Lost Your Spanish Driving Licence Abroad? How to Get a DGT Licence Report
Lost Your Spanish Driving Licence Abroad? How to Get a DGT Licence Report
Why Losing a Spanish Driving Licence Abroad Can Be a Problem
Many foreigners exchange their original driving licence for a Spanish licence while living in Spain. This is common, for example, among British citizens who lived in Spain and exchanged their UK licence for a Spanish one after Brexit.
The problem usually appears later, when the person leaves Spain, moves back to their home country or relocates somewhere else, and then loses the Spanish driving licence card.
- You may no longer have a valid Spanish address where a replacement card can be sent.
- Your Spanish residence permit may have expired or you may no longer be officially resident in Spain.
- Your original foreign licence may no longer be physically available because it was exchanged in Spain.
- Your current national driving authority may request official confirmation from the Spanish DGT before issuing or restoring your local licence.
The Most Important Question: Can The DGT Confirm My Spanish Driving Licence Details?
Yes. The Spanish Traffic Authority, known as the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), can provide information about your driving record in Spain.
Depending on the situation, this may include information such as:
- Your Spanish driving licence categories.
- The validity of your Spanish driving licence.
- Your driver record held by the DGT.
- Possible restrictions, limitations or adaptations.
- Information about whether your licence has been withdrawn, suspended or is no longer valid.
- Other relevant information that may be needed by a foreign driving authority.
DGT Driver Report vs. DGT Driver Certificate
Before requesting anything, it is important to understand that there can be different types of documents.
- DGT driver report: This is usually a report showing the information currently held by the DGT regarding your driving record, such as valid permits, points or restrictions.
- DGT driver certificate: This may be a more specific or personalised certificate requested for a particular purpose, for example to present before a foreign driving authority.
- Duplicate Spanish driving licence: This is a replacement of the physical Spanish licence card. It may not always be the best solution if you no longer live in Spain or if the foreign authority is asking for a licence summary rather than a card.
When Would You Need This DGT Report?
You may need a DGT licence report or certificate in several situations:
- You exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish licence while living in Spain.
- You later returned to the UK and lost the Spanish licence card.
- The DVLA or another authority requires proof of your Spanish licence details.
- You moved to another country and need to exchange or recover your driving licence there.
- You no longer have access to your Spanish address.
- Your Spanish residence card has expired, but your driver record still exists in Spain.
- You need official confirmation of your Spanish driving categories and entitlement.
Example: A British Citizen Who Lost Their Spanish Licence After Leaving Spain
A very common case would be the following:
In this situation, simply saying “I had a Spanish licence but lost the card” is usually not enough. The authority may need an official document from Spain confirming the licence details.
That is why requesting the correct DGT report or certificate can be the key step.
How To Request A DGT Licence Report Or Certificate
The process will depend on your personal situation, your access to Spanish electronic identification, and the exact document required.
Confirm What The Foreign Authority Is Asking For:
Before requesting anything from Spain, you should check the wording used by the foreign authority. For example, they may ask for:
- A licence summary.
- A letter of entitlement.
- A certificate of driving entitlement.
- Confirmation of Spanish driving categories.
- Proof that your Spanish licence is valid or was issued after an exchange.
- Confirmation that the licence has not been withdrawn or suspended.
This matters because requesting the wrong document can waste time and may not solve the problem.
Check Whether You Have Spanish Digital Access:
Some DGT procedures can be done online if you have valid Spanish electronic identification.
This may include:
- Spanish digital certificate.
- Cl@ve access.
- DNI electrónico, if applicable.
- Access through the DGT electronic office.
However, many foreigners who have already left Spain no longer have easy access to these systems. In some cases, they never obtained a Spanish digital certificate while living in Spain.
Request The Correct DGT Driver Report Or Certificate:
Depending on the case, the request may involve obtaining a driver report or applying for a more specific certificate from the DGT.
The document should ideally confirm the information required by the foreign authority, such as:
- The identity of the licence holder.
- The Spanish driving licence details.
- The driving categories held.
- The date of issue or validity of the Spanish licence, where available.
- Any relevant restrictions or limitations.
- Any information relevant to the previous exchange of the licence.
Submit The Document To The Foreign Authority:
Once obtained, the DGT document may need to be sent to the foreign authority. Depending on the country and the purpose, they may request:
- The original PDF document.
- A document with a verification code.
- A sworn translation.
- A legalised or apostilled document, in more formal cases.
- Additional proof of identity or previous residence in Spain.
Can I Simply Request A Duplicate Spanish Driving Licence?
Sometimes, yes. If your Spanish licence is still valid, the DGT may allow a duplicate licence to be requested in cases of loss, theft or deterioration.
However, this is not always the most practical solution if you are already living abroad.
- You may not have a valid Spanish address.
- You may not be able to attend an appointment in Spain.
- You may not need a new Spanish card at all.
- The foreign authority may specifically require a report or certificate, not a duplicate card.
Documents You May Need
Although the exact documents depend on the case, you may normally need some of the following:
- Copy of your passport.
- Copy of your NIE or former Spanish residence card, if available.
- Copy or photo of the lost Spanish driving licence, if you have one.
- Proof of your previous address in Spain, if relevant.
- Any letter or email from the foreign driving authority explaining what they require.
- Authorisation form, if someone is assisting you with the procedure.
- Spanish digital certificate or Cl@ve access, if you have it.
What If I No Longer Have Spanish Residency?
Not having current Spanish residency does not automatically mean that your previous driver record disappears.
If you legally exchanged your licence in Spain, the DGT may still hold information about your Spanish licence and driving history.
However, not being resident in Spain can make the practical side of the procedure more difficult, especially if:
- You cannot access the DGT online system.
- You do not have a Spanish digital certificate.
- You cannot receive post at a Spanish address.
- You cannot attend an appointment in person.
- You need the document urgently for another authority.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Requesting a duplicate card when the authority actually needs a certificate: This may delay the process unnecessarily.
- Not checking the exact wording required by the foreign authority: A generic report may not always be enough.
- Assuming the foreign authority understands the Spanish system: They may not know what the DGT can or cannot issue.
- Waiting until the last minute: If a personalised certificate is needed, the process may take longer than downloading a simple online report.
- Ignoring translation requirements: Some authorities may require a sworn translation into their official language.
- Trying to explain the situation informally: Administrative authorities usually need documents, not explanations.
Do I Need A Sworn Translation?
It depends on the authority requesting the document.
If the DGT report or certificate is issued in Spanish, a foreign authority may ask for a translation. In some cases, an informal translation may be enough, but in more formal procedures they may require a sworn translation.
Can Expat Agency Help?
Yes. At Expat Agency, we assist foreigners with administrative procedures in Spain, including driving licence and DGT-related matters.
We can review your case and help determine:
- What document the foreign authority is really asking for.
- Whether a DGT driver report or personalised certificate is more appropriate.
- Whether you can access the procedure online.
- What documents are needed to prepare the request.
- Whether translation or additional formalities may be required.
Need Help Getting A DGT Licence Report From Spain?
If you are abroad and need a Spanish driving licence report or certificate, please contact us by email and explain your situation.
To assess the case, it is helpful if you include:
- Your nationality.
- When you lived in Spain.
- Whether you exchanged your original licence for a Spanish one.
- Whether your Spanish licence was lost, stolen or expired.
- What the foreign driving authority is asking you to provide.
- Whether you still have NIE, Spanish residence card, digital certificate or any copy of the licence.
