To rent and drive a normal passenger car in Spain, you need a valid driving licence that is recognised for driving in Spain and covers the category of vehicle you are renting. EU and EEA driving licences are generally valid in Spain while they remain in force. Visitors with licences issued outside the EU/EEA may need an International Driving Permit together with their original national licence and identification.
The legal rules allowing you to drive in Spain and the rental company’s rules allowing you to rent its vehicle are two separate requirements.
For example, Spanish law allows a standard Category B car licence from age 18, but a rental company can set a higher minimum rental age or require that the licence has been held for a certain period. DGT confirms that Spain’s Category B licence covers cars up to 3,500 kg with no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
For Blanca Cars, the current Terms & Conditions state that the renter and authorised drivers must:
- Have a valid driving licence for the previous two years
- Be over 25 years old
- Provide the required identification and payment documentation
Only drivers listed on the rental contract are authorised to drive the vehicle.
Last reviewed: 11 September 2026
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Applies to: Tourists and residents renting cars in Spain, with specific information for Blanca Cars customers on the Costa Blanca
Quick Answer: What Licence Do I Need to Hire a Car in Spain?
For an ordinary rental car, you normally need:
A full, valid driving licence for Category B cars or the equivalent category in your country.
Your requirements then depend on where your licence was issued.
EU or EEA licence
A valid EU or EEA licence is generally accepted for driving in Spain without an International Driving Permit.
UK photocard licence
Visitors can currently use a valid UK photocard driving licence in Spain without an International Driving Permit.
Other non-EU/EEA licence
DGT’s current guidance for foreign visitors says drivers coming from outside the EU/EEA should carry an International Driving Permit, together with the required identification and their original licence.
Blanca Cars
The current Blanca Cars Terms additionally require drivers to:
Be over 25
Have held a valid licence for at least two years
Be registered as an authorised driver
The simplest rule is:
Your licence must be legally valid for driving in Spain and must also satisfy the rental company’s own driver requirements.
What Type of Driving Licence Is Needed for a Normal Rental Car?
For most ordinary rental cars, you need the equivalent of a Spanish:
Category B driving licence
DGT states that Category B permits driving cars and light vehicles with:
- Maximum authorised mass up to 3,500 kg
- No more than eight passengers in addition to the driver
This covers the vast majority of ordinary holiday rental vehicles, including:
- Small cars
- Hatchbacks
- Saloons
- SUVs
- Many seven-seat passenger vehicles
A normal Category B licence does not automatically allow you to drive every possible:
- Minibus
- Large commercial vehicle
- Heavy vehicle
- Vehicle and trailer combination
For specialist vehicles, check the required licence category before booking.
Do I Need a Full Driving Licence?
Yes.
You need a valid licence that legally authorises you to drive the vehicle category being rented.
A provisional or learner licence should not be treated as sufficient for ordinary car hire in Spain.
For example, current UK government guidance specifically states that a provisional UK licence is not valid for driving in Spain.
Rental companies generally require a full licence because the customer must be legally authorised to drive independently.
Can I Rent a Car With an Expired Driving Licence?
No.
Your driving licence must be valid.
DGT states that EU and EEA licences are valid in Spain provided they remain in force. Its rules for eligible third-country licences also require the licence to be valid.
An expired licence should therefore not be used to:
- Collect a rental vehicle
- Drive the rental car
- Register as an additional driver
Check your expiry date well before travelling.
Should I Check My Licence Before Travelling?
Yes.
Before leaving home, check:
- Name
- Expiry date
- Licence category
- Photograph where applicable
- Physical condition of the licence
- Whether an IDP is required
- How long you have held the licence
Do not wait until you arrive at Alicante or Valencia Airport to discover that your licence has expired.
Are EU Driving Licences Valid in Spain?
Yes, generally.
DGT states that licences issued by:
- European Union countries
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
are valid for driving in Spain while they remain valid.
These countries make up the EU and European Economic Area for this purpose.
For tourists using a valid licence from one of these countries, no additional International Driving Permit is normally required.
Examples of EU Driving Licences Valid in Spain
This generally includes valid licences from countries such as:
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- Belgium
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Finland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Portugal
- Poland
- Austria
- Czech Republic
- Romania
as well as other EU member states.
