Andorra – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Andorra on their home country licence, and for how long?

The broad principle is that anyone residing in Andorra for more than six months must hold an Andorran driving licence, though foreign nationals are permitted to use their own permits during a defined initial period. The rules vary considerably depending on whether you are present as a tourist or have formally established residency in the country.

Tourists may drive in Andorra using any licence issued by the Andorran authorities themselves, by EU and EFTA member states (which include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein), or by countries whose licences comply with Annex 9 of the 1949 Geneva Convention or Annex 6 of the 1968 Vienna Convention. In practical terms, most internationally accepted licences are valid for visitors passing through.

Those who have obtained an Andorran residence permit are required by the Andorran traffic code to replace their foreign licence with a locally issued one within one year of that permit being granted. Throughout that initial twelve months of residency, they remain entitled to drive using their foreign licence, as long as it is still valid and covers the relevant vehicle category.

Crucially, this exchange obligation applies uniformly to all types of residency — both active (employment-based) and passive (non-lucrative). The legislation draws no distinction between permit categories. This is worth highlighting, as some countries apply differing rules depending on the specific visa or residency type held, whereas Andorra’s approach is consistent and universal across all permit holders.

Does Andorra have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Licences issued in EU member states, and those from Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein (EFTA), are automatically validated in Andorra — meaning no driving examination is required. All vehicle categories covered by such licences are recognised without the need for any test. Andorra additionally accepts licences from countries with which it has entered into bilateral homologation agreements.

Licences from Spain, France, South Korea, Japan, Switzerland, and Monaco may be directly homologated upon satisfaction of specific administrative conditions. Permits from European microstates — including San Marino, Malta, Monaco, and Luxembourg — are similarly approved without examination, across all categories.

For countries falling outside these groups, the approval route depends on the nation in question: some require candidates to sit a practical examination only, while others — where the necessary supporting documentation cannot be produced — require the applicant to complete both the theory and practical tests in full.

If you hold a licence from a country with no agreement in place — such as the United States, Canada, or various Latin American nations — you will need to pass both the written and practical examinations to qualify for an Andorran licence, regardless of the validity of your existing foreign permit. It is always advisable to confirm the current status of any bilateral agreement directly with the Departament de Mobilitat, since the list of recognised countries may be subject to revision.

It is also worth noting that these exchange arrangements operate on the basis of reciprocity — Andorra and its partner countries must mutually recognise one another’s licences on equivalent terms.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Andorra?

You have twelve months from the date your residency permit is issued to complete the licence exchange. Once this window closes, your original foreign licence will no longer be legally sufficient for driving within the Principality, and penalties may apply. Those who allow the deadline to pass will typically be required to take the full Andorran driving test rather than benefiting from the streamlined administrative exchange process.

The exchange procedure — known locally as homologació or homologation — follows a defined sequence of steps. Broadly similar to the process of exchanging an EU licence in Switzerland, or a non-EU licence in France, it involves surrendering your original document and demonstrating that you meet medical fitness standards.

1. Register with your local Comú (parish council). All applicants must first enrol at the Comú of the parish in which they reside. This step confirms your residence status and is a mandatory precondition for the application.
2. Obtain a medical certificate from an approved Andorran doctor. A medical certificate no more than three months old, issued by a doctor practising in Andorra, must form part of your application file. This assessment typically incorporates an eyesight check. The cost of the medical certificate is generally between €30 and €40 (as of 2025) — confirm current charges directly with your doctor.
3. Assemble the required supporting documents. You will need a recent colour passport photograph taken by a professional photographer — machine-generated booth photos are no longer accepted — along with the original and a photocopy of both sides of your foreign licence. For licences issued outside the EU/EEA, you will additionally need an authenticity certificate and a certificate confirming the equivalence of licence categories from the issuing authority in your home country, accompanied by an apostille where this is required.
4. Complete the official application form. The form is provided by the Servei de Tràmits del Govern d’Andorra and is available for collection in person or as a download from the government’s website.
5. Lodge your application and pay the relevant fee. Submit your complete dossier either at the government’s Tràmit offices or directly through the Departament de Mobilitat. The combined cost — comprising the administrative fee of approximately €70 and the medical certificate at €30–€40 — typically amounts to around €100–€110 in total (as of 2025). Always confirm the current fee schedule with the official authority prior to submitting your application.
6. Surrender your original licence. As part of the exchange, the Andorran authorities will retain your original permit and forward it to the road traffic authority of the issuing country. In the interim period before your new Andorran licence is ready, a provisional driving document will be provided.
7. Allow time for processing. After your complete file has been submitted, the procedure generally takes between two and four weeks. The exact timeframe will depend on the number of applications being handled and how promptly your home country’s authorities respond to requests to verify your licence.

Expired licences are not eligible for exchange. If your licence is approaching its expiry date, it is strongly recommended that you renew it through your country of origin before initiating the Andorran exchange process.

The Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA) is authorised to manage the exchange process on behalf of applicants. Though this involves an additional management charge, it offers a more convenient option — particularly for those with limited availability to attend government offices in person. It represents a legitimate alternative to applying directly through the Tràmit offices.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Andorra from scratch?

If your licence was issued by a country that has no exchange arrangement with Andorra, you will be required to sit a driving test consisting of both a theory component and a practical driving assessment. The same applies if you have allowed the one-year exchange deadline to pass without completing the process and your situation is not covered by a bilateral agreement.

A particularly important practical consideration is that, during the first year of residency, any foreign national may sit the driving examination in English in order to obtain authorisation for any licence category — whether for a motorcycle, car, or heavy vehicle. Once this initial period expires, the test may only be conducted in Catalan. This is a meaningful advantage that newcomers are strongly encouraged to take advantage of from the outset of their time in Andorra.

The procedure for obtaining an Andorran licence from the beginning is as follows:

1. Enrol at an approved driving school (autoescola). Registration at a recognised driving school in Andorra is compulsory. These establishments provide comprehensive theory and practical instruction, and many offer multilingual tuition to accommodate newly arrived residents.
2. Complete the theory course. The theory examination comprises 30 multiple-choice questions, with a minimum of 24 correct answers required to pass. The test is conducted in Catalan as standard, though Spanish, English, or French may be available during the first year of residency upon presentation of a valid passport.
3. Complete practical training. Driving practice encompasses both a closed training circuit and real road conditions. The number of lessons needed will vary based on the school’s curriculum and your level of prior experience.
4. Sit the practical driving test. The practical examination lasts approximately 25 minutes. The examiner evaluates vehicle handling, compliance with traffic regulations, hazard anticipation, and overall driving safety. The vehicle used — manual or automatic — will correspond to the licence category being sought.
5. Obtain a medical certificate. As with all licence applications in Andorra, a certificate from an approved local doctor confirming your fitness to drive is mandatory. An eyesight assessment is included in this examination.
6. Submit your application documents. The documents required — including a certificate of residence and confirmation of driving school completion — must be lodged at the Departament de Mobilitat.
7. Pay the applicable fees. Fees for a new licence application differ depending on the category sought and the school attended. Refer to the official Government of Andorra website for the current fee schedule, as charges are subject to change.

The Andorran licence category system closely mirrors that used across Europe. Category B — covering standard passenger cars — is by far the most commonly pursued. The overall timeframe for completing the process varies with individual progress and test slot availability, but most candidates should plan for several weeks from enrolment to licence issuance.

How do you renew a driving licence in Andorra?

Andorran driving licences carry a validity period of ten years. When the time comes to renew, the application is made at the Departament de Mobilitat and a renewal fee is payable. Since administrative charges are periodically revised, it is advisable to confirm the current fee with the official authority before proceeding.

A renewal application must include a fresh medical certificate from an approved Andorran doctor, confirming that the applicant remains medically fit to drive. This requirement mirrors the approach taken in countries such as Spain and France, where periodic health assessments are embedded in the licence renewal process. A current colour photograph and valid proof of Andorran residency are also required.

Andorra does not bar persons over the age of 65 from undergoing a new driving test. As of January 2024, the previous restriction preventing over-65s from sitting road tests has been removed under revised government policy, meaning that where a road test is required — for example as part of an application for a new licence — candidates aged over 65 may now participate.

There is currently no facility to renew an Andorran driving licence online — the process must be completed in person at the relevant government office. Foreign nationals renewing an Andorran licence follow exactly the same procedure as Andorran citizens. Always consult the Departament de Mobilitat directly for the most up-to-date requirements and fee information before commencing your renewal.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Andorra?

Andorra recognises the International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP serves as a standardised translation of your national driving licence, enabling you to drive in countries where your domestic permit may not independently be recognised. It is not a stand-alone document — it must be carried in conjunction with your original national licence at all times.

While Andorra is not a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention, it accepts IDPs issued under both that convention and the 1949 Geneva Convention. The version that applies to any particular driver depends on which convention their home country has ratified. For instance, travellers originating from the United States are generally advised to obtain a 1949 Geneva Convention IDP before departing. If you are uncertain which version applies to your situation, contact your national motoring association before travelling.

A 1949 Convention IDP remains valid for a maximum of one year from the date of issue, while a 1968 model IDP is valid for up to three years. In both cases, the IDP’s validity cannot extend beyond the expiry date of your domestic driving licence.

For those living permanently in Andorra or spending an extended period there, local licensing law applies regardless of whether an IDP is held. The IDP is therefore primarily relevant to tourists and short-term visitors, and does not provide any exemption from the legal requirement to exchange your licence once residency has been established. To obtain an IDP for use abroad from within the Principality, apply through the Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA).

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Andorra?

