If you are looking at buying a property on the Costa Blanca either for holidaying or full-time residence its good to know where you stand with regards to driving licenses and vehicles.
Like in most European countries driving in Spain with a UK/EU driving license is perfectly viable and you do not need to replace it for a Spanish one. If however you move to Spain on a permanent basis and become a formal resident and you find that your UK license expires you will need to exchange it for a Spanish one. The new license will mean that you would liable for the same legalities as Spanish nationals with regards to the penalty points system, validity periods and medical checks.
To exchange your driving license on the Costa Blanca you will need to visit your nearest traffic office (DGT) – unfortunately the DVLA of Swansea UK are unable to renew a driving license for individuals not residing in the UK. The process of exchanging the license is fairly straightforward. You will need to take your current license (both parts) to your local traffic office (trafico) along with:
There is a small charge for renewing the license (free for those over 70 years) which can be paid on the day. All of your paperwork will be sent off and the traffic office will liaise with the DVLA in Swansea to ensure there are no outstanding penalties. You should receive your new license within 4-6 weeks either by post or by collecting it from the traffic office. In the meantime you will be issued a provisional Spanish driving license which you should keep with you when driving.