EEA licences from:
- Norway
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
are also recognised while valid.
Do I Need an International Driving Permit With an EU Licence?
Normally, no.
DGT states that valid EU and EEA licences are fully valid for driving in Spain.
Therefore, a tourist travelling from countries such as:
- Germany
- France
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Norway
does not normally need an International Driving Permit simply to drive in Spain with a valid national licence.
Is a Norwegian Driving Licence Valid in Spain?
Yes.
Norway is part of the European Economic Area.
DGT explicitly includes Norway among the EEA countries whose valid driving licences are recognised in Spain.
A visitor with a valid Norwegian licence therefore does not normally need an International Driving Permit.
The rental company’s own:
- Minimum age
- Licence-holding period
- Identification requirements
still apply.
Is a UK Driving Licence Valid in Spain?
Yes, for visitors using a valid qualifying UK licence.
Current UK government travel guidance states that a UK photocard driving licence can be used to drive in Spain. It also states that a provisional licence is not valid.
Current UK government International Driving Permit guidance specifically says:
A UK driver does not need an IDP for Spain.
Therefore, a British holidaymaker visiting Spain with a valid UK photocard licence does not normally need an International Driving Permit.
Do British Tourists Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Normally, no, if they hold a valid UK photocard licence.
Current UK government guidance specifically lists Spain as a country where a UK licence holder does not require an IDP.
You should still bring:
- Your valid UK driving licence
- Required identification
- Any documentation requested by the rental company
Rental-company requirements can be stricter than the minimum legal requirement.
What if I Have an Old UK Paper Driving Licence?
This requires more care.
Current UK government guidance advises travellers who still have a paper driving licence that they may need to update it to a photocard licence, and separate IDP rules can apply to paper licences.
If you still have an old paper licence:
Check the current official requirements and confirm acceptance with Blanca Cars before travelling.
Do not assume the rules for a modern UK photocard apply identically to an older paper licence.
Do I Need a DVLA Check Code to Rent a Car in Spain?
A UK rental customer may sometimes be asked by a rental company to provide information from their UK driving record.
The UK government says overseas car-hire companies may ask to see driving-licence information, and a licence check code can be created for this purpose.
Whether Blanca Cars requires this for your individual booking should be confirmed in your booking documentation.
Do not assume every rental company in Spain uses the same procedure.
What About a Northern Ireland Licence?
A valid Northern Ireland driving licence is a UK licence for these purposes.
UK government guidance confirms that Great Britain and Northern Ireland licence holders can use their licences for driving abroad according to the country-specific rules.
If additional licence information is required by a rental company, the procedure can differ between:
- DVLA licences
- Northern Ireland DVA licences
Check before travel if requested.
What if My Driving Licence Was Issued Outside the EU or EEA?
You need to pay particular attention to the Spanish rules.
DGT’s current March 2026 guidance for foreign visitors driving in Spain says that if your driving licence is not from an EU or EEA country, you need an International Driving Permit and must carry it together with your passport or identification.
DGT’s more detailed foreign-licence guidance also recognises certain third-country licences when they:
- Are written in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation
- Follow recognised Geneva or Vienna Convention formats
- Meet other Spanish legal requirements
For a visitor renting a car, the safest practical rule is:
If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA and you are not covered by a specific exception such as the current UK arrangements, obtain an International Driving Permit before travelling.
What Is an International Driving Permit?
An International Driving Permit, or IDP, is a multilingual document that accompanies your national driving licence.
It does not replace your original licence.
DGT describes the international permit as a complementary document, meaning it is not valid by itself.
You normally need to carry:
Original national driving licence + International Driving Permit
and where applicable:
Passport or identification
Can I Drive Using Only an International Driving Permit?
No.
An International Driving Permit is not a standalone driving licence.
DGT states that it must accompany the valid national driving licence on which it is based.
Therefore:
Valid
National licence + required IDP
Not valid
IDP alone with no original valid driving licence
This is one of the most important rules for non-EU visitors to understand.
Where Do I Get an International Driving Permit?
