Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're a non-EU national and new to Portugal, you should change your driving license from a foreign country as soon as is possible. If you don't get your license, it could be confiscated or cancelled.
You'll need the following documents to complete your exchange ID, an completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residence. You may require an exam for medical conditions.
Cost
The cost of the IMT driving licence varies depending on whether you take the theory test online or in person. The test costs EUR15 in person and takes 30 minutes. It's comprised of 30 multiple choice questions that test the syllabus you've learned in preparation classes. The test is in Portuguese, but you can also opt to translate it into English. The IMT website provides an extensive list of private centers that offer the exam.
The IMT offers a service online for replacing lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens make a request for replacement and receive an electronic certificate. Then, just click the next site can present the certificate at a police station and receive a replacement license within eight weeks. You could also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You will need a valid ID document such as passport, a taxpayer number, a citizen card or a residence permit. In addition, you'll need to complete the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
After you have moved to Portugal, it's important to exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese driver's licence as soon as possible. This will protect you from heavy fines if your foreign license is lost or stolen. Also, you should obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one ends.
You can apply in person at an IMT office or via the internet. However in-person visits are more common for complex applications that require the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documentation, such as an original foreign license translated or a copy of the license from your home country.
The US has no central database for driving licenses, unlike other countries. This means it takes longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's licence. You can avoid this problem by asking IMT to extend the temporary paper driver's licence when it is due to expire.
The process of converting your US driver's license for one in Portuguese one can be a bit confusing and lengthy. You must make sure you have all the required documentation before visiting an IMT branch. Also, it is recommended to bring cash if the office does not accept credit cards. Download the SIGA app on your phone to see how many persons are being handled at any given time.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged for an Portuguese driving license without having to pass the Portuguese driving test. The process could be lengthy. In addition to preparing your documentation and preparing your documents, you might also have to take preparation classes and take the theory test at IMT or a private examination center. To pass the driving test you must pass 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 hours of practical ones. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. These centers are listed on the IMT's website. The duration of the classes is contingent on your availability as well as your improvement.
To exchange your foreign driver's licence you must provide an abstract of your driving record from the state of your last residence in the United States. The document must be apostilled or stamped to be valid when included in your application to IMT. The embassy will then authenticate the certificate. You can bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply online or at an IMT office near you. It's faster and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, like your taxpayer number or citizen card, to make your request. If you're exchanging an international driver's license it is also necessary to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers 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 has developed a new portal which allows drivers to upload their documents, and even upload a photo.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility to have an automatic announcement when it's time to time to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also tell you when your driving license expires and the best way to renew it.
Time frame
The process for getting your Portuguese driving license isn't easy and can take a long time. It could take up to 30 days for the IMT to complete your application, and even longer during the peak hours. While you wait you are able to drive with a foreign license or temporary permit.
The IMT's online portal lets you to check on the status of your application as well as track your progress, but certain applications require an in person visit. In some cases, you can even submit the required documents from your country of origin which makes the process easier.
If you're attempting to exchange your EU driver's license, you must do so as soon as possible. This will help prevent your license from being lost or stolen while you wait for it to be processed. It is also important to obtain a Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad. The IMT cannot replace your EU license if it is stolen or lost in a different nation.
Once you've completed your application, a medical exam will be required. This is a simple test to determine if you're mentally fit to operate the vehicle. It doesn't include any blood tests or a stress test, so it should be easy to pass. The IMT website contains an approved list of doctors for this exam.
After passing your medical exam then you can begin prepping for both the practical and theory examinations. The theory test can be taken at the IMT, or at a private exam centre. You must have attended your preparatory classes first. The practical exam can be taken separately or alongside the theory test. If you choose to take the practical test in conjunction with the theory test be sure that you have your preparation class certificate with you at the time of the test. Otherwise, you'll be required to take the test at a later time.
Insurance
If you're planning to move to Portugal be sure to obtain your driver's license replaced as soon as possible. Failure to do so can result in fines and delay in your residence permit. It is also recommended to complete the change within 90 days of receiving your residency permit.
Whether you're an EU resident or not, you'll need to get a Certificate of Authentication for your old license before exchanging it for one that is a Portuguese one. This document is available at the Embassy of your country or from consular services in Portugal.
You'll have to pass a medical test. Fortunately, this exam isn't as long as you think. This test involves blood tests and physical examination to confirm that you're able drive safely. A physician from a medical network can perform this test, which costs around EUR25.