How to Renew Your Driver’s License in Barcelona

The efficiency of Barcelona public transport system leaves little need for a car in the city, but if you have a long daily commute or like to travel outside of Barcelona on the weekends, having your own car and driver’s license is the most convenient choice. After a few years driving in Barcelona, you’ll have to start thinking about renewing your driver’s license to continue driving legally in Spain and the rest of Europe. Here’s how to renew a driver’s license in Barcelona.

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Find your Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico

Driver’s license renewals in Spain have to be done at the Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico (Provencial Traffic Headquarters) of the license holder’s province of residence before the expiration date on the license. If the address on your license is correct, you will receive a letter notifying you that it’s time to renew your license. In Barcelona, the Provencial Traffic Headquarters is located at Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes, 184 and is open on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 to 14:30 and Thursday from 8:30 to 14:30 and from 15:30 to 17:30. You can make an appointment for the renewal online.

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Apply for a Renewal

Applications for driver’s license renewal can be made by mail or in person by appointment at your Provencial Traffic Headquarters. You will have to pay a renewal fee of €23.50 (free for those over 70 years old) and turn in all the required documents. If you’re simply requesting a replacement license due to a change of address, there is no fee charged. If your license has been lost or stolen, the Provincial Traffic Headquarters will issue a replacement for a fee.

Required Documentation

In order to submit your application for driver’s license renewal in Barcelona, you will have to bring the following documents with you to your appointment (or submit by mail). If you’re applying by mail it’s a good idea to keep copies of all the documents in case there is a problem.

• Completed application form issued by the Provincial Traffic Office
• Original and photocopy of your Spanish ID card, residence permit, or your passport and  NIE number
• Proof of address in Spain (empadronamiento) dated within 3 months of the application date
• Certificate of aptitude issued by the Authorised Drivers Check Centre (Centro de Reconocimiento de Conductores Autorizado) of your province of residence with a recent photograph
• Two photographs (32 x 25 mm) that will be taken at the same time as the photo on the aptitude certificate
• Your current driver’s license

Once you’ve submitted all the documents, you’ll be ready to go with a newly renewed Spanish driver’s license valid for ten years for drivers up to the age of 65 and five years for those 65 and older.