You normally obtain it before travelling, from the authorised organisation in the country where your driving licence was issued.
Do not rely on being able to obtain one after arriving in Spain.
Be particularly careful with websites selling so-called:
- International driving licences
- Digital international licences
- Online global driver’s licences
An official International Driving Permit must be issued according to the relevant international convention and national procedures.
Can I Buy an International Driving Permit Online From Any Website?
No.
There are many websites selling unofficial documents described as:
- International driver’s licences
- International driving cards
- Digital IDPs
These should not automatically be assumed to have legal validity.
An International Driving Permit should be obtained through the officially authorised issuing system in your country.
If in doubt, check with:
- Your national driving authority
- Spanish DGT
- Spanish embassy or consulate
before travelling.
Does an International Driving Permit Replace a Translation?
In many circumstances, the IDP performs the practical function of presenting driving-licence information in standardised languages.
However, Spain’s detailed foreign-licence rules recognise several possible licence formats, including certain licences accompanied by an official Spanish translation.
For rental customers from outside the EU/EEA, however, DGT’s current visitor guidance recommends the International Driving Permit route.
That is generally the safest option before travelling.
What if My Licence Is Already Written in Spanish?
Spain’s detailed foreign-licence guidance recognises some third-country licences that are written in Spanish, provided the other legal conditions are satisfied.
However, this does not necessarily mean a rental company must accept the licence without any additional documentation.
Rental-company requirements remain separate.
Before travelling, confirm the documents required for your particular booking.
Do US Drivers Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
For tourists with a US licence, the safest approach under DGT’s current visitor guidance is to obtain an International Driving Permit before travelling and carry it together with the original US driving licence and passport or identification.
The IDP does not replace the American licence.
You should bring both.
Do Canadian Drivers Need an International Driving Permit?
The same practical guidance applies to travellers from Canada.
Because Canada is outside the EU/EEA, DGT’s current visitor guidance directs non-EU/EEA drivers to carry an International Driving Permit together with their original licence and identification.
Confirm your rental company’s requirements before travel.
Do Australian Drivers Need an International Driving Permit?
Australia is outside the EU/EEA.
For tourists, follow DGT’s current guidance for non-EU/EEA licences:
- Original valid driving licence
- International Driving Permit
- Passport or required identification
Obtain the IDP in Australia before travelling.
What About Licences From Switzerland?
Switzerland is not an EU or EEA member.
Foreign-licence rules therefore need to be checked according to the licence and applicable agreements.
Do not simply assume that every European country falls under the EU/EEA rule.
If your licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, confirm the latest DGT requirements before travelling.
What if I Live in Spain Rather Than Visit as a Tourist?
This is important because the rules can change once you become normally resident in Spain.
DGT states that qualifying non-EU/EEA foreign licences are generally valid only for a maximum period of six months from acquiring normal residence in Spain, provided the other requirements are met.
After that, you may need to:
- Exchange the licence for a Spanish licence, where an exchange agreement exists
- Obtain a Spanish licence if exchange is not possible
The rules for residents are therefore different from those for a tourist visiting for a short holiday.
Can Residents Exchange a Foreign Licence for a Spanish Licence?
Sometimes.
DGT maintains agreements allowing licences from certain countries to be exchanged for a Spanish licence.
Current DGT guidance states that residents can potentially exchange licences issued by:
- EU countries
- EEA countries
- Other countries with which Spain has an exchange agreement
The exact requirements depend on:
- Issuing country
- Licence category
- Residence status
- Date the licence was obtained
What About UK Residents Living in Spain?
UK licence holders living in Spain are treated differently from British tourists.
Current UK government guidance says residents may drive using an eligible UK licence for up to six months, after which qualifying UK or Gibraltar licences need to be exchanged to continue driving legally in Spain.
If you live in Spain, do not rely on tourist driving-licence guidance indefinitely.
Does Blanca Cars Require Me to Have Held My Licence for Two Years?
Yes, according to the current Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions.
The current Terms state that renters and drivers must have a valid driving licence for the previous:
2 years
Therefore, simply having passed your driving test recently may not satisfy the normal Blanca Cars rental requirements.
Is the Two-Year Rule Spanish Law?
