ES · Expiry & renewal tracking
Don't let any truck driver drive on an expired licence
Spanish C1, C1+E, C and C+E licences are valid for five years until the holder turns 65 and for three years from that age (Article 12.1 of Royal Decree 818/2009). Renewal is requested at the Provincial Traffic Office up to three months before expiry with a medical fitness report, and also renews the B licence.
Under Spain's General Drivers Regulation (Royal Decree 818/2009), driving licences in categories C1, C1+E, C and C+E are valid for five years until the holder turns 65, and for three years from that age (Article 12.1). The period may be shortened if, when the licence is issued or renewed, the holder is found to have an illness or condition that could worsen (Article 12.3). A C licence covers motor vehicles with a maximum authorised mass above 3,500 kg, with a trailer up to 750 kg; C+E covers combinations with a trailer above 750 kg (Article 4).
The Provincial Traffic Office (Jefatura Provincial de Tráfico) renews the licence at the holder's request, once the holder shows they still meet the required physical and mental fitness standards. The application can be made up to three months in advance, and the new period runs from the expiry date (Articles 13.1 and 14.1). The application must include ID card or foreigner ID number details, a recent photo and a fitness report from an authorised driver medical centre (Annex III, part B).
Renewing a C1, C1+E, C or C+E licence also renews the holder's group 1 entitlements, such as the B licence, for the periods that apply to them (Articles 13.1 and 45).
At a glance
| C1, C1+E, C and C+E, holder under 65 | 5 years (Article 12.1) |
|---|---|
| From age 65 | 3 years (Article 12.1) |
| Renewal application | Up to 3 months before expiry; the new period runs from the expiry date (Article 13.1) |
| Documents | ID details, photo and medical fitness report (Annex III, part B) |
| Who renews | The Provincial Traffic Office (Articles 13.1 and 14.1) |
| Expired licence | Does not entitle the holder to drive (Article 12.4) |
Who is responsible?
The licence holder applies for renewal at the Provincial Traffic Office (Article 13.1). Validity also depends on the holder not having lost all their points and still meeting the requirements for obtaining the licence (Article 12.5 and 12.6).
If the deadline passes
An expired licence does not entitle the holder to drive, and using it leads to its immediate withdrawal by the authorities, who send it to the Provincial Traffic Office (Article 12.4). The holder of an expired licence can still apply for renewal with the same documents (Article 13.3).
Early renewal
In duly justified exceptional cases, renewal can be requested more than three months in advance; the new validity period then runs from the application date rather than the expiry date (Article 13.1).
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each driver and record the expiry date of their C or C+E licence; if they turn 65, the next validity period will be three years.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day itself. The 60-day reminder falls within the three-month window for applying.
- The driver can upload the renewed licence through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account.
- Assign a responsible person, such as the company's transport manager; emails arrive in each recipient's language. If a date passes, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is a Spanish C licence valid?
- Five years until the holder turns 65; from that age, three years (General Drivers Regulation, Article 12.1).
- How early can I renew it?
- Up to three months before the expiry date; the new validity period runs from that date (Article 13.1).
- What do I need to renew it?
- The official application form with ID card or foreigner ID number details, a recent photo and a fitness report from an authorised driver medical centre (Article 13.2 and Annex III, part B).
- Does renewing the C licence also renew the B licence?
- Yes. Renewing a group 2 licence (C1, C1+E, C, C+E, D1, D1+E, D, D+E) also renews the holder's group 1 entitlements, for the periods that apply to them (Articles 13.1 and 45).
Sources
Last checked: Sep 30, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for HGV driving licence (C/CE) (Spain)
A ready template for HGV driving licence (C/CE) (Spain) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each HGV driving licence (C/CE) (Spain) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each HGV driving licence (C/CE) (Spain) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.