Hiring a Car in Spain with an International Driving Permit

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If you fancy exploring Spain at your own pace, hiring a car with DoYouSpain is the most convenient way to do it. However, there’s one detail that many people overlook: the International Driving Permit. Having your paperwork in order is the key to enjoying your trip without any unwanted surprises.

The regulations are actually much simpler than you might think. Plus, the rules are the same across the entire country, whether you're in Barcelona, Alicante, or the Balearic Islands.

At DoYouSpain, your peace of mind comes first. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to help you clear up any questions you might have about the international permit.

WhatLicencedo I Need to Hire a Car in Spain?

To hire a car, the basic requirement is to hold a valid, original Category B driving licence. Beyond this, it is very common for hire agencies to have a few additional requirements:

• Driving experience: Generally, you’ll need to have held your full licence forat least one or two years.
• Minimum age: While some companies allow you to hire from 18, most will add a 'young driver surcharge' to the price if you are under 25.

At DoYouSpain, you can use our filters to find the perfect deal for your trip. Just remember, since every supplier has their own set of rules, always remember to double-check the terms and conditions of your chosen car.

Driving in Spain with a European Union Licence

If your driving licence was issued in the European Union or the European Economic Area, it’s your lucky day: it is fully valid in Spain.

You won’t need an international permit; just make sure you carry your original, physical licence and that it’s still in date. That said, it’s always worth keeping an eye on the specific requirements for your chosen car hire deal.

Which Countries can Drive in Spain Without an International Driving Permit?

You don’t need to get an International Driving Permit if your licence was issued in the European Union or in countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.

However, at DoYouSpain, we always recommend bringing one anyway, even if your licence is already in Spanish. It’s a straightforward process that gives you extra peace of mind while on the road.

Hiring a Car in Spain with an International Driving Permit: What You Need to Know

Knowing the rules beforehand means you can hire a car with DoYoSpain without any surprises, unnecessary queues, or delays at the desk.

Can I Pick up a Hire Car with a Digital Licence or a Photocopy?

The short answer is NO. To collect your car, you must present your original, physical licence. The following will not be accepted:

• A photo of your licence
• A PDF
• Photocopies
• Digital driving licences

If you arrive at the desk without your physical licence, the supplier has the right to refuse to hand over the car.

What is The Purpose of an International Driving Permit in Spain?

The purpose of an International Driving Permit (IDP) is to legally certify that your driving licence is valid. It isn't a new licence in its own right, instead, it acts as an official translation of your original document.

Is an International Driving Permit Valid for the Police and Hire agencies?

Yes! It allows the authorities to verify your details quickly in any situation and helps the hire agency confirm that your licence is authentic.

With an International Driving Permit, both the police and insurance providers will recognise you as a fully qualified driver.

Will my Insurance Cover Me if I Drive Without a Mandatory International Driving Permit?

If you are driving in Spain with a non-EU licence, an International Driving Permit is mandatory for your insurance to remain valid. Without it, you might not be covered if you have an accident or an incident on the road.

How to Apply for an International Driving Permit for Your Trip to Spain

Don’t wait until you land in Spain to sort this out; you must always get it sorted in your home country before you head off.

Paperwork, Prices, and Where To Get Your International Driving Permit

Every country has its own way of doing things, but generally, you just need to head to your local driving authority or official motoring body with:

• Your original driving licence and ID/ Passport (both must be in date).
• Recent passport-sized photos.

The fee is usually quite cheap, often between £10 and £25.

How long does it take? This depends entirely on your country, but if you go in person, you can usually get it sorted straight away. If you’d rather apply online, make sure you do it well in advance to allow enough time for postage and processing.

How Long Does an International Driving Permit Last?

Generally, the permit is valid for one year from the date of issue. Once it expires, you will need to apply for a new one. Please keep in mind that if your original driving licence expires first, the international permit automatically becomes invalid.

FAQ: Common Questions about Car Hire and International Driving Permits

At DoYouSpain, we’ve pulled together the questions we get asked the most, so you can have a completely hassle-free experience when you land in Spain.

My Licence is in English: Do I Still Need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, it is mandatory. Even if the staff at the hire desk speak English, the regulations require your licence to be accompanied by an International Driving Permit.

Licences in Non-Latin Alphabets (Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic)

An International Driving Permit is 100% mandatory in these cases, with no exceptions. Because your licence does not use the Latin alphabet, the permit is the only legal document that translates your details for the police and the supplier. Without it, they will be unable to hand over the vehicle.

Can I Drive a Hire Car in Spain with an Expired Licence?

No. No hire company will give you the keys if your original licence is not in date. Even if your International Driving Permit is brand new, if your original licence has expired, the permit automatically becomes invalid.

Find the Top Car Hire Deals in Spain with DoYouSpain

At DoYouSpain, our mission is to make sure your only priority is enjoying your trip. We do the hard work for you, searching for the best deals with discounts of up to 75% off, ensuring your booking is easy, transparent, and free from any last-minute surprises.

Need help with something specific? Our team of experts is ready to lend a hand. You can call us on +34 964 83 09 95, visit our Customer Service Area , or get your questions answered instantly with our Virtual Assistant .

Follow our advice, book your car in under 3 minutes, and get ready to explore Spain at your own pace.