Renting a campervan in Spain: licence, age and requirements
Before you start dreaming about the route, let's cover the practicalities: what licence do you need, from what age, how much deposit do you pay, can you cross into Portugal or France? All the answers here, no small print.
This guide goes into the legal detail of the requirements — applicable regulations, category B versus category C licences, and specific cases. If you're after the general overview (price, insurance, deposit, borders and cancellation), you'll find it in the guide to renting a campervan in Spain.
Before you start dreaming about reservoirs at sunset and coffees with a view, there's the boring but necessary bit: can I actually rent a campervan? The answer is almost always yes, and the requirements are fewer than most people imagine. Here they all are, clear and with no surprises in the small print.
The licence: the same one you already have
This is question number one, and the answer is reassuring: your everyday category B licence will do. You don't need a category C permit or any special campervan licence, because the Winkle weighs under 3,500 kg. To drive it we only ask for two things:
- A valid category B licence held for at least 2 years.
- Being 25 or older.
If you are unsure what your licence entitles you to drive, the Spanish traffic authority publishes the categories for each licence and the maximum weight each one covers.
That's it. If you tick those boxes, you're good to go. And if it's your first time behind the wheel of a campervan, don't worry about the driving: we cover that in the guide to driving a campervan for the first time, but spoiler alert: within half an hour you'll be handling it like a car.
Additional drivers: as many as you like
Travelling with a group and want to take turns driving? Perfect. You can add as many drivers as you like, each one added as an extra when you book. The important bit: each additional driver must meet the same requirements (category B licence held for 2 years, aged 25 or over), and once registered, the insurance covers them exactly the same as the lead driver. Taking turns at the wheel is the best way to handle long routes without wearing yourself out, so it's well worth doing.
The deposit and the security deposit: how payment works
Booking is straightforward. You secure the dates with a 50% deposit and pay the remaining 50% around 7 days before setting off. That way you don't have to pay it all upfront, and you lock in your dates, which fly by fast in peak season.
And if something comes up and you can't make it? The terms are fair:
- Up to 30 days before: full refund of what you've paid.
- Between 30 and 7 days before: we refund 50%.
- Less than 7 days before: we keep the deposit, but offer a free date change up to 6 months later.
The idea is that an unforeseen event shouldn't cost you the whole trip.
Insurance and assistance: already included
No surprises here: every Winkle comes with fully comprehensive insurance included and 24/7 assistance across Europe, with towing, hotel and a replacement vehicle if needed. If you break down on the road, you call the number given in your contract and, depending on how serious it is, we sort it out in under four hours. Travelling with peace of mind is part of the deal too.
Borders: Portugal and France, no paperwork
One of the perks of setting off from Madrid is having half of Europe within reach. You can travel across the European Union plus the UK, Switzerland and Norway at no extra cost. Portugal and France, the most common destinations, require no extra paperwork whatsoever: you pick up the campervan and cross straight over. For Morocco you do need to give us 15 days' notice, since we arrange specific insurance for it (an extra €50).
And that's about it
Honestly, that's the whole list. Meet the licence and age requirements, add whoever's going to drive, pay the deposit and pick your dates. We take care of the rest: the campervan fully checked over, the insurance, the assistance, the water, the gas, the electricity.
If you've got any specific doubts about your case, just message us on WhatsApp before booking and we'll confirm it in a moment, person to person. Check out the available Winkles, browse the rest of the frequently asked questions, and pick your dates and book once you're ready.
Want to see it all together — requirements, price, insurance, deposit, borders and cancellation — before booking? You'll find it in the full guide to renting a campervan in Spain.
Related articles
- Campervan or motorhome: which one to choose
- Driving a campervan for the first time: tips for your first 100 km
Before you book
Once you're ready, the guide to renting a campervan in Spain walks you through the whole booking process step by step.
Do you meet the requirements? Pick your dates and book → · Check out the Winkles
Frequently asked questions
What licence and age do I need to rent a campervan in Spain?
A valid category B driving licence held for at least 2 years, and you need to be 25 or older. The campervan weighs under 3,500 kg, so you don't need a category C licence or anything special: your everyday car licence is enough.
Can I add more drivers?
Yes, as many as you like. Each additional driver must meet the same requirements (category B licence held for 2 years, aged 25 or over) and is added as an extra when you book. It's the best way to take turns at the wheel with everything above board and the insurance covering everyone.
How much do I pay to book and when do I pay the rest?
You secure the dates with a 50% deposit and pay the remaining 50% around 7 days before setting off. If you need to cancel, you get a full refund up to 30 days before; between 30 and 7 days we refund 50%; and with less than 7 days' notice we keep the deposit but offer a free date change up to 6 months later.
Can I cross into Portugal, France or other countries?
Yes. You can travel across the European Union plus the UK, Switzerland and Norway at no extra cost. For Morocco you need to give us 15 days' notice so we can arrange specific insurance (an extra €50). Portugal and France, the most common destinations from Spain, require no extra paperwork at all.
Is insurance included?
Yes, every Winkle comes with fully comprehensive insurance included and 24/7 assistance across Europe, with towing, hotel and a replacement vehicle. If you break down on the road, you call the number on your contract and, depending on how serious it is, we sort it out in under 4 hours.