Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU national and new to Portugal you must exchange your foreign driving licence as soon as possible. If you don't do it then, your license could be confiscated or cancelled.
In order to complete your exchange, you'll need to submit the required documents: an ID, an completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residence. You may also need a medical exam.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving licence varies depending on if you take the theory test online or in person. In person, the test costs 15 euros and lasts for 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that cover the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The test is offered in Portuguese, but you can also opt to have it translated into English. The IMT website provides the list of private centers that offer the exam.
The IMT offers a service online to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows citizens register their request for an electronic certificate. Then, you can take the certificate to an officer station to obtain an updated license within eight weeks. You can also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll require an ID document like a citizen card or taxpayer number, residence permit or passport and a completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
After moving to Portugal it is essential that you exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese driver's license as soon as you are able. You will be protected from paying heavy penalties in the event that your foreign driver's license gets stolen or lost. Additionally, you should get your new Portuguese license before the validity of your old one runs out.
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 can require additional documents, such as the translation of a foreign license or a copy of the license from your home country.
The US has no central database for driving licenses unlike other countries. It could take IMT longer to verify your driver's license. You can prevent this issue by asking IMT for an extension of the temporary paper driver's licence if it is about to expire.
The process of exchanging your US driver's license for a Portuguese one can be confusing and time-consuming. You must prepare all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT branch. Additionally, you should bring cash in case the office does not accept credit cards. Download the SIGA app on your phone to see how many people are being dealt with at any given time.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license for a Portuguese license without the need to pass the Portuguese driving test. However, the process could be lengthy. It is possible that you will need to organize your documents, but you'll also need to attend preparation classes and then take the theory test either at IMT or privately. To pass the driving test you must pass 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical ones. The lessons are conducted in government-approved centers. You can find the list of these centers on the IMT website. The duration of the lessons depends on your availability and your improvement.
To exchange your foreign driver's license You will need to submit an abstract of driving records from the state where you last resided in the United States. The document must be stamped or apostilled to be valid when included in your application at IMT. The embassy will authenticate this certificate for you. You can also bring it to an in-person appointment with IMT.
You can apply for a driving license on the internet or in person at the IMT office in your city. Online applications are faster and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, like your taxpayer number or citizenship card, in order to submit your request. If you are transferring a foreign driver's license you will also need to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT has a new program that allows drivers to request a duplicate license online. This new option can save time and money, and it is a lot more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT created a portal which lets drivers upload their documents and even provide a picture.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility to have an automatic notification when it's the right moment to renew the driving licence. The IMT will also tell you when your driving licence expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of obtaining your driver's license in Portugal isn't easy and can take a long time. It can take as long as 30 days for the IMT to process your application and even longer during the peak hours. You are able to drive while you wait using your driving license from another country or temporary permit.
The online portal of IMT allows you to view the status of your application as well as track your progress, however certain applications require an in-person visit. In certain instances you can provide the required documents from your home country, making the process much faster.
If Comprar carta de condução da categoria C looking 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's also essential to get an Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad. The IMT will not be able replace your EU license if it is lost or stolen in another nation.
After you've completed your application, you'll need to take a medical exam. It's a quick test to confirm that you're mentally able to operate the vehicle. It doesn't require tests for stress or bloodwork and therefore should be simple to pass. The IMT website includes the list of doctors authorized to administer this test.
After passing your medical exam and you are now able to begin preparation for both the practical and theory examinations. The theory exam can be taken at the IMT or an examination center privately owned but you must have completed your preparatory classes prior to taking it. The practical test can be taken as a stand-alone test or in conjunction with the theory test. If you decide to take the theory test and the practical test together, you'll require your certificate of the preparation class with you. Otherwise, you'll have to take the exam again at a later date.
Insurance
If you're planning to move to Portugal in the near future, it is recommended to exchange your driver's license as soon as you can. Failure to do this could result in fines and a delay in the issuance of your residence permit. It is best to change your residence permit within 90 days.
Before you can exchange your old license for the Portuguese license, you'll require the Certificate of Authenticity. This document can be obtained from the Embassy of your country, or from consular services in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical examination. Fortunately, this exam isn't as long as you think. This exam includes bloodwork and physical tests to make sure that you're able drive safely. A physician from a medical network can perform this test, which costs around EUR25.