Do you need an International Driving Permit in Spain?

Yes. Spain is a party to the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which recognises an International Driving Permit valid for up to 1 year when carried with your national licence.

Convention
1949 Geneva Convention
Permit valid up to
1 year
In force since
13 February 1958

Spain and the road traffic conventions

ConventionStatusIn force sincePermit validity
1968 Vienna ConventionNot a party——
1949 Geneva ConventionAcceded13 February 19581 year

Which vehicles your permit covers in Spain

Spain applies the vehicle classes set out by the 1949 Geneva Convention. Your permit only covers the classes that are already on your national licence, so a category you do not hold at home is not granted by the permit.

The Spanish page of the International Driving Agency booklet, listing vehicle categories A to E
The Spanish page of our booklet, showing the same categories an officer in Spain would read.
  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E

What each category covers under the 1949 Geneva Convention

What to carry when you drive in Spain

An International Driving Permit never replaces your national licence. It is a standardised translation that local police and rental desks can read, and it is only valid alongside the licence it was issued against. Carry both, and keep your passport handy at rental pickup, since most rental companies ask to see all three before releasing a vehicle.

Our document reproduces your licence details across 12 languages in the booklet format the conventions describe, so an officer who reads none of them in your alphabet can still find your name, date of birth and vehicle classes:

  • English
  • French
  • Spanish
  • Portuguese
  • Italian
  • German
  • Russian
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Japanese
  • Thai
  • Vietnamese
The inside cover of the booklet, listing the contracting states where the permit is recognised
The inside cover lists the contracting states. Spain appears on it.

What the road rules say in Spain

The UK Foreign Office advises that a foreign national licence is accepted in Spain.

Emergency services
general 112, police 112, ambulance 112, fire 112

Common questions about driving in Spain

How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Spain?
Up to 1 year. Spain joined the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic on 13 February 1958 by accession, and that convention sets the maximum at 1 year from the date of issue, or until your national licence expires if that comes first.
Can I drive in Spain on my national licence alone?
The UK Foreign Office states: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain." Rules differ by the country that issued your licence and by how long you stay, so confirm with Spain's road authority before you travel.
What do I dial in an emergency in Spain?
Reach general on 112, police on 112, ambulance on 112, fire on 112. The UK Foreign Office publishes these numbers for Spain. Save them before you drive, since you will not want to be searching for them at the roadside.
Does the permit replace my driving licence in Spain?
No. It is a translation of the licence you already hold and has no effect on its own. You must carry your original national licence with it at all times.

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Sources

  1. Convention on Road Traffic (Vienna, 8 November 1968) United Nations Treaty Collection, 91 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.
  2. Convention on Road Traffic (Geneva, 19 September 1949) United Nations Treaty Collection, 103 parties. Checked 4 August 2026.