Andorra operates a strict regime of penalties for road traffic violations. Offences such as speeding or drink-driving may result in substantial fines, licence suspension, or in serious cases, custodial sentences. The same framework applies to licence-specific infractions, including operating a vehicle without holding an appropriate valid licence for that category.

Once the one-year grace period for licence exchange has elapsed, your original foreign permit is no longer considered valid for driving purposes within the Principality, and penalties will apply. Continuing to drive on a foreign licence that has either expired or should have been exchanged is treated as driving without a valid licence — a serious offence under Andorran law.

If a road traffic offence is committed while driving in Andorra on a foreign licence, the consequences may include a financial penalty or the withdrawal of driving privileges. In certain circumstances, legal proceedings may also be pursued in the driver’s country of origin.

Unlike France, which operates a points-based system under which infringements result in the deduction of points from a licence, Andorra does not use such a model. However, the absence of a points scheme does not mean that licences are immune from sanctions — they can still be suspended or permanently revoked for serious violations.

The precise financial penalties associated with specific licence offences are not consistently published in English, and the relevant figures are updated when regulations change. Rather than relying on third-party sources, always verify current penalty information with the Departament de Mobilitat or a qualified local legal adviser. Familiarising yourself with Andorran traffic law before driving in the country is the most effective way to avoid inadvertent offences.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Andorra?

All driving licence applications, exchanges, and renewals are administered by the Departament de Mobilitat i Telecomunicacions (Department of Mobility and Telecommunications) within the Government of Andorra. This body functions as the national road transport authority and is responsible for every administrative aspect of the licensing system.

The department’s primary contact details are as follows:

• Departament de Mobilitat: www.mobilitat.ad
• Government of Andorra (general): www.govern.ad
• Address: C. Prat de la Creu, 62–64, AD500 Andorra la Vella. Switchboard: +376 875 700. Email: [email protected]

The Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA) is a further important point of contact — it holds official authorisation to handle the licence exchange process on behalf of applicants and is also the organisation through which Andorra-based residents can obtain an International Driving Permit for use when travelling abroad. The ACA is broadly comparable to national motoring organisations such as the AA in the United Kingdom or the ADAC in Germany.

For those wishing to access application forms and official guidance, the government’s online administrative portal — the Servei de Tràmits — makes downloadable documentation available. The mobilitat.ad website is the recommended source for real-time road condition reports and traffic information. Where your case involves documentation originating from a country outside the Hague Convention framework, it may also be necessary to engage with the Ministeri d’Afers Exteriors (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) to arrange verification of your paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Andorra as a tourist using my home country licence?

Yes, visitors to Andorra may drive using licences issued by EU and EFTA member states, as well as those compliant with the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention. If your licence does not fall within any of these categories, you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. These visitor driving rights do not apply to individuals who have taken up residency in Andorra.

How long do I have to exchange my foreign licence after becoming a resident?

Anyone holding an Andorran residence permit who also holds a driving licence issued abroad must replace that licence with an Andorran one within one year of their permit being issued. Allowing this deadline to pass will typically mean having to complete the full theory and practical driving examinations rather than benefiting from the straightforward administrative exchange.

Do I need to retake my driving test in Andorra?

Holders of licences issued in EU member states, or in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, are entitled to have their licence validated automatically without sitting any examination. For licences from other countries, the requirement varies by nation of origin: some applicants need only take a practical test, while others must complete both the theory and practical assessments in full.

What happens if I miss the one-year deadline to exchange my licence?

If homologation is requested after the one-year residency period has passed, the applicant will generally need to apply for a new Andorran driving licence from scratch rather than undergoing a simple exchange. An exception may apply where Andorra holds a bilateral agreement with the country that issued the original licence. If you are in any doubt about your situation, contact the Departament de Mobilitat at the earliest opportunity.

Will my original licence be returned to me after the exchange?

No — upon completion of the exchange, the Andorran authorities keep your original licence and forward it to the road traffic authority in the issuing country. Your Andorran licence is issued in its place, and it is not possible to hold both simultaneously. Ensure that your foreign licence is still valid before beginning the exchange process, as expired permits are not eligible for exchange.

Is an International Driving Permit enough on its own to drive in Andorra?

No — an IDP does not replace a valid driving licence. When driving in Andorra, you are required to carry your valid national licence at all times. The IDP functions as a standardised translation document and must always be presented together with the original licence to which it relates.

How long is an Andorran driving licence valid for?

An Andorran driving licence is valid for ten years. Renewing it requires a new application at the Departament de Mobilitat, including a current medical certificate confirming the holder’s continued fitness to drive. Check with the official authority for the applicable renewal fee at the time of your application.

Where can I get help with the licence exchange process in Andorra?

The Automòbil Club d’Andorra (ACA) holds official authorisation to manage the licence exchange procedure on behalf of applicants. Although an additional management fee is involved, this route can considerably reduce the administrative burden compared with applying directly through the government’s Tràmit offices. For all official queries, the Departament de Mobilitat at mobilitat.ad is the primary point of reference.