Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU national and you are new to Portugal it is recommended that you exchange your foreign driving license as soon as possible. If you don't do it, your license could be confiscated or cancelled.
To complete your exchange you'll need the following documents: an ID as well as the completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residency. You may require an examination for medical reasons.
Cost
The cost of buying the IMT driving license varies depending on whether you want to take the theory test in person or online. In person, the test costs EUR15 and takes 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that test the syllabus you've learned in your preparation classes. The test is available in Portuguese or English. The IMT website lists private centers that provide this test.
The IMT also offers an online service for replacement of stolen or lost drivers' licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request and receive a digital certificate. You can then take the certificate to the police station to obtain an updated license within eight weeks. You can also make your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll need a valid ID document like passport, a taxpayer number, a citizens card or a residence permit. Additionally, you'll need to complete the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
It is essential to change your foreign driver's license for one that is a Portuguese one as soon as possible after moving to Portugal. You will be protected from costly penalties in the event that your foreign driver's license gets stolen or lost. In addition, you must obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one runs out.
You can make your request online or in person at an IMT office. However the in-person visit is more common for complex applications, including those involving the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings might require additional documents, such as a notarized translation of your foreign license or the copy of your home country's the governing body.
The US has no central database of driving licenses, unlike other countries. This could mean it will take longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's licence. Fortunately, you can get around 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 the Portuguese license can be confusing and lengthy. You must prepare all of 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 app on your phone to see how many persons are being handled at any given time.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license to obtain the Portuguese license without having to take the Portuguese driving test. The process could be lengthy. You may have to organize your documents, but you will be required to attend preparatory classes and take the theory test either at IMT or privately. To pass the driving test you must have completed 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 practical ones. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. You can find a list of these centers on the IMT website. The length of the lessons is dependent on your availability and improvement.
To exchange your foreign license You will need to provide an abstract of your driving documents from the state in which you last resided in the United States. The document must be stamped or apostilled to be valid when included in your application to IMT. The embassy will authenticate this certificate for you. You can also bring it to your appointment in person with IMT.
You can apply for a driver's license certificate online or in person at the IMT office in your city. The online process is more convenient and less stressful. You'll need an identification document, like your taxpayer number or citizenship card, to make an application. If you're exchanging an international license, you'll also need your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service which allows drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service can save time and money, and is a lot more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has developed an online portal that lets drivers upload their documents and can even upload a photo.
Additionally, the institute gives the possibility of receiving an automatic announcement when it's time to time to renew your driving licence. Besides that, Comprar carta de condução categoria B informs you of the expiration date of your driving licence and how to renew it.
Time frame
Obtaining your driving license getting your driving license in Portugal can be a lengthy process. The IMT can take up 30 days to process your request and may take longer if you apply during peak periods. You are able to drive while you wait using your driving license from another country or temporary permit.
You can track the status of your application online and track the progress of an application. However certain applications require a personal visit. In certain instances, you can submit the required documents from your country of origin. This can make the process much more efficient.
It's important that you apply as soon as you can when you're looking to exchange your EU driving license. This will protect your license from being lost or stolen while you're waiting for it to be processed. It's also important to obtain a Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad, as the IMT cannot replace your EU licence if it is stolen or lost in a different country.
After you've completed your application, a medical examination is required. It's a quick test to determine if you're mentally fit to drive a car. It doesn't contain bloodwork or a stress test and therefore should be easy to pass. The IMT website has the list of doctors who are approved to administer this exam.
After you've passed your medical exam, you can then start studying for the practical and theory tests. The theory test can be taken at the IMT or a private exam center. You must have attended the preparatory classes prior to taking. 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 will need your certificate of preparation class along with you. You will have to retake the test if you do not.
Insurance
If you're planning to relocate to Portugal be sure to obtain your driver's license replaced as soon as possible. Failing to do so could result in a fine or delay in getting your residence permit. It is recommended that you change your residence permit within 90 days.
If you're an EU resident or not, you must obtain a Certificate of Authentication for your license prior to changing it to a Portuguese one. This document can be obtained from the embassy in your country or consular services in Portugal.
You'll need to pass a medical exam. Fortunately, this exam isn't as extensive as you might think. It's a combination of bloodwork and a check-up to ensure that you are able to drive safely. This test costs EUR25 and is conducted by a doctor from a medical group.