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International Driving Permit Spain

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Car rental in Barcelona
Usage Period: 1, 2 or 3 year
The cheapest
Drives along Costa del Sol
Usable in 180+ countries
Translated into 12 languages

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Accepted in 180+ countries
Asia, Europe, Africa & more.

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Why travel with an International Driving Permit in Spain?

Spain is a diverse and captivating destination best explored by car, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) makes your road trip even more stress-free. While many visitors can legally drive with their home license for a short period, having an IDP makes things easier when interacting with rental agencies and traffic authorities — especially outside major tourist hubs.

Spanish police occasionally conduct roadside checks, and having a multilingual permit can help minimize confusion during these stops. An IDP is especially useful if your domestic license isn’t in Spanish or doesn’t use the Latin alphabet. From sun-drenched coastal towns to inland villages with limited English signage, an IDP acts as a simple support tool that enhances your independence on the road.

Whether you’re navigating a scenic drive along the Costa Brava or renting a car to explore Andalusia’s white villages, having an IDP in hand ensures your travel experience in Spain is as seamless as possible.

What is an International Driving Permit?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translated version of your national driver’s license, designed to help you drive more easily in foreign countries. Our document is a non-governmental translation of your license, available in 12 major world languages and accepted in over 180 countries. It includes your name, photo, and driving details, making it easier for local authorities to understand your credentials.

While it does not replace a government-issued IDP, it can help reduce language barriers and simplify interactions with rental agencies or traffic officials during your travels. Travel with confidence, knowing your driver information is clearly presented, without the hassle of local bureaucracy.

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In 3 Steps Your International Driving Permit

How do you obtain an International Driving Permit?

1. Sign up online

Begin your application for a translation of your driver’s license.

2. Upload a photo

Make sure to upload a recent photo and follow the guidelines.

3. Done!

Wait for your confirmation, and you’re ready to travel!

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What to see & do with your IDP in Spain?

Spain offers road trippers a rich variety of landscapes, from coastal highways and medieval towns to rugged mountain passes. With an International Driving Permit, travelers enjoy maximum freedom to explore regions at their own pace — whether it’s cruising the coast or detouring into the countryside.

1. Drive the Andalusian White Village Route
Start in Ronda and wind your way through the iconic pueblos blancos — charming whitewashed villages like Grazalema, Zahara de la Sierra, and Arcos de la Frontera. The scenic mountain roads and hilltop views make this a photographer’s dream and a cultural deep dive into Andalusia.

2. Road Trip Across Catalonia
Base yourself in Barcelona, then drive north toward the Pyrenees, stopping at medieval towns like Besalú and Vic. You can also head east to the Costa Brava, where seaside roads link beautiful beaches, hidden coves, and traditional fishing villages.

3. Explore Northern Spain’s Green Coast
Travelers looking for lush scenery and cooler weather will love the coastal route from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. The drive offers stunning Atlantic views and access to remote areas of the Basque Country, Cantabria, and Galicia — regions known for their food, history, and natural beauty.

4. Discover Castilla-La Mancha’s Windmill Route
Follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote with a road trip through La Mancha. You’ll pass fields of sunflowers and iconic windmills near Consuegra and Campo de Criptana. This lesser-traveled route is ideal for literature lovers and those looking to escape the crowds.

5. Venture into the Sierra Nevada
From Granada, take a scenic drive into the Sierra Nevada mountains. Whether you’re visiting small villages like Pampaneira or going for a hike, the roads offer panoramic views and plenty of quiet rest stops.

With an IDP, spontaneous detours and local car rentals are simple — giving you full control of your Spanish adventure.

Time to travel around Spain

Spain is perfectly positioned for travelers who want to explore more of Southern Europe by car. With an International Driving Permit, you can easily cross borders and continue your road trip into nearby countries. Whether you’re driving along the Mediterranean coast or heading toward the Pyrenees, a short drive can take you into an entirely new culture, cuisine, and landscape.

