Can I drive in Spain with a UK licence? Do I need an international driving permit?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Spain, checked on 28 October 2026).
If you need a permit anyway (for example because your car hire company asks for one), the type is: 1949 (GOV.UK table).
Rules change, and car hire companies can ask for more than the law. We quote the official travel advice word for word, with its date; this is information, not legal advice. If you are unsure, ask the embassy of the country you are visiting, your car hire company or your travel insurer before you travel.
What the official source says
GOV.UK: international driving permit table
| Country or territory | Type of IDP | More information |
|---|---|---|
| Spain (including Balearic and Canary Isles) | 1949 | You do not need an IDP. If you’re hiring a car, you should check if the car hire company says you need an IDP. |
Source: GOV.UK, Driving abroad: check if you need an international driving permit (IDP), page updated 29 January 2025, checked on 28 October 2026. GOV.UK says: “Check the table to find out if you need an IDP.”
FCDO travel advice for Spain: “Transport risks”
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence. Provisional licences are not valid for driving in Spain.
To drive a car or a motorcycle over 125cc in Spain you must be 18 years of age or above, and at least 16 years old to ride a motorcycle up to 125cc. You must carry a valid driving licence and ID.
Spain has strict drink-driving laws. Police regularly carry out roadside checks for alcohol and drugs. Penalties include fines, loss of licence and a prison sentence.
Source: FCDO travel advice: Spain travel advice, page updated 28 October 2026, checked on 28 October 2026. Quoted word for word; we show only the sentences about driving licences and permits.
What to bring and where to get an IDP
GOV.UK says:
You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.
An IDP costs £5.50.
A 1926 or 1949 permit lasts for 12 months. A 1968 permit lasts for 3 years or until your UK driving licence expires, whichever comes first.
You must always have your driving licence with you, as well as your IDP.
Source: GOV.UK, Get an international driving permit (IDP) and Check if you need an IDP, checked on 28 October 2026.
Hire a car in Spain
Hiring a car in Spain? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Check the licence and IDP rules above before you book: the rental desk can refuse your booking without the right permit.
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Hiring a car in Spain? How to pay tolls in Spain with a rental car
Driving in Spain this winter? Winter tyres and snow chains in Spain with a rental car
Using public transport instead? The fine without a valid ticket, validation and contactless payment: Barcelona · Madrid
Renting a scooter or a moped instead? Spain: what a car licence covers (moped, 125 cc)
Taking your dog or cat? Pet rules from the UK to Spain: animal health certificate, rabies
Other licences in Spain
| Licence | In Spain | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian licence | IDP needed | 28 October 2026 |
| Australian licence | IDP needed | 17 October 2026 |
Before you travel to Spain
- British passport: Spain entry requirements
- Canadian passport: Spain
- Australian passport: Spain
- Italian citizens: Spagna
Questions
Do I need an international driving permit for Spain with a UK photocard driving licence?
No. GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain.” (GOV.UK international driving permit table and FCDO travel advice for Spain, checked on 28 October 2026).
Can I drive in Spain with my UK licence?
GOV.UK says: “You do not need an IDP.” “You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Spain.”
Where do I get an international driving permit in the UK?
GOV.UK says: “You can get an IDP in person from certain shops that have PayPoint.” “An IDP costs £5.50.”
Where does this answer come from?
From the official travel advice of GOV.UK, read on 28 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page. It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Every country for a UK licence · Driving abroad: all licences.