Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU citizen and are new to Portugal, you should change your driving license from a foreign country as soon as is possible. If you do not then, your license could be confiscated or canceled.
To complete your exchange, you'll need to submit the following documents: an ID and a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residency. You may also need a medical exam.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving license varies based on whether you choose to take the theory test online or in person. In person, the test is EUR15 and lasts 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that test the syllabus that you've learned in your preparation classes. The test is conducted in Portuguese however, you can also choose to translate it into English. The IMT website has an extensive list of private centers offering the exam.
The IMT also provides an online service to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows citizens to submit their request and receive an electronic certificate. You can then show the certificate at a police station to receive an additional license within eight weeks. In addition, you can submit your request to an IMT desk in person. You'll need a valid ID document such as passport, a taxpayer number, a citizens card or a residence permit. Additionally, you'll have to fill out the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
It is crucial to change your foreign driver's license to one in Portugal. Portuguese one as soon as you can after moving to Portugal. This will protect you from huge fines if the foreign license is lost or stolen. In addition, you must obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one expires.
You can make your request 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 might require additional documents, for example, a notarized translation of your foreign license or a copy of your country's governing body.
As opposed to other countries, the US doesn't have a central database of driving licenses. It could take IMT longer to verify 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 is a complicated and long. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT need to prepare all the required documentation before visiting an IMT office, and you should bring cash in case the office isn't able to accept credit cards. A helpful tip is to download an app called SIGA on your mobile which will inform you how many people are being dealt with and how long you'll need to wait.
Requirements
A driver's license from another country can be exchanged to obtain an Portuguese driving license without taking the Portuguese driving test. The process is long. You may have to organize your documents, but you'll also have to attend preparation classes and then take the test in theory either at IMT or privately. To pass the driving test you must pass 28 hours of theory classes and 32 hours of practical ones. The lessons are conducted in approved government-approved centers. These centers are listed on the website of the IMT. The length of these lessons is dependent on your availability and your progress.
To exchange your foreign driver's license, you will need to submit an abstract of driving documents from the state in which you most recently resided in the United States. The document must be apostilled or stamped in order to be valid in your application with IMT. The embassy can authenticate this certificate for you. You can bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply for a driver's license certificate on the internet or in person at the IMT office in your city. It's faster and less stressful. But, you'll require a proof of identity like your citizen card or taxpayer number in order to submit the request. If you're exchanging an international license, you'll also require your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that allows drivers to request a duplicate license online. This new option can save time and money, and is a lot more convenient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has developed an online portal that allows drivers to upload their documents and even upload an image.
Additionally, the institute gives the option of receiving an automatic announcement when it's time to moment to renew the driving licence. Besides that it also informs you of the IMT also informs you of the expiration date of your driving licence and how to renew it.
Time frame
Obtaining your driving license in Portugal can be a lengthy process. It could take up to 30 days for the IMT to approve your application and longer during peak times. While waiting you are able to drive with a foreign license or a 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 some cases, you can even submit the required documents from your home country which makes the process quicker.
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 being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It's also essential to get a Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad. The IMT will not be able to replace your EU license if it's lost or stolen in another country.
After you've submitted your application, a medical test is required. This is a simple test to confirm that you're mentally fit to operate the vehicle. It doesn't contain any blood tests or a stress test and therefore should be simple to pass. The IMT website contains a list of approved physicians for this test.
After passing your medical exam, you can then start preparing for the practical and theory exams. The theory test can be taken at the IMT or an examination center privately owned however, you must have completed your preparatory classes prior to taking it. The practical test can be taken independently or as a part of the theory exam. If you choose to take the practical test alongside the theory exam be sure that you have your preparation class certificate present at the time of the test. Otherwise, you'll have to take the exam again at a later time.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal be sure to get your driver's license exchanged as soon as you can. Failing to do so could result in fines or a delay in getting your residence permit. It's also best to make the exchange within 90 days of receiving your residency permit.
Before exchanging your old license for the Portuguese license, you'll need an authentic Certificate of Authenticity. This document is available from your country's embassy or consular service in Portugal.
You'll also have to pass a medical test. This test isn't as difficult as you may think. The test includes bloodwork as well as a physical to ensure that you are able to drive safely. A medical doctor from a network can conduct this test and costs about EUR25.