Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal

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Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal

A valid driving licence (Carta de Condução) is needed to drive in Portugal and a driver must be minimum 18 years of age. Licences issued in some countries are not valid in Portugal beyond a fixed period. A licence which is valid for a fixed period may exchanged for a Portuguese, or may not be exchanged at all, depending on the country of issue. If a licence may not be exchanged the licence holder must take a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Portuguese driving licence. Licences issued by EU countries are valid in Portugal and need not be exchanged.

Temporary visitors on a holiday visa (under 90 days' visit) may use a valid foreign driving licence accompanied by an International Driving Licence. 

The consular office of the issuing country in Portugal can provide advice.

The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes Terrestres (IMTT) is responsible for exchanging and issuing licenses. 

• To find out from the IMTT if a licence exchange is required: Click here (in Portuguese) and select the issuing country from the drop down menu
• For information on how to exchange a foreign licence for a Portuguese one (troca de Carta de Condução Estrangeira para Portuguesa): Click here (in Portuguese)
• For information on getting a Portuguese driving licence see AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Getting a Driving Licence in Portugal

A Driving Licence from the EU or EEA

A driving licence issued in an EU or EEA member state is valid in Portugal. It may be exchanged for a Portuguese licence, but this is not obligatory.

Though a Portuguese licence is not required, Portuguese licence regulations do apply regarding:

• The period of validity of the licence
• Medical checks
• Taxes
• Penalties and restrictions, including suspension, withdrawal and cancellation of the licence

An exchange becomes compulsory if the licence holder commits a driving offence in Portugal – this is so that points can be added.

Exchanging a licence for a Portuguese one can simplify things in case of loss or theft and in order to obtain car insurance. However, after the Portuguese licence has been issued, the original is withdrawn and returned to the issuing authority.

Note: Despite the fact that valid EU licences need not be exchanged, national legislation in different EU countries may create a situation in which a licence becomes invalid. For example, holders of UK licences are required to inform their national vehicle authority, the DVLA, of any change in their address by filling in the appropriate form and posting it off with their licence. However, if the DVLA receives a foreign address it does not update the licence but rather posts off a document stating that the holder is entitled to a licence, which can then be used to get a Portuguese licence.

Exchanging an EEC licence for a Portuguese licence

Fill out form Modelo 1 IMTT available from the local IMTT office or online:

• Or download registration form: Click here (PDF)

• For the contact details of local IMTT offices: Click here (in Portuguese)

Forms not available online can also be obtained from Citizens' Shops (Loja do Cidadão), where English-speaking staff are able to help.

• For a list of Citizens' Shops: Click here

The following must be provided:

• Proof of identity: passport (Passaporte) with applicable work permit (Visto do trabalho) or study permit (Estudo/Estada Temporária), identity card (Bilhete de Identidade), or residence permit (Cartão de Residênçia) issued by SEF (Serviços de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)
• Proof of address (Compromativo do Morada): utility bills and bank statements or rental contract
• The original driving licence (Título de Condução) - it must be valid. Certified translations are necessary for driving licences that are not in Portuguese. 
  • Details are available from the IMTT, Lojas do Cidadão or the local consulate
• Students will have to show proof of student status for a period of at least six months
• Proof of no suspensions or limitations on the existing licence
• Medical Forms 921 and 922 (Atestado do Medico)
• Two identical photographs (colour, size: 3.5x2.5cm) with name clearly printed on the back
• Photocopies of all documents and a signed declaration (Declaração) from the embassy or consulate that the original documents submitted are genuine
• Stamped self-addressed envelope (SSAE)
• A small fee

The licence will be exchanged for one in the equivalent category. Once the Portuguese licence is issued, the original is withdrawn and returned to the issuing authority.

Holders of a non-EU Driving Licence

Holders of a non EU driving licence aged 18 years and over may drive in Portugal on a valid foreign licence for a fixed period from the date marked on their Residency Permit (Cartão de Residência). It then becomes obligatory to obtain a Portuguese driver's licence.

However, riciprocal agreements exist with certain countries and states (Australia, South Africa, the United States and Canada), whereby an exchange may be made providing that it is done within the first year of legal residency in Portugal. Enquire at the local Consulate or Embassy to find out about qualifying for an exchange as for EU citizens (see above).

If the licence may not be exchanged, it will be necessary to take a full Portuguese theory and practical driving exam.

Australian, Canadian, South African, US Citizens

Agreements exist between Portugal and Australia, Canada, South Africa, and some US states. Citizens aged 18 years or over may drive in Portugal on a valid Australian, Canadian, South African and some US driver's licence for up to six months (185 days) of entry into Portugal. Should a holder wish to drive beyond the six month period, they are required to exchange their licence for a Portuguese licence from the time they receive their residency permit. Failure to do so could subject the holder to a fine.

A Portuguese translation or International Driver's Permit should be kept with the Australian, Canadian, South African or complying US driver's licence. This should be made by an Embassy authorised translator or issued before leaving by the appropriate local authority. A translated licence should be confirmed at a local Notary Office. 

Students note: The US licence is valid for the full duration of studies.

A US licence issued by any of the following states may be exchanged in the same way as the EU and EEA member licences (see above), provided application is made within nine months of the issue of the residency permit:

• Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia

If the driver's licence was not issued in one of the states mentioned above, a complete Portuguese driving examination must be taken within six months of residence in Portugal, otherwise the driver is illegal and uninsured to drive.

• For additional information about exchanging an American driver's licence for a Portuguese licence, see the American Embassy page: Click here

Additional requirements for Australian driver's licence holders

Holders of Australian driving licences are able to drive in Portugal for a period of up to six months. Should a holder wish to drive beyond the six month period, they are required to exchange it for a Portuguese licence. As Australian licences do not have a valid from date noted on the licence, it may be necessary to provide a document from the Australian authorities stating when the licence was issued.

The Australian Embassy is able to issue declarations for those who hold a valid Australian Driver's Licence on the presentation of their original licence, as well as a certificate issued by the relevant Road Traffic Authority in their particular state or territory. Anyone requiring such a declaration needs to approach the appropriate Road Traffic Authority directly, requesting that a declaration be issued confirming that the person is the holder of a valid driver's licence, as well as confirming the type and class of licence, when it was first issued and when it expires.

Once the declaration has been received from Australia, the original driver's licence will need to be presented, along with the certificate from the relevant road traffic authority (copies or facsimiles are not accepted), as well as a copy of their Australian passport or Portuguese ID card (Bilhete de Identidade) (BI).

• For further information from the Australian Embassy: Click here

Not Permitted to Exchange a Licence

A driver who may not exchange their licence must take a Portuguese driving test if they wish to continue driving.

Further Information

• Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMTT)
  At: Terrestres IP, Ave das Forças Armadas 40, 1649-022 Lisboa
  Tel: 217 949 000
  Fax: 217 973 777
  Website
• Portuguese Motoring Club (Automóvel Club de Portugal ACP)
• Information from the Lojas do Cidadão (in Portuguese)
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Portugal
• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Portuguese Driving Licences

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