Avoid surprises – find out exactly what van documentation you need and the key requirements for driving legally in Spain.
Imagine you’ve already found the perfect van: great price, ideal size, and available right when you need it. But when it’s time to book, they ask for documents you weren’t expecting. Don’t worry — this article will answer all your questions about the documentation needed to rent a van and help you avoid last-minute issues.
Whether it’s your first time renting or you’ve done it before, it’s always a good idea to check what you need to bring and what rules you must follow to drive a van legally in Spain.
Van documentation: what do you need to rent a van?
To rent a van at Furgonetas Piqueras (or at any reputable rental company), you’ll only need three essential documents:
Identity document
If you’re a Spanish citizen, your valid DNI is enough. If you’re a foreign resident or tourist, you can present your passport or residence card. The document must be valid and in date.
Bank card
While not a form of ID, you’ll also need a valid bank card in the name of the main driver. This will be used to take the deposit (security hold) and charge the rental fee.
What if I want to add a second driver?
In many cases — especially during long moves or trips with others — it’s useful to have an additional driver. If so, the second driver must also present:
- Their DNI or passport
- Their driving licence (with the same requirements as the main driver)
This service is often free or available for a small fee, depending on the length of the rental.
What if the driving licence is foreign?
If you’re from an EU country, you can rent and drive a van in Spain using your standard EU licence without any problem.
If you’re from outside the EU, you’ll need an international driving permit, along with your original licence. Some countries — such as the USA, Argentina or Canada — have specific agreements with Spain, so it’s worth checking ahead of time.
Can I drive any type of van with a category B licence?
A common question is whether you can drive a large van with a category B licence. In most cases, the answer is yes.
For example, at Furgonetas Piqueras, we offer van models with up to 1,000 kg payload and 3 seats, with a maximum authorised mass (MAM) under 3,500 kg. That means they can be driven with a standard category B licence.
However, if you want to rent a heavier vehicle (such as a lorry or a specialised industrial van), you’ll need a category C licence.
What’s the minimum age to rent a van?
In general, the minimum age to rent a van in Spain is 21 years, and you must have held your category B licence for at least one year. This can vary slightly between companies, but at Furgonetas Piqueras this is our standard policy.
Tips before collecting your van
To make sure everything runs smoothly:
- Bring original documents (no photocopies or mobile photos)
- Check that your licence is valid and in date
- Have your bank card ready
- Review the rental terms and conditions in advance if you have any questions
Also, if you’re interested in van hire by the hour, let us know when you book so we can adjust the price and schedule accordingly. And don’t forget to have your van documentation ready!
Furgonetas Piqueras: easy van hire with no hassle
Hiring a van is much simpler than it seems — as long as you have the correct van documentation ready. All you need is your passport or ID, a valid category B licence, and an active bank card. With that sorted, you’re free to choose the van that fits your route, load, and budget. We even offer monthly van hire for longer-term needs.
At Furgonetas Piqueras, we make the process simple — whether you’re in Estepona, Marbella, San Pedro, Fuengirola, Manilva, or anywhere along the Costa del Sol. We take care of the van — you just bring the paperwork.
