The driver’s license can be a major problem for those who see Andorra as an ideal life destination and for those who have settled down. Living in Andorra means that you will most likely need your own vehicle to be able to travel to Spain and France, or you may choose the only alternative means of transport at the moment: the bus.
That is why many residents in Andorra choose to either get a driving license or have their license approved.
Andorran driving license
Foreigners who have a residence permit of all categories in Andorra can apply for a national license. If a person already has a license abroad, foreigners can change the driver’s license to an Andorran license within six months of receiving the necessary residence permit.
However, if you have a driver’s license from a foreign country such as France, Spain and Portugal, since Andorra has agreements with these countries, you will be able to obtain the homologation of the driver’s license within the first year of obtaining your residence permit in the Principality.
To obtain this license you must provide foreign licenses to the Andorran Administration. They have to comply with the Road Traffic Act.
What are the benefits of obtaining a driving license in Andorra?
One of the main benefits of this driving license is that it does not work by points like many other licenses in neighboring countries such as France and Spain.
The driving license in Andorra does not work by obtaining points. In case of a penalty, the Andorran resident holding an Andorran driving license will have to pay the corresponding financial fine only.
Is it compulsory to homologate the driving license in Andorra?
A person formally residing in Andorra is obliged to carry out this procedure. That is to say, before six months (except for countries such as Spain, France or Portugal) all persons who obtain a residence permit in Andorra, must carry out this process of homologation of their driving licenses, whether they are issued within the European Union or not.
Documentation required for the homologation of the driving license in Andorra
In this case, for licenses issued within the European Union, for example to homologate a Spanish driving license, it will be necessary to provide:
- Official medical certificate issued in Andorra.
- Personal photograph in color with white background.
- Original and photocopy of the license to be homologated.
To homologate licenses from outside the EU:
- The above documentation.
- Certificate of authenticity of the driving license issued by the same authority that issued the apostilled license.
- Apostilled certificate of equivalence of the categories to be homologated.
Automatic homologation process – Time of homologation
Driving licenses take an average of one month to be approved by the Andorran administration.
Cost of the procedure
For the conversion of a driving license it is necessary to pay 65,39 EUR.
Personalized license plates in Andorra
In Andorra there is the option to personalize the license plate of your vehicle.
However, there are some requirements:
- Only combinations containing only letters or letters and digits are accepted, without mixing and in this order.
- The letters must be of the Catalan alphabet, in capital letters and without accents.
- The numbers must be Arabic numerals, from 0 to 9.
- Combinations that coincide or may coincide with the numbering of the ordinary license plates are not accepted.
- Combinations that make it difficult to differentiate between letters and numbers or that cause confusion between them are not accepted.
- Combinations that contain the mention «AND» and others belonging to the State or Andorran public authorities are not accepted.
- The license plate must have a minimum of 2 characters and a maximum of 5 characters.
- The 5-character license plate must have a minimum of 2 letters.
- The license plate cannot have only the combinations of the letters, «MT», «CD», «CMD», «A», «CC», «followed by digits or the word «TEST».
- Combinations reserved or previously attributed are not accepted.
- Car insurance in Andorra
In order for a vehicle to be registered and circulate in Andorra, it must be insured. In this regard, there are numerous insurance companies, such as AXA Catalana Occidente Assegur, etc.. There are also very efficient insurance comparators such as TotSegur Andorra.
Buying and importing a car from Spain to Andorra
It is common for many Andorran residents to purchase a vehicle in Spain or in another foreign country for subsequent import into the Principality. These vehicles can be new or second-hand.
In this other article we explain the information you should take into account when importing your vehicle in Andorra:
Importing a car in Andorra.
This information is very important, since if you get your driving license approved in Andorra, you are also obliged to drive a car with Andorran license plates.
What if I already have a car in Spain or in other country, can I import it?
Yes, in fact, you should import your vehicle and change the license plate depending on whether it meets the necessary requirements to be imported from abroad by a person who has changed his residence to the country. It is very important that you have all the documentation in order, as it is usual to have an examination by the Spanish police.
The most important rules for driving in Andorra
The legal age to drive in Andorra is 18 years old, however, from 16 you can drive as long as you are accompanied by an adult.
The BAC in Andorra is very different from that of Spain, in Andorra the BAC limit is 0.80 grams per liter compared to 0.25 grams per liter allowed in Spain.
In the following table we show you some of the differences between the Spanish driving license and the Andorran driving license:
Contact us
If you have any doubts about how to homologate your driving license in Andorra or if you want to import your vehicle, contact us through our email or through our direct whatsApp.
