When Do You Need to Exchange?
Whether you need to exchange your licence depends on where it was issued and how long you plan to stay in Portugal. The exchange is managed by the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), Portugal's transport authority.
Quick Overview
- EU/EEA licences: Valid in Portugal, but must be registered/exchanged when they expire or after establishing residency
- Non-EU licences with bilateral agreement: Can be exchanged without taking a driving test
- Non-EU licences without agreement: You may need to take the Portuguese driving test
- International Driving Permit (IDP): Allows temporary driving but is not a long-term solution
EU/EEA Licence Holders
If you hold a driving licence issued by an EU or EEA country, your licence is valid for driving in Portugal. However, once you become a legal resident, you should register it with the IMT.
You must exchange your EU licence for a Portuguese one when it reaches its expiry date. The exchange is administrative — no driving test or theory exam is required.
Non-EU Licence Holders
If your licence was issued by a non-EU country, the rules are more complex. The path depends on whether Portugal has a bilateral agreement with your country.
With a Bilateral Agreement
If your country has a bilateral licence exchange agreement with Portugal, you can exchange your licence without taking a driving test. You still need to provide documents and may need a medical exam. The list of countries with active agreements changes — check the IMT website or contact them directly to confirm whether your country currently has a valid agreement.
Without a Bilateral Agreement
If your country does not have an agreement with Portugal, you will likely need to:
- Enrol in a Portuguese driving school (escola de condução)
- Pass the Portuguese theory exam (exame teórico)
- Pass the practical driving test (exame prático)
This process can take several months and involves additional costs for lessons and exam fees.
Bilateral Agreements
Portugal has bilateral driving licence exchange agreements with several countries. These agreements allow direct licence exchange without a driving test.
Verify Before You Apply
The IMT classifies foreign licences into categories that determine the exchange path: EU/EEA, countries with bilateral agreements, and others. Agreements can be added, suspended, or modified. Before starting any process, confirm with the IMT website or by calling them whether your specific licence qualifies for direct exchange.
Documents Required
For a licence exchange, you generally need:
- Valid original driving licence from your country
- Certified Portuguese translation of your licence (if not in Portuguese, English, French, or Spanish)
- Valid passport or residence permit
- NIF (tax number)
- Proof of legal residence in Portugal (residence permit)
- Medical fitness certificate (atestado médico) — see below
- Passport-size photograph (colour, white background)
- Application form from IMT
- Payment of applicable fees (confirm the current amount on the IMT website or at the office)
The Medical Exam
A medical fitness exam is required for the licence exchange. This exam checks that you meet the health standards for driving in Portugal.
What the Exam Covers
- Vision test (acuity, colour perception, field of vision)
- General physical health assessment
- Hearing test
- Assessment of any medical conditions that may affect driving
Where to Get the Exam
The medical exam must be done at an authorized medical centre or by a doctor approved by the IMT. Your local centro de saúde may offer this, or you can use a private clinic. Fees vary by provider — ask the centre or clinic for the current cost before booking.
The Exchange Application at IMT
- Gather all documents — Ensure your licence translation, medical certificate, and other documents are ready.
- Book an appointment or visit IMT — You can visit an IMT office (Delegação Regional) in person. Some services may be available through the IMT Online platform — check their website for current availability.
- Submit your application and documents — Hand in the originals and copies. Your foreign licence may be retained during processing.
- Pay the fee — The exchange fee is set by IMT and may be updated periodically. Confirm the current amount at the office or on the IMT website.
- Wait for processing — Processing times vary. The IMT sends your new Portuguese licence by post once approved. Ask at the time of submission for an estimated timeline.
Driving While Waiting
While your exchange is being processed, you may need proof that you are allowed to drive. Key points:
- Receipt of application — The IMT gives you a receipt (comprovativo) when you submit your exchange. This may serve as temporary proof, but check whether it authorizes driving.
- International Driving Permit — An IDP from your home country can be used temporarily alongside your original licence, but has a limited validity period in Portugal.
- Do not drive without valid documentation — Driving without a valid licence in Portugal is a serious offence that can result in fines and vehicle seizure.
Buying a Car & Insurance Basics
Once you have your Portuguese licence, you may want to buy a car. Here are the basics:
Buying a Car
- You need a NIF and a Portuguese address to register a vehicle
- Used cars can be bought from dealers or private sellers. Always check the vehicle's history with the IMT online service
- Vehicle registration (registo automóvel) must be transferred to your name after purchase
- An annual vehicle inspection (inspecção periódica obrigatória — IPO) is required for vehicles over a certain age
Car Insurance
Third-party car insurance (seguro automóvel) is mandatory in Portugal. You cannot legally drive without it. Comprehensive insurance is optional but recommended.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming your licence is automatically valid — Non-EU licences have limited validity. Start the exchange process early.
- Not getting a certified translation — Unofficial translations are rejected by the IMT.
- Expired medical certificate — Medical certificates have a limited validity period. Time your application carefully.
- Driving without valid documents — If your licence has expired or your exchange is pending, make sure you have proper temporary documentation.
- Ignoring bilateral agreement rules — Some agreements have specific conditions or time limits. Read the details for your country.
Common Questions
How long can I drive on my foreign licence?
The rules depend on whether you hold an EU/EEA licence or a non-EU licence, and whether Portugal has an agreement with your country. EU/EEA licences remain valid until their expiry date. For non-EU licences, the permitted driving period after establishing Portuguese residency varies — check with the IMT for the current rules applicable to your specific licence.
Do I need to surrender my original licence?
In most cases, yes. The IMT retains your original foreign licence when issuing the Portuguese one. For EU licences, your home country is notified. For non-EU licences, check whether your country allows you to request a replacement later.
What if my licence is not in the Latin alphabet?
You need a certified Portuguese translation. Contact a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado) or your country's embassy in Portugal for certified translation services.
Can I drive a motorcycle with a car licence?
No. Motorcycle categories (A1, A2, A) are separate from car categories (B). If your foreign licence includes motorcycle categories, they will be included in the exchange if the categories match.
Sources & Official Links
- IMT — Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes — Portugal's transport authority
- ePortugal — Government services portal
This guide provides general information about driving licence exchange. Rules, fees, and bilateral agreements change periodically — always confirm with the IMT directly before acting. Reviewed against official sources: 20 September 2026.