Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're a non-EU citizen and are new to Portugal, you should exchange your foreign driving licence as soon as possible. If you don't do it, your license could be confiscated or even cancelled.
You'll require the following documents to complete your exchange ID, an completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residency. You may be required to undergo an exam for medical conditions.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving licence varies depending on whether you take the theory test online or in person. The test costs $15 in person and lasts for 30 minutes. The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that cover the syllabus you learned in preparation classes. The test is available in Portuguese or English. The IMT website lists the list of private centers that can offer the exam.
The IMT offers a service online to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows users to submit their request and receive a digital certificate. Then, you can take the certificate to the police station to receive an additional license within eight weeks. You could also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You will require an ID document like a citizen card or taxpayer number, a residence permit or passport, and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
After moving to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese driver's license as quickly as you are able. You will be protected from paying heavy penalties in the event that your driver's license from abroad is stolen or lost. It is also recommended to get a new Portuguese driving license before the old one expires.
You can submit your application online or in person at an IMT office. In-person visits are the most common for complicated applications like those that require the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documents, like an official translation of your foreign license or the copy of your home country's the governing body.
The US has no central database for driving licenses unlike other countries. This means it will take longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's license. You can prevent this issue by asking IMT for an extension of your temporary paper driver's license in the event that it is soon to expire.
The process of exchanging your US driver's license for one that is a Portuguese one can be a bit confusing and time-consuming. You must prepare all of the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office, and you should bring cash in case the office isn't able to accept credit cards. An excellent tip is to download an application called SIGA on your smartphone, which lets you know how many people are being handled and how long you'll need to wait.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged for a Portuguese driving license without taking the Portuguese driving test. The process can still be lengthy. You may have to organize your documents, but you'll be required to attend preparatory classes and then take the theory test at IMT or privately. To be eligible for the driving test you must have completed 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical ones. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. You can find the list of these centers on the IMT website. The duration of the lessons is contingent on your availability and your improvement.
To exchange your foreign license you must provide an abstract of your driving documents from the state in which you last resided in the United States. The document must be apostilled or stamped in order to be valid for inclusion in your application to IMT. The embassy will authenticate the certificate. You can bring it along to your in-person appointment with IMT.
Cartao Expresso De Portugal can apply for a driving license online or in person at the IMT office in your city. The online application process is simpler and less stressful. However, you will need an identification document such as your citizen card or taxpayer number to submit an application. If you're exchanging a foreign license, you'll also require your passport or resident permit.
The IMT has a new service that lets drivers request a duplicate driver's license online. This new service is convenient and could save your time and money. The IMT created a portal which lets drivers upload their documents and even provide pictures.
The institute also gives you the option of receiving an automated notification when the time is the right time to renew your driving license. The IMT will also tell you when your driving license expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of obtaining your driving license in Portugal could be long. It can take up to 30 days for the IMT to complete your application, and even longer during the peak hours. You are able to drive while waiting with your driving license from another country or temporary permit.
The IMT's online portal lets you to view the status of your application as well as track your progress. However, certain applications require an in person visit. In certain cases you may be able to provide the required documents from your home country, making the process much easier.
If you're looking to exchange your EU driver's license, you must complete the process in the earliest time possible. This will prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It's also crucial to get a Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad. The IMT cannot replace your EU license if it is lost or stolen in another country.
After you've completed your application, a medical exam will be required. This is a straightforward test to determine if you are mentally fit enough to drive a vehicle. This test doesn't contain stress tests or blood tests therefore it's easy to pass. The IMT website contains the list of doctors who are approved to administer this exam.
Once you have passed your medical exam then you can begin prepping for both the theory and practical examinations. The theory test can be taken at the IMT or a private examination center but you must have completed the preparatory classes before taking it. The practical test can be taken independently or in conjunction with the theory test. If you decide to take the theory test and the practical exam together, you'll need your certificate of the preparation class along with you. Otherwise, you'll be required to take the exam again at a later date.
Insurance
If you're planning to relocate to Portugal soon, you should exchange your driver's licence immediately. Failure to do this could result in fines or delays in getting your residence permit. It is recommended that you exchange your residence permit within 90 days.
Whether you're an EU resident or not, you'll need to obtain a Certificate of Authentication for your previous license prior to exchanging it for a Portuguese one. This document can be obtained from your country's embassy or consular services in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical exam. Fortunately, the exam isn't as lengthy as you might think. The test includes bloodwork as well as physical examination to confirm that you're able drive safely. A doctor from a medical network can conduct this test, which costs around EUR25.