International Driving Permit for Spain
Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road and offers some of Europe's best touring roads, from coastal motorways to mountain passes in the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada. EU licences need no extra paperwork, but visitors from outside the EU often pair their licence with an IDP, and Spanish law requires you to carry two warning triangles and a reflective vest in the car.
Do you need an IDP to drive in Spain?
EU and EEA licences are accepted as-is in Spain, while many non-EU visitors find an International Driving Permit useful and sometimes required to accompany their home licence.
Quick facts
- Driving side
- Right
- Minimum driving age
- 18 years
- Region
- Europe
- IDP
- Useful
Local languages: Spanish
Driving in Spain: key facts
- Speed limits are typically 120 km/h on motorways (autopistas/autovías), 90 km/h on main roads, and 30-50 km/h in towns.
- The blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%, dropping to 0.03% for drivers with less than two years of experience.
- Many autopistas are tolled, and Spain enforces the use of reflective vests and warning triangles when stopping on the roadside.
How to get your IDP for Spain
Getting your International Driving Permit for Spain takes only a few minutes:
- 1Apply online
Complete a short application in about 2 minutes — no paperwork or appointments.
- 2Upload your documents
Add a photo of your national driving licence and a passport-style photo.
- 3Get your IDP instantly
Receive your digital International Driving Permit by email, ready to use in Spain.
Frequently asked questions about driving in Spain
Do I need an IDP to drive in Spain?
EU and EEA licence holders do not need an IDP in Spain. Visitors with non-EU licences often need or benefit from an IDP, and a certified translation can help if your licence is not in Latin script.
Can I rent a car in Spain with a foreign licence?
Yes, you can rent with a valid foreign licence, and rental firms commonly ask non-EU drivers for an IDP alongside it. You will also need a passport and a credit card.
What side of the road does Spain drive on?
Spain drives on the right-hand side of the road.
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Spain?
The minimum driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 and to have held a licence for at least one year. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young-driver surcharge.
Other countries in Europe
International Driving Permit for Spain
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