit in Spain online?
- 1. A photo of your valid domestic driving license
- 2. Your personal data
- 3. A photo of yourself
- 4. Your signature (scan or photo it)
Get an International Driving Permit (IDP) now and travel easily.
International Driving Permit price in Spain?
7 days money back guarantee!
You may return the documents issued by the International Driving Authority anytime before the delivery or within 7 days after the delivery of the document for a full refund.
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UN Standard International Driving Permit
- The United Nations Standard International Driving Permit includes a plastic ID card, a booklet and a mobile application for Android and iOS with the translation into 70 languages (29 in a booklet and all 70 in a mobile app). The IDP is made in compliance with United Nations Conventions on road traffic standards for document size, color, format, etc.
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Electronic International Driving License
- The Electronic International Driving License or eIDL includes a printable PDF document of a booklet and a mobile application for Android and iOS with the translation into 70 languages.
- De jure, according to the United Nations Convention on road traffic, physical copy of IDL is mandatory, as there is no such notion in the UN Convention as an eIDL yet. De facto we and our clients used digital version many times, and road police and car rentals accept it. However, we advise you to choose the United Nations standard IDP if you have enough time for delivery.
- Cancelation and refund are possible only until your order is not processed. Once an order is processed, and an email with eIDL is submitted to you, our service is completed, and the respective PDF file shall be considered exploited and shall become non-redeemable.
How to get an International Driving Permit in Spain?
According to the Vienna Convention of 1968, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are authorized to be issued by national governments or designated organizations. In most countries, this function is carried out by automobile associations affiliated with the AIT/FIA, the police, or other authorized entities. To obtain an International Driving Permit in Spain, you must possess a local license and apply to the relevant authorities here (please notify us if the link is not working). The cost and processing time for an IDP vary by country.
If you hold a national license not issued in Spain, you must verify if your license permits you to drive and if you require an IDP. If an IDP is necessary, the only option is to order a translation of your driver's license, available either via delivery or as an electronic version (confirm with the rental car company if an electronic version is acceptable), for example, through our services.
For U.S. citizens with only a U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP from AAA, but it must be done before traveling to Spain!
FAQ
How to get an International Driving Permit in Spain?
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If you have a local license and want to travel, contact a competent organization. If you are an American and plan to travel in advance, you can get an IDP from AAA. In other cases, you can have your driver's license translated into the required languages so that you can travel with your national license and its translation.
How to apply for International Driving Permit?
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Our application process is fast and simple. Complete the IDP application form, attach a copy of your valid driver's license, your handwritten signature and a color ID photo, and make the payment. You can apply for an IDP online here.
Do I need an International Driving Permit for Spain?
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Spain has unified its driving license in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you have a driver's license from one of the 67 countries that did the same, you do NOT need an International Driving Permit to drive in Spain. Drivers from other countries not on the list need an International Driving Permit, unless there is an additional agreement between Spain and the country that issued your driver's licence about special conditions.
Can I drive in Spain with a US license?
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You can only drive in Spain with your driver's license if you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.
Сan an American drive in Spain?
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To drive an American in Spain, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.
What is the International Driver's Document?
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Our IDD is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. No test is required, and the IDD is valid for up to three years. This document is used in conjunction with, but does not replace, your valid national license; it is a translation of your driver’s license in three formats.
Can I rent a car with this document?
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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with car rental companies.
Can I purchase car insurance with the IDD?
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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with local insurances companies.
What do you need to know to drive in Spain?
The research was last conducted in October 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.
1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic
- Spain acceded to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic on 13 February 1958 (a). [1]
- Spain signed the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic on 8 November 1968 but has not ratified it. [2]
2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)
A digital IDP version is not recognized in Spain.
Since Spain is a party to the 1949 Convention, it recognizes: [3]
- An IDP issued under the 1949 Convention, valid for 1 year.
All licenses issued in the European Union are accepted. [4]
3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident
- Non-residents:
- Under Spanish law, visitors on a 90-day limit stay or having a Schengen Tourist Visa may drive a vehicle in Spain if they hold a valid home country driving license and a valid International Driving Permit. [5] - Residents:
- Driving licences issued in any Member State of the European Union (EU), and in the European Economic Area (EEA - Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway) are valid for driving in Spain as long as they are current. [6]
- Unless you are from one of the countries with a special agreement with Spain, you'll need to get a Spanish driver's license from scratch. [7] - For EU/EEA license holders:
- A driving licence issued by a member state of the EEA is recognised throughout the EEA and can be used as long as it is valid. [4]
- If your driving licence expires during a trip abroad, it automatically becomes invalid and may not be recognised in other countries. [4]
- The exception is for those holding EEA driving licences issued in exchange for a non-EEA licence. [4]
Source links:
- https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
- https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_driving_licence
- https://www.spain-traveller.com/en/international-drivers-licence/
- https://administracion.gob.es/pag_Home/en/Tu-espacio-europeo/derechos-obligaciones/ciudadanos/vehiculos/permiso-conduccion/validez-canje-reconocimiento.html
- https://practicatest.com/en/how-long-can-you-drive-in-spain-with-a-foreign-drivers-license
Insurance in Spain is important. Stay always insured abroad.
- We use SafetyWing insurance for all our trips.
Flights to Spain.
- We always check Aviasales first.
- And then we check TripCom to compare prices.
- Compensair helps to get compensation in case of cancellations and delays.
Train and bus tickets in Spain.
- TripCom is an obvious choice.
eSIM to always stay connected in Spain.
- Yesim is a reliable Swiss made service, which works all across the globe. Tested.
Transfers and airport pickups in Spain.
- GetTransfer offers the cheapest and most variable options.
Car rentals in Spain.
- We love LocalRent, it offers cars from small local car rental companies with a human face.
- Rentalcars is a #1 service aggregator in car rentals.
Moto rentals in Spain.
- Want a 2-wheeler? Check BikesBooking.
Accomodation in Spain.
- BookingCom is number 1.
Tours in Spain.
- Viator is a service from Tripadvisor, the world's largest experiences marketplace.
Excursions in Spain.
- Tiqets has brought millions of people to museums.
Yacht rentals in Spain.
- Want a sea ride, check SeaRadar.
Luggage storage in Spain.
- We use RadicalStorage if we need to park our luggage.
Driving tips for Spain:
- Spain drives on the right side of the road.
- Seat belt is a must.
- The maximum allowed drink drive limit is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.
- The minimum age to drive in Spain is 18. If you want to rent a car, you must be at least 21.
- There are the following speed limits in Spain: 50 km/h on urban roads, 90 km/h on public roads and 120 km/h on highways.
- Children who are under 12 should be transported in an appropriate seat or restraint system. The same is about children sitting in the rear seats.
- You are to carry two warning road triangles as well as a reflective vest.
- Make sure you have a spare pair of glasses if you have eye problems.
- You are allowed to horn in urban areas at night only in case of emergency.
Check the video of driving in Spain
- Barcelona: https://youtu.be/dWB5_MJmZ-U
- Madrid: https://youtu.be/SqAOQkuY3e0
