How to renew your driving licence in Málaga step by step

Renewing your driving licence is one of the most common procedures undertaken by Spanish drivers. If you reside in Málaga and need to renew your driving permit, this article explains the entire process in detail.

When should you renew your driving licence?

Driving licences have a specific validity period depending on the type of permit and the driver’s age. Licences of classes A and B for drivers under 65 years old are valid for 10 years. From the age of 65, the validity is reduced to 5 years.

Professional permits (C, D and their derivatives) have a validity of 5 years regardless of age, and also require a specific medical examination.

Required documentation

To renew your driving licence in Málaga, you will need:

• Valid DNI or NIE — it must be valid at the time of the examination
• Glasses or contact lenses — if you regularly use them for driving, wear them or bring them in their case
• The current licence is not essential, but it is advisable to have it on hand

There is no need to bring a photograph: the medical centre will take it digitally during the examination.

The complete process

1. Visit an authorised medical centre

The first step is to undergo a medical and psychotechnical examination at a centre authorised by the DGT. The examination includes:

• Visual acuity test — assesses distance vision, near vision, and field of vision
• Hearing ability test
• Psychotechnical test — evaluates reaction time, attention, and coordination
• Medical examination — checks blood pressure, reflexes, and general health status

The entire process takes less than 20 minutes. At the end, you will receive the fitness report and the provisional driving permit, which is valid for 6 months.

2. The DGT processes the definitive licence

Once the provisional permit is issued, the medical centre sends the documentation directly to the DGT. You do not need to visit any Traffic office. Within a period of 4 to 8 weeks, you will receive the definitive licence at your home by ordinary mail.

How much does it cost to renew the licence?

The cost of the medical examination varies depending on the centre. Check the current price by contacting us via WhatsApp or phone. We do not publish fixed rates on the website as they may be updated.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive with the provisional permit?
Yes. The provisional permit has the same legal validity as the definitive licence during the 6 months it is valid.

What happens if I fail the examination?
If the result of the examination is unfavourable, the doctor will inform you of the reasons. In some cases, it may be a temporary issue (such as an eye infection) that, once resolved, allows you to pass the examination.

Is an appointment necessary?
It is not mandatory. You can go directly to the centre, although we recommend booking an appointment to avoid waiting.

Can I renew the licence even if it has expired for a long time?
Yes. You can renew the licence even if it has expired, but keep in mind that driving with an expired licence constitutes a serious traffic violation.

Final advice

Renewing your driving licence in Málaga is a simple and quick procedure if you visit an authorised medical centre. The entire process from the moment you enter the centre until you leave with the provisional permit takes less than half an hour. Book your appointment in advance and avoid the crowds at the end of the month.