No.
This is an important distinction.
Spain permits a Category B car licence to be obtained from age 18.
The Blanca Cars requirement that the driver must have held a valid licence for at least two years is a rental-company eligibility condition.
Therefore:
Spanish driving rule
A legally valid qualifying licence is required.
Blanca Cars rental rule
The current Terms additionally require at least two years of driving-licence history.
These should not be confused.
What Is the Minimum Age to Drive a Car in Spain?
For a Spanish Category B licence, DGT states that the minimum age is:
18 years.
That does not mean every 18-year-old can rent a vehicle.
Rental companies can impose higher minimum ages.
What Is the Minimum Age to Rent From Blanca Cars?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that drivers must be:
Over 25 years old.
This is a company rental condition, not Spain’s general minimum legal driving age.
Therefore:
Legal minimum for Category B driving in Spain
18
Current standard Blanca Cars Terms
Over 25
The confirmed booking conditions should always be used as the final reference.
Can I Rent From Blanca Cars if I Am 24?
The current Terms state that drivers must be over 25.
If you fall outside the standard age requirement, contact Blanca Cars before booking or travelling to determine whether any alternative driver arrangement is available for your circumstances.
Do not assume that being legally old enough to drive in Spain automatically makes you eligible to rent every vehicle.
What if I Am Over 25 but Have Only Had My Licence for One Year?
Under the current standard Blanca Cars Terms, you would not satisfy the published two-year licence requirement.
Both requirements apply:
Age requirement
and:
Licence-holding requirement
For example:
Driver age:
30
Licence held:
1 year
The driver may legally hold a valid licence but still fail to satisfy the normal rental-company requirement.
What if I Am 23 but Have Had My Licence for Five Years?
The same principle applies.
A driver can satisfy the licence-duration requirement but not the rental company’s age requirement.
For example:
Age:
23
Licence held:
5 years
Valid licence:
Yes
Normal Blanca Cars age condition:
Not satisfied under the current Terms
Always check both requirements.
Do Additional Drivers Need a Valid Licence Too?
Yes.
Every person who will drive the rental vehicle must satisfy the relevant legal and rental-company requirements.
With Blanca Cars, only drivers listed on the contract are authorised to drive.
This means an additional driver must also provide the required valid driving licence and satisfy the applicable eligibility rules.
Can My Husband, Wife or Partner Drive the Car Using Their Own Licence?
Yes, provided they:
- Hold an acceptable valid licence
- Satisfy Blanca Cars’ driver requirements
- Are registered as an authorised driver
Being married to or travelling with the primary renter does not automatically authorise someone to drive.
The driver must be included on the rental agreement.
What if Someone Drives but Is Not Listed on the Rental Agreement?
Do not allow this.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that the people listed on the contract are the only drivers authorised to drive the rental vehicle.
An unauthorised driver can create serious problems involving:
- Insurance
- Damage liability
- Accident claims
- Rental-contract breaches
Always add the driver properly before they use the vehicle.
Does an Additional Driver Need an International Driving Permit?
If that driver’s licence requires an IDP for driving in Spain, then yes.
The requirement applies to the individual driver’s licence, not only to the main renter.
For example:
Main driver
French EU licence
No IDP normally required
Additional driver
US licence
IDP should be carried according to current DGT non-EU/EEA visitor guidance
Both drivers must independently satisfy the rules applying to their licences.
What Documents Should I Bring With My Driving Licence?
For foreign visitors, DGT states that the original driving licence is part of the mandatory driver documentation and that non-EU/EEA drivers using an International Driving Permit should carry the required identity documentation as well.
For a rental, bring the documents stated in your confirmed booking.
These will normally include:
- Valid driving licence
- Passport or accepted identification
- International Driving Permit where required
- Accepted payment card or other required payment documentation
- Booking confirmation
The current Blanca Cars Terms specifically require identification and payment documentation in addition to the licence.
Do I Need My Passport to Rent a Car?
International visitors should bring the identification required by the rental company.
The current Blanca Cars Terms require identification documentation such as the applicable:
- ID card
- Residence card
- Passport
together with the other rental requirements.
