If you've decided to exchange your Colombian driver's license for a Spanish one, you should know that there are a few prerequisites to meet. This article will focus solely on the process for exchanging licenses , which will allow you to obtain a fully valid Spanish driver's license .
The previous steps that must be fulfilled are: being registered in the resident registry, having an identity document accepted in Spain and that your driving license has not been issued in Colombia after the start of your authorized residence in Spain. If you meet all three, you would already be in a position to exchange your Colombian driver's license.
Do you need to pass an exam in Spain? Depends
If you want to exchange a motorcycle or car license (categories A, B, or B+E), you won't need to take any exam . However, if you want to exchange a truck or bus license (categories C, C+E, or D), you will have to take a test . A driving school can provide you with more information.
Request an appointment at the DGT
To begin the paperwork, the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT). You can do this in two ways: through the DGT's online portal , whose homepage has a direct link to "Exchange of Licenses," or by calling 060 and telling the automated system that you want to exchange your license.
In this application they will ask for your NIF or NIE, name and surname, province of residence, date of birth, identity document number and driving license number. They will give you a day and time in which you must attend with the following documentation.
Documentation to exchange the Colombian card
When you arrive at the office where you have requested the appointment, you must bring the following documents with you :
The official request
You can obtain it on the same DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) License Exchange page, where it's listed as " License/Registration Application Form ." It includes a declaration stating that your right to drive has not been revoked by court order, and that you do not hold another driving license of the same type from another country in the European Union or the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), even if it has been restricted, suspended, or revoked. Please note that by signing it, you are assuming responsibility for the validity, authenticity, and current status of the Colombian license you wish to exchange.
fees paid
You can pay them online at the DGT website, by bank card at Traffic Headquarters , and with a bank account or cash at any financial institution that accepts fee payments using form 791 (also available at Traffic Headquarters and on the DGT website). There are two types:
- Rate II.3: for motorcycle or car permits A,B,B+E. what does it cost 28 Euros.
- Rate II.1: for truck or bus permits C, C+E and D. what does it cost 91,20 Euros. Remember that to exchange these permits you need to pass some tests in Spain.
Identification and residence documents
You will also be asked for your original and valid ID card or passport and your residence permit . Therefore, you must have completed these preliminary steps in order to exchange your Colombian driver's license in Spain.
Telematic psychophysical aptitude report
You can obtain them at any Driver Assessment Center . They consist of a few medical and aptitude tests to verify that you are fit to drive a vehicle.
Colombian driving license
Like the rest of the documents, it must be original and valid , but it also cannot have been issued in Colombia after the start of your authorized residence in Spain.
A photo
A color photograph taken from the front, measuring 3,2 cm x 2,6 cm, with a plain background. You must be uncovered and without dark glasses or anything else that might obscure your identity. A photo taken at a photo booth or by a professional photographer (if you tell them what it's for) will suffice. A photo slip with a frame is not necessary, as this will be provided by the office.
Also keep in mind…
You may need to visit the office more than once , as they may need to contact the authorities in your country to confirm certain information, and the response may not be immediate. If this is the case, they will schedule an appointment for you to return at a later date to complete the process.