Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a European citizen and are new to Portugal, it's important to transfer your driver's license issued by your country as soon as possible. If you don't do it, your license may be seized or canceled.
In order to complete your exchange, you'll need to provide the following documents: an ID, a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residency. You may also require medical examination.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving licence varies depending on if you take the test online or in person. In person, the test is 15 euros and lasts for 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that test the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The test is offered in Portuguese however, you can also opt to have it translated into English. The IMT website lists private centers that offer this exam.
The IMT also provides an online service for replacement of lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request to receive digital certificates. Then, you can take the certificate to a police station in order to obtain a new license within eight weeks. Additionally, Click Link can make your request at an IMT desk in person. You will need a valid ID document, such as passport, a taxpayer number, a citizenship card or a residence permit. Also, you will be required to fill out the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
After moving to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving license for the Portuguese driver's license as soon as possible. You will be protected from paying heavy fines in the event that your foreign driver's license gets lost or stolen. You should also get your new Portuguese driving license before the old one expires.
You can submit your application online or in person at a IMT office. In-person meetings are the most popular for complicated applications like those involving the exchanging 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.
In contrast to other countries in the world, the US does not have a central database of driving licenses. This could mean it will take longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's license. You can avoid this issue by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper driver's license when it is due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for the Portuguese license is a complicated and long. You should prepare all the necessary documentation prior to going to an IMT office and bring cash in the event that the office does not accept credit cards. Download the SIGA application on your smartphone to determine how many people are being dealt with at any given moment.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged to obtain an Portuguese driving license without having to pass the Portuguese driving test. The process could be long. You may need to arrange your documents, but you will be required to attend preparatory classes and then take the test in theory either at IMT or privately. You must have completed 32 hours of lessons in the classroom and 28 hours of theory in order to be eligible for a driving test. The lessons are conducted in approved government-approved centers. These centers are listed on the IMT's website. The length of the lessons is dependent on your availability and performance.
To transfer your foreign license, you will need to provide an abstract of your driving documents from the state in which you most recently resided in the United States. This document must be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid in your application for IMT. The embassy will then authenticate the certificate. You can also bring it to your in-person appointment with IMT.
You can apply for a driver's license on the internet or in person at the IMT office in your city. It's faster and less stressful. However, you will require a proof of identity such as a citizen card or taxpayer number in order to submit a request. If you're exchanging an international driver's license, you will also need to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service which allows drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service will save time and money, and it is much more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT created a portal which allows drivers to upload their documents and even upload a picture.
In addition, the institute provides the possibility to have an automatic notification when it's the right moment to renew the driving licence. Besides that, the IMT also informs you about the expiration date of your driving license and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of getting your driver's license in Portugal isn't easy and can take a long time. The IMT can take as long as 30 days to process your application, and even longer if you apply during peak periods. While you wait you are able to drive with a foreign license or temporary permit.
You can track the status of an application online and follow its progress. However, some applications require the applicant to visit the site personally. In certain cases you may be able to provide the required documents from your country of origin which makes the process quicker.
It's crucial to apply as soon as possible if you want to exchange your EU driving license. This will prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It's also essential to obtain an Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad. The IMT will not be able replace your EU license if it is stolen or lost in a different nation.
After you've submitted your application, you'll need to undergo a medical examination. This is a straightforward test to ensure that you're mentally fit to operate a vehicle. This test doesn't contain stress tests or blood tests, so it should be easy to pass. The IMT website includes a list of doctors who are approved to administer this exam.
After you've passed your medical examination you can now begin preparation for the theory and practical exams. The theory test can be taken at the IMT or a private exam center. You must have completed your preparatory classes first. The practical test can be taken separately or alongside the theory test. If you choose to take the practical test with the theory exam, you must make sure that you have your certificate of preparation with you at the time of the test. You will have to retake the exam if you don't.
Insurance
If you're planning to move to Portugal in the near future, it is recommended to exchange your driver's licence immediately. Failure to do this could result in fines or a delay in obtaining your residence permit. It is also recommended that you complete the exchange 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 previous license prior to changing it to a Portuguese one. This document can be obtained at the embassy of your country or consular service in Portugal.
You'll also have to pass a medical examination. Fortunately, this exam isn't as lengthy as you think. This test involves blood tests and physical examination to confirm that you are able to drive safely. This exam costs EUR25 and is administered by a doctor from a medical group.