UK Driving Licence Tip
March 24th, 2008 - Sandra MarshallThank you to Mary Adamson-Leigh for this insight into whether UK expats who are resident here in Spain, actually need to switch to a Spanish licence plus more!
I wondered if the attached might be of interest to anyone else who has taken up residency here but who still has a UK drivers licence. I recently went to the Traffic Police in Almeria to change my licence but was told that there was no need. I could do if I so wanted but that it was a waste of €18.20 (or whatever the exact fee is). I was concerned that my UK licence has an invalid address on it so contacted DVLC in Swansea for clarification. It would appear that this is an acceptable (though not desirable, judging by their wording) state of affairs. Clearly the latest EU directive hadn’t got round to considering this anomaly!
“I regret that we are unable to issue a GB licence showing an address outside Wales, Scotland or England.
Drivers who take up residence in another EC/EEA country no longer have to exchange their driving licence, but may continue to drive using their own national licence for as long as it remains valid. You should however, check with the appropriate driving licensing authorities where you are now resident for information on any conditions that the host member state may stipulate.
National licences may only carry an address from the country which issued that licence. We are therefore unable to re-issue your British licence with a foreign address. It is accepted that drivers who move to another part of the EC/EEA could be holding driving licences showing an incorrect address. This is permissible under the terms of the EC Directive on Driving Licences.
Interesting if a little weird! Surely it would make more sense if they WERE able to accept a Spanish address but there you go. Thanks again Mary.
About Almerimar
Almerimar is located in the region of Andalucia, Spain. The nearest airport is 30km away in Almeria. Other airports that are within 3 hours include Malaga, Murcia, Granada, and Alicanti. Other holiday resorts in the region include Mojacar , Aguadulce and Roquetas de Mar
Almerimar is a great place to live as an expat amongst the expats, or to work amongst the Spanish. There are all kinds of properties including villas, apartments and town houses for rent or sale. It is a very traditional part of Spain, with traditional Spanish foods so if you plan to travel to Spain either to look for jobs, for your company to trade with companies in Spain, or to learn Spanish and enjoy the Spanish weather then come and take a look.
If you are interested in purchasing a property in Almerimar please visit our sponsors Mirror of the Sun or Mediterraspain
Almerimar is also one of the largest marinas in Spain with over 2,000 births and excellent boatyard facilities.
