A familiar post-Brexit driving myth has resurfaced online, claiming that British holidaymakers now require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Spain.
The reality is straightforward: visiting tourists holding a standard UK photocard licence do not need an IDP to drive in Spain, including across the Balearic and Canary Islands. While an IDP remains mandatory in some EU nations if you still hold an older UK paper licence, standard photocard licences are legally accepted for short-term visits in Spain.
Why does the confusion persist? Much of it comes down to car hire desks. Certain private vehicle rental companies demand an IDP as part of their rental conditions. This is purely a private commercial policy rather than a statutory traffic requirement; an operator can set its own terms, just as it could demand customers wear a red t-shirt. You cannot receive a police fine under Spanish traffic law for not having an IDP in these circumstances, though the company can refuse to hire you a vehicle if you fail to meet their private criteria. In the past, rare instances occurred where local police incorrectly issued fines, but these administrative errors were resolved.
Telling drivers to search the official DGT portal for proof is also unhelpful. Traffic authorities outline what the law requires, not an endless list of things you do not need.
Crucially, this exemption applies strictly to tourists. If you are moving to live in Spain, you must exchange your licence. Driving on a UK licence as a registered resident is an offence once validity lapses, and the formal process must be completed to hold a valid Spanish licence.
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