How long does it take to renew the driving licence in 2026?

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive is how long does it take to renew a driving licence? The answer depends on which part of the process we are talking about. Here are the actual times broken down for you.

Time at the medical centre: less than 20 minutes

The medical examination itself is very quick. In our centre in Málaga, the entire process —from the moment you enter until you leave with the provisional licence in hand— takes less than 20 minutes.

This time includes:

• Verification of your documentation (1-2 min)
• Vision test (3-5 min)
• Psychotechnical test on computer (5-8 min)
• Medical examination (3-5 min)
• Issuance of the provisional licence (2 min)

Waiting time in the room: variable

If you attend without an appointment during a peak time, there may be a wait before you are seen. To avoid this, we recommend:

• Booking an appointment online or via WhatsApp
• Attending mid-morning (10:30 – 12:00) on weekdays
• Avoiding the last days of the month

If you have booked an appointment, there is practically no wait.

Processing time by the DGT: 4-8 weeks

Once the medical centre sends the documentation to the DGT (it does this automatically), the administration processes and sends the definitive licence. The usual time is 4 to 8 weeks.

During this period, the provisional licence you received at the medical centre is fully legally valid. You can drive normally.

When does the provisional licence expire?

The provisional licence is valid for 6 months. During that time, you will almost certainly have received the definitive licence. If for some reason it does not arrive within that period (which is very uncommon), you can contact the DGT to check the status of the processing.

Summary of times

Tips to avoid being without a licence

• Don’t wait until the last moment: although you can renew even with an expired licence, driving with it expired is a serious offence
• Renew in advance: you can renew up to 3 months before the expiry date without losing that time of validity
• Keep the provisional licence safe: it is your only valid documentation while you wait for the definitive licence

What if I need the licence urgently?

There is no express route at the DGT for ordinary driving licences. However, the provisional licence you receive at the time of the examination is completely valid for driving. If you need to renew before a long trip, go to the medical centre with enough time to have the provisional licence in hand before your departure date.