Non-EU/EEA visitors using an International Driving Permit should also carry the identification required under DGT’s current guidance.
Can I Show a Photograph of My Driving Licence on My Phone?
Do not rely on a photograph or scan instead of your original driving licence.
DGT’s current visitor guidance says mandatory driving documents should be the originals or officially certified copies.
For a rental collection, bring the actual licence required by the rental company.
A photo stored on your phone may be useful as a backup record, but it should not be assumed to replace the required original document.
Can I Use a Digital Driving Licence From My Home Country?
Do not assume a foreign digital licence will be accepted for rental or roadside checks in Spain.
Recognition of digital licences across borders is not necessarily identical to recognition of the physical licence.
For international travel, the safest approach is:
Bring your physical driving licence.
If your country uses a digital-only licence, confirm acceptance with Spanish authorities and Blanca Cars before travelling.
What if I Lose My Driving Licence While on Holiday?
If you lose the licence before collecting your rental car, contact:
- Your licence-issuing authority
- Police where appropriate
- Blanca Cars
A photograph of a lost licence does not automatically give you legal permission to drive.
If the licence is lost after the rental begins, contact Blanca Cars and follow the instructions provided.
Do not continue driving if you no longer satisfy the legal documentation requirements.
What if My Licence Is Damaged?
If the licence is so badly damaged that:
- Your name cannot be read
- Photograph cannot be identified
- Categories cannot be verified
- Expiry date cannot be read
it may not be accepted.
Replace a badly damaged licence before travelling if possible.
Rental staff must be able to verify that you are properly licensed.
What if My Name on the Licence Is Different From My Passport?
This can happen after:
- Marriage
- Divorce
- Legal name change
Bring supporting documentation if your identification and driving licence use different names.
Contact Blanca Cars before travelling if there could be difficulty confirming that both documents belong to the same person.
Avoid discovering this issue at vehicle collection.
Does My Licence Need to Show My Home Address?
Licence formats vary between countries.
Blanca Cars’ current Terms require identification and residence/passport information with a valid address as part of the renter requirements.
If your driving licence does not show your current address, that does not automatically make the licence invalid.
However, bring the other identification requested in your booking.
Does the Licence Need to Be in the Main Driver’s Name?
The main driver must provide their own valid driving licence.
You cannot use:
- Your partner’s licence
- Your friend’s licence
- A parent’s licence
to satisfy your personal driving requirement.
Every authorised driver must hold their own qualifying licence.
Can I Rent an Automatic Car With My Licence?
That depends on what your licence authorises you to drive.
Some countries issue driving licences restricted to:
automatic-transmission vehicles only
If your licence has such a restriction, you should rent an automatic vehicle.
A licence allowing manual vehicles normally also permits automatic vehicles.
Check the restrictions printed on your licence.
Can I Rent a Manual Car With an Automatic-Only Licence?
No.
If your licence restricts you to automatic vehicles, you should not drive a manual rental car.
This is both:
- A legal issue
- An insurance issue
Make sure the rental transmission matches your licence entitlement.
If you need an automatic vehicle, book early because automatic availability can be more limited.
Does a Seven-Seater Require a Special Licence?
Usually not if it remains within the normal Category B limits.
DGT states that Category B permits a car carrying no more than:
Eight passengers plus the driver
and with a maximum authorised mass of no more than:
3,500 kg.
Therefore, a normal seven-seat passenger rental car usually falls comfortably within Category B.
Specialist minibuses can be different.
Can I Rent a Van With a Category B Licence?
Many light vans fall within Category B if they remain under the relevant:
3,500 kg maximum authorised mass
and other category conditions.
Larger commercial vehicles may require a different licence.
Check the specific vehicle before booking.
Can I Tow a Trailer With a Rental Car?
This involves separate licence and rental-contract questions.
Even where your driving licence legally permits a particular trailer combination, the rental company may prohibit towing.
Never attach:
- Trailer
- Caravan
- Boat trailer
to a rental vehicle without explicit permission.
A Category B licence has specific trailer limits, with B+E required for larger combinations in some circumstances.
What if My Licence Has Penalty Points?
Having points or previous minor offences does not automatically mean your licence is invalid.