Bring your IDP to stay flexible — it’s a useful companion for smooth cross-border driving experiences.

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Everything You Need to Know About International Driving Permits for Spain

If you’re planning to drive in Spain, whether for a week or a month, having an International Driving Permit (IDP) can make your journey smoother — especially if your domestic license is in a language other than Spanish.

Who should carry an IDP?
Visitors from non-EU countries, including the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK, are often advised to carry an IDP when driving in Spain. While some may legally drive with their home license for up to six months, rental companies and police checkpoints may request an IDP — particularly outside major cities or in rural regions.

Rental agency expectations
Most rental agencies require a valid driver’s license and passport, and many also request an IDP for non-EU licenses. Without one, you may be denied a vehicle, especially if your license is not in Roman script.

Police and checkpoint scenarios
Routine police or Guardia Civil checks can happen on highways or near tourist sites. Presenting an IDP helps bridge any language gaps and avoids complications, especially when navigating local rules.

Driving habits & rule enforcement
Spanish drivers are generally fast-paced and confident, especially on motorways. Parking violations and speeding are strictly enforced, and fines are often issued via mail to rental agencies.

Key driving rules in Spain:

Drive on the right-hand side
Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
Speed limits: 120 km/h (motorways), 90 km/h (rural), 50 km/h (urban)
No mobile phone use while driving (even hands-free restrictions may apply)
Zero-tolerance for alcohol if under 21 or holding a license for less than 2 years
Standard legal limit: 0.05% BAC (0.03% for commercial/new drivers)
Tolls apply on many highways
Fines must often be paid on the spot if issued to foreign drivers

For more on driving regulations, refer to the Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) — Spain’s official road safety authority.

Want more detailed information before your trip? Be sure to check out our complete Spain Driving Guide here

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Spain depends on your home country’s driver’s license. Travelers from EU and EEA countries can drive in Spain using their existing licenses without needing an IDP. However, visitors from non-EU countries — including the United States, Canada, Australia, and others — are often encouraged to carry an IDP in addition to their national license.

While some foreign licenses are technically accepted for short-term stays, an IDP can be helpful when dealing with rental agencies or during police checkpoints, especially if your license is not in Spanish or does not use the Latin alphabet. Certain car rental providers may also require an IDP as part of their rental policy.

An IDP is not a substitute for your home license; it’s used as a supporting translation.

As of now, U.S. citizens do not need a visa or special entry permit for short-term visits to Spain for tourism or business. You can stay in Spain — and other countries within the Schengen Area — for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without applying for a visa. However, entry rules are changing soon under the new ETIAS system (see below).

For driving, U.S. citizens can use their valid U.S. driver’s license in Spain for a short period. Still, some rental companies and local authorities may request an International Driving Permit (IDP) to accompany it, especially if you plan to drive outside major cities or rent a car.

Always ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned stay.

Yes, a valid U.S. driver’s license is generally accepted for short-term driving in Spain. However, it is strongly recommended that U.S. travelers also carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) to support their license. This is particularly important if you’re renting a car or traveling outside of major urban areas.

Rental companies in Spain may require both your U.S. license and an IDP to complete the rental process. Additionally, local police and traffic officers may ask for an IDP during roadside checks. If your license is not written in Spanish or lacks a photo, having an IDP can help prevent misunderstandings or delays.

While not mandatory in every case, an IDP provides added assurance and smoother travel across different regions.

As of mid-2025, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is not yet in effect, but it is expected to be implemented soon. Once active, citizens of visa-exempt countries — including the United States, Canada, and Australia — will be required to obtain ETIAS approval before entering Spain and other Schengen Area countries.

ETIAS is not a visa but a pre-screening authorization for travelers visiting Europe for tourism, business, or transit purposes. The process involves an online application and a small fee, and most approvals are granted within minutes.

Until ETIAS becomes mandatory, eligible travelers can still visit Spain for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without any special entry permit. It’s a good idea to check your travel dates against the projected ETIAS rollout to ensure compliance when the system launches.