Driving in Spain

New Zealanders over the age of 18 years with a valid New Zealand driver´s licence who are in Spain as legal visitors may drive on their New Zealand driving licence, for up to six months. New Zealand driving licence must be translated into Spanish, and must carry both all the time.

New Zealanders in Spain in any other circumstances should contact their local Dirección General de Tráfico.

New Zealand citizens must, within six months of having obtained residency in Spain apply for a Spanish driver’s licence. There is no bilateral agreement between New Zealand and Spain on the exchange of New Zealand driver’s licences for a Spanish driver’s licence. Therefore, New Zealand residents in Spain, although they may be experienced drivers, must comply with all the requirements for obtaining a Spanish driver’s licence which includes passing both the written and the practical driving test.

If you have lost or had your valid New Zealand Photo Drivers Licence stolen, you can apply to have it reissued by the Land Transport Safety Authority in New Zealand. To obtain an application form, contact the New Zealand Transport Agency.

You will need to enclose certified copies of your ID when you post the forms back to New Zealand for processing. Refer Embassy services and fees for the cost of certifying in this Embassy.

If your photo licence has expired you will not be able to renew it until you are back in New Zealand. You will not be able to hire a car or drive with an expired licence. For any queries about this process please contact the NZ Transport Agency directly: info@nzta.govt.nz

Certificate of Particulars

If you need to prove you are a licenced New Zealand driver, you can request a Certificate of Particulars. This certificate sets out all details relevant to your NZ licence. To apply, fax or email the LTSA Transport Registry Centre with details of your name, date of birth and address and how you want to receive the certificate. Fax: +64 6 953 6200 or email: info@nzta.govt.nz