The key first question is whether your licence remains:
valid and in force.
However, rental companies can establish their own driver-eligibility conditions.
If your licence has:
- Serious endorsements
- Driving ban
- Suspension
- Major restrictions
contact Blanca Cars before booking.
Can I Rent a Car if My Licence Is Suspended?
No.
A suspended licence does not give you valid authority to drive.
Do not rent or drive a vehicle if your driving privileges have been:
- Suspended
- Revoked
- Withdrawn
- Disqualified
The licence must be legally valid for driving in Spain.
Can I Rent During a Driving Ban?
No.
A driving ban or disqualification means you do not have the legal authority to drive during the prohibited period.
Insurance would also be seriously affected if you drove when legally disqualified.
Does Blanca Cars Check Every Driver’s Licence?
Every authorised driver should provide the required documentation and satisfy the rental conditions.
The current Blanca Cars FAQ states that customers should bring the driving licence and identification required by the booking and that every additional driver must meet the applicable driver requirements.
Do not assume only the person making the booking needs documentation.
Can I Book the Rental Before Checking My Licence?
You can plan a booking, but you should verify your licence eligibility before committing to travel arrangements based on the rental.
Check:
- Is it valid?
- Does it cover Category B?
- Have I held it long enough?
- Do I meet the age requirement?
- Do I need an IDP?
- Do additional drivers meet the same rules?
This prevents problems at collection.
What Happens if I Arrive Without the Correct Driving Licence?
The rental company may be unable to hand over the vehicle.
For example:
- Licence expired
- IDP required but missing
- Wrong vehicle category
- Licence held for insufficient time
- Driver does not satisfy age conditions
Do not assume another form of ID can substitute for a legally required driving licence.
Confirm your documentation before leaving home.
What Happens if I Forget My International Driving Permit?
If an IDP is required for your licence, you should not assume you can simply rent without it.
DGT’s current visitor guidance instructs non-EU/EEA drivers to have the international permit together with the required identification.
Contact Blanca Cars before collection if you discover that a required document is missing.
Is an International Driving Permit the Same as an International Driving Licence?
The official document is generally called an:
International Driving Permit — IDP
Be cautious with companies advertising an:
International Driving Licence
as though it were an independent replacement for your national licence.
The legitimate international permit is a supplementary document.
DGT explicitly states that the international permit has no validity on its own.
Example: German Tourist Renting in Alicante
Anna lives in Germany and is flying to Alicante.
She has:
- Valid German Category B licence
- Licence held for 12 years
- Age 42
- Required identification
Because Germany is in the EU, her valid German licence is recognised in Spain without an IDP.
She also meets the current Blanca Cars:
- Over-25 requirement
- Two-year licence requirement
She should bring the original licence and other required booking documents.
Example: Norwegian Tourist Renting in Jávea
Erik is 55 and has held his Norwegian driving licence for 30 years.
Norway is in the EEA.
His valid Norwegian licence is therefore recognised for driving in Spain without an International Driving Permit.
He also satisfies Blanca Cars’ current age and licence-duration conditions.
Example: British Tourist Renting at Alicante Airport
Sarah is visiting from England.
She has:
- Valid UK photocard licence
- Age 46
- Licence held for 20 years
Current UK government guidance says her photocard licence can be used in Spain and that she does not need an International Driving Permit.
She should still bring the physical licence and the other documents required by Blanca Cars.
Example: American Tourist Renting on the Costa Blanca
Michael is visiting from the United States.
He has:
- Valid US licence
- Passport
- International Driving Permit
- Licence held for 15 years
- Age 39
Because his licence was issued outside the EU/EEA, carrying the IDP alongside his original licence follows DGT’s current visitor guidance.
He should bring both documents when collecting the rental car.
Example: Driver Has Only Had a Licence for Six Months
David is 35.
He recently passed his driving test and has held his full licence for:
6 months
He may legally hold a valid licence.
However, Blanca Cars’ current Terms require the licence to have been valid for at least:
2 years.
He therefore does not satisfy the standard published Blanca Cars licence-duration requirement.
Example: 22-Year-Old EU Driver
Emma is:
22 years old
She has held a valid Dutch licence for four years.
