Expat Words · Practical guide
Canje: Exchanging a driving licence
Understand canje, what to check and the practical steps to take.
What does it mean?
Canje means exchange. In driving administration, it concerns exchanging an eligible foreign licence for a Spanish one.
An exchange is not automatically available for every country or category. Check DGT’s country-specific route.
An everyday example
Two people with different foreign licences may need different steps even if they moved on the same day.
What to do next
- Identify the original issuing country and the categories you hold.
- Check DGT’s eligibility and evidence requirements for that country.
- Prepare the requested identity, residence and licence documents.
- Confirm what happens to the original licence and what you may use while the process is underway.
A useful question to ask
Is my particular licence eligible, and what may I drive during the exchange?
Check the official guidance
DGT: foreign driving-licence exchanges
Sources checked on 8 September 2026. These explanations and preparation prompts are introductory, not complete procedural instructions or individual legal, tax or medical advice. Confirm current requirements with the responsible authority or qualified professional before acting.