Destinations / Spain
Driving in Spain as a visitor
Usually yes. Spain expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Spain expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 120 km/h autopistas |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| In the car | Two warning triangles and a reflective vest must be carried. |
|---|---|
| Local practice | Spare pair of glasses required if you wear them to drive. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.03% for novice drivers. |
| Right of way | Roundabouts: yield to traffic already circulating. |
On the road in Spain
At the pump
Stations sell gasolina (95/98 unleaded) and gasoleo/diesel A; many are self-service (autoservicio) and some rural ones close midday or only take cards overnight. Cards are widely accepted; petrol is around EUR 1.55-1.75/litre, often cheaper than France or Italy.
After a crash
Call 112; police must attend if there are injuries. For damage-only crashes complete the declaracion amistosa de accidente (European Accident Statement) signed by both drivers, photograph the scene, avoid moving vehicles when anyone is hurt, and notify the rental firm; carry and wear the reflective vest when exiting on a road.
Sources: spainonfoot.com · tyremap.com · cover4rentals.ie · europa.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Spain?
Usually yes. Spain expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Spain accept?
Spain recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Spain ask for one?
Hertz, Enterprise and Alamo ask for an IDP for non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.