Her Dutch licence is legally valid for driving in Spain because it is an EU licence.
However, the current standard Blanca Cars Terms require drivers to be:
over 25.
This demonstrates why legal driving eligibility and rental-company eligibility are different.
Example: Automatic-Only Licence
Lisa’s driving licence permits her to drive only automatic cars.
She books a Blanca Cars automatic vehicle.
That is appropriate.
If she instead collected a manual car, she could be driving outside the category or restriction authorised by her licence.
Always check transmission restrictions.
Spanish Law vs Blanca Cars Policy
This distinction is particularly important for driving licences.
Spanish Driving Rules
DGT determines whether a particular foreign driving licence is legally valid for driving in Spain.
Current DGT guidance states:
- Valid EU/EEA licences are recognised in Spain.
- Non-EU/EEA visitors should follow the applicable foreign-licence and International Driving Permit requirements.
- The licence must be valid.
- A Spanish Category B licence starts from age 18.
Blanca Cars Rental Policy
Blanca Cars can impose additional rental requirements.
The current Terms state:
- Driver over 25
- Driving licence valid for at least the previous two years
- Required identification/payment documents
- Only drivers named on the rental contract may drive
Therefore:
Being legally allowed to drive in Spain does not automatically mean you satisfy every rental company’s conditions.
Common Driving-Licence Mistakes When Renting in Spain
Assuming Every Foreign Licence Is Treated the Same
Requirements depend on the issuing country.
Forgetting an International Driving Permit
Non-EU/EEA travellers may require one.
Bringing Only the IDP
An IDP does not replace your original licence.
Using an Expired Licence
Your licence must be valid.
Bringing Only a Photograph of the Licence
Bring the required original document.
Assuming the Legal Driving Age Is the Rental Age
Spain permits Category B licences from 18, but rental companies may set higher age limits.
Ignoring the Licence-Holding Period
Blanca Cars currently requires at least two years.
Allowing an Unregistered Driver to Drive
Only authorised drivers should use the rental vehicle.
Assuming Your Partner Is Automatically Insured
They must be properly authorised.
Booking a Manual Car With an Automatic-Only Licence
Check the restrictions on your licence.
Assuming Every British Driver Needs an IDP After Brexit
Current UK government guidance says a valid UK photocard licence can be used in Spain without an IDP.
Confusing Tourist Rules With Resident Rules
Long-term residents can have different requirements for foreign licences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What driving licence do I need to rent a car in Spain?
You need a valid full driving licence recognised for driving in Spain and covering the vehicle category you want to rent.
For most ordinary rental cars, this is Category B or its foreign equivalent.
Is a Category B licence enough for a normal rental car?
Usually, yes.
DGT states that Category B covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg carrying no more than eight passengers in addition to the driver.
Can I use an EU driving licence in Spain?
Yes.
Valid EU licences are recognised for driving in Spain.
Is a Norwegian licence valid in Spain?
Yes.
Norway is part of the EEA, and valid EEA licences are recognised in Spain.
Can I drive in Spain with a UK licence?
Yes, as a visitor with a valid qualifying UK licence.
Current UK government guidance says a UK photocard licence can be used in Spain.
Do UK tourists need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Current UK government guidance says no IDP is required for Spain for a valid UK photocard licence.
Do Americans need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
DGT’s current visitor guidance says drivers coming from outside the EU/EEA should have an International Driving Permit together with their national licence and required identification.
Can I use an International Driving Permit without my original licence?
No.
DGT states that an IDP is a complementary document and must accompany the original valid driving licence.
Can I use an expired licence?
No.
The licence must be valid and in force.
Do I need the physical driving licence?
Bring the original licence required for driving and rental verification. DGT’s visitor guidance says mandatory driving documents should be originals or officially certified copies.
How long must I have held my licence for Blanca Cars?
The current Terms require a valid driving licence for the previous two years.
How old do I need to be to rent from Blanca Cars?
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that drivers must be over 25 years old.
Is 25 the legal driving age in Spain?
No.
DGT states that the minimum age to obtain a Spanish Category B licence is 18. Blanca Cars’ higher age requirement is a rental-company condition.
