Buy the IMT Driving License
If you are a non-EU national and new to Portugal, you should change your driving license from a foreign country as soon as you can. If you don't, your license could be confiscated or cancelled.
In order to complete your exchange, you'll need to provide the following documents: a photo ID as well as a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residency. You may need to have a medical examination.
Cost
The cost of purchasing the IMT driving license is based on whether you decide to take the test in person or online. The test costs $15 in person and lasts for 30 minutes. It is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions and covers the syllabus that you've learned in preparation classes. The test is in Portuguese, but you can choose to translate it into English. The IMT website provides a list of private centers that can offer the test.
The IMT also offers an online service for replacing stolen or lost drivers' licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request and receive a digital certificate. Then, you can take the certificate to a police station in order to receive an additional license within eight weeks. In addition, you may submit your request to an IMT desk in person. You will need a valid ID document, such as an identity card, passport, taxpayer number, a citizen card or a residence permit. Also, you will need to complete the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
After moving to Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese driver's license as soon as you are able. This will shield you from huge fines if the foreign license gets lost or stolen. It is also recommended to get a new Portuguese driving license before the old one expires.
You can apply in person at an IMT office or on the internet. In-person meetings are the most popular for complicated applications like ones that involve the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings might require additional documents, like an official translation of your foreign license or an official copy of your home country's the governing body.
The US does not have a central database for driving licenses, unlike other countries. This can mean that it takes longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's license. Fortunately you can avoid this by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper license if it's about to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for one that is a Portuguese one can be a bit confusing and lengthy. You must prepare all of the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office and carry cash in case the office doesn't accept credit cards. Download the SIGA app on your phone to determine how many people are being dealt with at any given time.
Requirements
You can exchange a foreign driving license to one that is a Portuguese license without having to take the Portuguese driving test. However, the process can be a lengthy one. In addition to preparing your documentation and preparing your documents, you might also have to take classes for preparation and the theory test at IMT or a private examination center. You must have completed 32 hours of instruction in practical classes and 28 hours of theory in order to be eligible for a driving test. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. These centers are listed on the IMT's website. The duration of the classes is dependent on your availability as well as your improvement.
To exchange your driver's license from another country you must submit an abstract of your driving record from the state where you had your last residence in the United States. This document must be apostilled/stamped to be valid when included in your application to IMT. The embassy will verify the certificate. You can bring it along to your in-person appointment with IMT.
You can apply online or in an IMT office close to you. Online applications are faster and less stressful. You'll need an identification document, such as your taxpayer number or citizen card, to submit a request. If you're exchanging an international license, you'll also need your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that lets drivers request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service can save time and money, and is much more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has launched an online portal which allows drivers to upload their documents, and can even upload a photo.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility to have an automatic announcement when it's time to moment to renew the driving licence. The IMT will also inform you when your driving permit expires, and when you can renew it.
Time frame
Getting your driving license to drive in Portugal can be a lengthy process. The IMT can take as long as 30 days to process your application and can take even longer if you're applying during peak times. While you wait you are able to drive with your foreign license or temporary permit.
You can check the status of your application online and track its progress. However, some applications require an individual visit. In certain cases you can provide the required documents from your home country, making the process much easier.
If you're attempting to exchange your EU driver's license, you must complete the process in the earliest time possible. This will help prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It is also important to obtain an Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad. The IMT will not be able replace your EU license if it is stolen or lost in a different country.
After you've completed your application, a medical exam will be required. This is a simple test to ensure that you're mentally fit to operate the vehicle. This test doesn't contain stress tests or bloodwork and therefore should be easy to pass. The IMT website contains an approved list of doctors for this exam.
Once you have passed your medical test, you can start preparing for both the practical and theory exams. The theory test can be taken at the IMT or an examination center privately owned however, you must have completed your preparation classes prior to taking the exam. The practical test can be taken either separately or as a part of the theory exam. If you decide to take the theory test and the practical test together, you'll require a certificate of preparation class with you. You'll need to retake the test if you do not.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal, make sure you get your driver's license exchanged as soon as possible. Failure to do this could result in fines and a delay in the issuance of your residence permit. It is recommended that you exchange your residence permit within 90 days.
If you're an EU resident or not, you need to obtain a Certificate of Authentication for your old license before changing it to an Portuguese one. This document can be obtained from the embassy in your country or consular service in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical examination. Fortunately, this exam isn't as long as you think. It involves blood tests and a check-up to make sure you can safely drive. The test costs EUR25 and is conducted by a doctor from an medical group.