Do you know what’s currently happening with Venezuelan driving licenses in Spain? The DGT (Directorate General of Traffic) has disabled the exchange of Venezuelan licenses in Spain. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about homologating a Venezuelan driving license in Spain.
As expert attorneys specializing in immigration and nationality matters, responsible for the Esabogadoextranjería law firm in Madrid, Spain, we’re here to discuss fake driving permits and Venezuelan individuals involved in document forgery crimes.
Venezuelan driver’s licenses
To exchange your Venezuelan driving license for a Spanish one, you need to meet certain requirements and provide specific documents. The exchange of the license involves homologating it, replacing the Venezuelan license with its equivalent Spanish counterpart. This process is much simpler than obtaining a new license due to the agreement established between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Kingdom of Spain, published in the Official State Gazette on September 2, 2005, under number 210. According to this agreement, any Venezuelan resident in Spanish territory can request the exchange of their driving license.
Requirements for exchanging a Venezuelan license in Spain:
- Your driving license is eligible for exchange if you obtained it before becoming a legal resident in Spain or if you obtained it before the agreement was signed.
- For licenses that only include authorization for vehicle types A and B (motorcycles, cars, and light vehicles), no tests are necessary; the exchange is direct.
- For the exchange of licenses that include authorization to drive vehicle types C and D (trucks and buses), you will typically need to pass a practical test and, in some cases, also a theoretical one.
Currently, there is an issue with these Venezuelan driving licenses.
Certain organized gangs are selling Venezuelan driving licenses to individuals here in Spain to validate their Venezuelan license and then homologate it with the Spanish Driver’s License, which is a simpler and more economical process than obtaining a new one from scratch in Spain.
Exchange of Venezuelan license in Spain:
There was a theory from other websites that we have been able to verify where they talk about:
«… Venezuelans in Spain will be able to exchange their driver’s licenses again, however, not all permits will be valid for homologation in Spanish territory. We remind you that Venezuelan permits issued in PDF format are not feasible for exchange …»
Immigration Blogs We can confirm that this statement is entirely inaccurate. The State Security Forces and specifically the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) are not currently validating any type of driver’s license from Venezuela due to the aforementioned frauds. There was a false belief that if you had a Venezuelan plastic driver’s license (which corresponds to the old format, no longer valid in Venezuela), it would be validated, but not with the new PDF format.
Trials for false documentation against Venezuelan nationals
Recently, we have seen how the Venezuelan community has been involved and affected by a group of individuals who have falsified their driving licenses with the intention of driving in Spanish territory. On December 16th, the newspaper ‘El Confidencial’ published the following news:
«The police detect thousands of Venezuelans driving in Spain with fake licenses.»
Individuals who engage in this act commit document forgery, which is punishable by law and can have significant consequences. It is true that there is a group of Venezuelan individuals who have been driving in Spain with fake licenses.
However, we are also aware that the national police have initiated proceedings for document forgery against Venezuelans who have been driving with a legal, authentic Venezuelan license. In this case, individuals should know that they can only drive for three months with a Venezuelan driving license; after this period, exchanging it for a Spanish provisional license is mandatory. Driving without a Spanish provisional license is not permitted.
What to do if you have problems with your Venezuelan driving license:
In conclusion, if you have been a victim of this misunderstanding, you should seek the assistance of an immigration lawyer to file an appeal and clarify the situation, demonstrating that the Venezuelan license is legal and authentic. This is the best course of action to resolve the issue.
Questions about the Venezuelan driving license
Can a Venezuelan driving license be exchanged for a Spanish one?
Currently, it is not possible, as the DGT has suspended the existing agreement for exchanging Venezuelan driving licenses for Spanish ones. For now, the only available option is to obtain the Spanish driving license.
Which driving licenses are valid in Spain?
Driving licenses valid in Spain are those issued by countries of the European Union (EU) or those with reciprocity agreements. For other countries, driving with a foreign license is allowed for a limited period, or it can be exchanged.
How long can I drive in Spain with a foreign license?
Generally, foreign citizens can drive in Spain with their foreign license for the first six months after entering the country. After this period, the license must be exchanged or validated accordingly.
Which driving licenses are valid in Spain?
Driving licenses valid in Spain are those issued by countries of the European Union (EU) or those with reciprocity agreements. For other countries, driving with a foreign license is allowed for a limited period, or it can be exchanged.
What happens if you are caught driving with a license from another country?
Driving with a foreign license beyond the allowed period without exchange can result in penalties, fines, and the possibility of the vehicle being immobilized. It is advisable to carry out the exchange within the established period.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.