Does every additional driver need a licence?
Yes.
Every person driving the rental vehicle must hold the required valid licence and satisfy the rental conditions.
Can my partner drive if they are not on the rental contract?
No.
The current Blanca Cars Terms state that only drivers named on the contract are authorised to drive.
Can I rent a manual car with an automatic-only licence?
No.
You must comply with any vehicle or transmission restrictions on your licence.
Does a seven-seat car need a special licence?
A normal seven-seat passenger car generally falls within Category B, provided the vehicle remains within the relevant weight and passenger limits.
What if I live in Spain with a foreign licence?
Resident rules can be different.
DGT states that certain non-EU/EEA licences are generally valid for a maximum of six months after acquiring normal residence, after which exchange or obtaining a Spanish licence may be necessary.
The Simple Answer
If you remember only one thing from this guide, remember this:
To rent a car in Spain, you need a full, valid driving licence that Spain recognises for the vehicle you are driving — and you must separately satisfy the rental company’s age, licence-duration and documentation requirements.
For Blanca Cars under the current published Terms:
Valid full driving licence required: Yes
Normal car category: Category B or equivalent
Licence held for at least two years: Yes
Current standard driver age: Over 25
EU/EEA licence valid in Spain: Yes, while valid
UK photocard valid for tourists: Yes
UK tourist IDP normally required: No
Non-EU/EEA visitor may need IDP: Yes
IDP valid on its own: No
Original national licence still required: Yes
Additional drivers need their own valid licence: Yes
Additional drivers must be authorised: Yes
Expired licence accepted: No
Automatic-only licence can drive manual: No
Blanca Cars Driving-Licence Requirements
The clearest way to describe the current Blanca Cars policy is:
Every Blanca Cars driver must hold a driving licence that is legally valid for driving the chosen vehicle in Spain and must also satisfy Blanca Cars’ rental eligibility requirements.
The current Terms require:
Valid Driving Licence
The licence must be legally valid.
Two Years’ Licence History
The current Terms require the licence to have been valid for at least the previous two years.
Age Requirement
The current Terms state that drivers must be over 25 years old.
Identification
The renter must provide the required identification and payment documentation.
Authorised Drivers
Only drivers listed on the rental contract may drive the vehicle.
For international customers, the correct licence documentation additionally depends on the country that issued the licence.
Related Blanca Cars Guides
Continue with:
- Do I Need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
- Can I Drive in Spain With a UK Driving Licence?
- Can I Rent a Car in Spain With a Non-EU Driving Licence?
- What Documents Do I Need to Rent a Car in Spain?
- How Old Do I Need to Be to Rent a Car in Spain?
- How Long Must I Have Held My Driving Licence to Rent a Car?
- Can Someone Else Drive My Rental Car?
- Is an Additional Driver Included?
- What Happens if I Have an Accident in Spain?
- What Does Rental-Car Insurance Normally Cover?
Official Sources
For current driving-licence rules, use official sources including:
- Dirección General de Tráfico — DGT: foreign driving licences and documentation requirements
- DGT: driving-licence categories
- UK Government: UK licence and International Driving Permit rules for British visitors
- Blanca Cars Terms & Conditions: company-specific rental eligibility
DGT’s foreign-driver guidance was updated on 5 March 2026, making it particularly useful for current visitor requirements.
About This Guide
This guide explains what driving licence you need to rent and drive a car in Spain and separately identifies the current driver eligibility requirements published by Blanca Cars.
Driving-licence requirements depend on:
- Country that issued your licence
- Whether you are a tourist or resident
- Licence validity
- Vehicle category
- Whether an International Driving Permit is required
- Rental-company rules
The key distinction is:
Spanish law determines whether your licence permits you to drive in Spain. Blanca Cars separately determines whether you satisfy its conditions for renting one of its vehicles.
For Blanca Cars customers, the confirmed booking and current rental agreement should always be treated as the final source for the requirements applying to an individual rental.
Published by: Blanca Cars
Reviewed by: Blanca Cars Operations Team
Last reviewed: 11 September 2026
Review frequency: At least annually and whenever Spanish driving-licence rules or Blanca Cars driver requirements change.