Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a citizen of the EU and are new to Portugal it is crucial to change your driver's license issued by your country as soon as you can. If you don't do it, your license could be confiscated or revoked.
You'll need the following documents to complete your exchange ID and an completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residency. You may also need a medical exam.
Cost
The cost of purchasing the IMT driving license is based on whether you decide to take the theory test in person or online. The test costs $15 in person and lasts 30 minutes. It's comprised of 30 multiple choice questions and covers the syllabus you learned in your preparatory classes. The test is offered in Portuguese or English. The IMT website provides an extensive list of private centers offering the test.
The IMT offers a service online for replacing lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request for digital certificates. Then, you can take the certificate to an officer station to obtain an additional license within eight weeks. You can also make your request in person at an IMT counter. You will need an ID document, such as a citizen card or taxpayer number, a residence permit or passport, and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
After moving to Portugal it is crucial to exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese driver's license as soon as you can. This will protect you from huge fines if the foreign license is lost or stolen. Additionally, you should get your new Portuguese license before the validity of your previous one runs out.
You can submit your application online or in person at a IMT office. However in-person visits are more common for complex applications which include the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documents, such as an original foreign license translated or a copy of the license from your home country.
The US does not have a central database of driving licenses, unlike other countries. It could take IMT longer to verify your driver's license. You can prevent this issue by asking IMT to extend the temporary paper driver's licence when it is due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's licence for one with a Portuguese license can be a bit confusing and time-consuming. You need to prepare all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office and you must bring cash in case the office doesn't accept credit cards. Download the SIGA application on your smartphone to see how many persons are being dealt with at any given time.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged for the Portuguese driving license without having to pass the Portuguese driving test. However, the process can be lengthy. You may need to arrange your documents, but you'll also have to attend preparation classes and pass the theory test at IMT or privately. You must have completed 32 hours of lessons in the classroom and 28 hours of theory to be able to pass your driving test. The lessons are conducted in approved government-approved centers. These centers are listed on the IMT's website. The duration of these classes is dependent on your availability and the progress you make.
To exchange your foreign driver's license you must provide an abstract of your driving record from the state in which you last residence in the United States. This document must be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid 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 for a driving license certificate online or in person at the IMT office in your city. The online application process is simpler and less stressful. You'll need an identification document, such as your taxpayer number or citizenship card, to submit your request. If you're exchanging an international license, you'll also need your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that permits drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service is convenient and can save you time and money. The IMT has launched an online portal that lets drivers upload their documents, and can even upload a photo.
The institute also gives you the option of receiving an automatic notification when the time is right to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also inform you when your driving licence expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
Obtaining your driving license to drive in Portugal is a long process. The IMT can take up 30 days to process your application, and even longer if you are applying during peak times. While waiting, you can still drive with a foreign license or a temporary permit.
The online portal of IMT allows you to check the status of your application and track your progress, but certain applications require an in-person visit. In certain cases, you can submit the necessary documents directly from your country of origin. This makes the process much more efficient.
If you're applying to exchange your EU driver's license, it's important to make the change in the earliest time possible. This will prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you're waiting for it to be processed. It's also crucial to obtain a Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad. The IMT cannot replace your EU license if it's stolen or lost in another country.
Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to pass a medical exam. This is a straightforward test to determine if you are mentally fit enough to drive a vehicle. The test doesn't include bloodwork or stress tests, so it should be simple to pass. The IMT website has an approved list of doctors for this exam.
After you've passed your medical exam, you can then start preparation for the practical and theory tests. The theory exam can be taken at the IMT or an examination center that is private however, you must have completed the preparatory classes prior to taking it. The practical test can be taken separately or alongside the theory test. If you decide to take the test alongside the theory exam it is essential to ensure that you have your certificate of preparation at the time of the test. You'll need to retake the test if you don't.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal, make sure you have your driver's licence changed as soon as you can. Failing to do so could result in a fine or delay in getting your residence permit. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A is also recommended to complete the exchange within 90 days of receiving your residency permit.
If you're an EU resident or not, you must get a Certificate of Authenticity for your old license before exchanging it for a Portuguese one. This document is available at the Embassy of your country or from consular services in Portugal.
You'll also have to pass a medical test. The exam isn't as difficult as you may think. The test includes bloodwork as well as physical tests to make sure that you're able drive safely. This test costs EUR25 and is conducted by a doctor from an organization that deals with medical issues.