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 you can. If you don't get your license, it could be seized or canceled.
In order to complete your exchange, you'll need to provide the following documents: a photo ID and a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residency. You may also need an examination for medical reasons.
Cost
The cost of the IMT driving licence varies depending on whether you choose to take the test online or in person. The test costs $15 in person and lasts 30 minutes. The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that test the syllabus you were taught in preparation classes. The test is in Portuguese However, you can choose to translate it into English. The IMT website provides an extensive list of private centers that offer the exam.
The IMT provides a service online for replacing lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows citizens register their request to receive digital certificates. Then, you can take the certificate to the police station to receive an additional license within eight weeks. Additionally, Comprar a carta de condução do IMT can make your request at an IMT desk in person. You will need an ID document like a citizen card or taxpayer number, a residence permit or passport, and the completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
Comprar carta de condução da categoria C to change your foreign driver's license for a Portuguese one as soon as you can after you move to Portugal. You will be protected from costly penalties in the event that your driver's license from abroad is lost or stolen. Additionally, you should get your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one expires.
You can submit your request online or in person at a IMT office. In-person visits are most common for complicated applications like those involving the exchanging of foreign licenses. In-person meetings can require additional documents, such as an original foreign license translated or a copy from your home country.
Unlike systems in other countries, the US doesn't have a central driving license database. This means it takes longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's licence. You can prevent this issue by asking IMT to extend the temporary paper driver's licence if it is about to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for a Portuguese license can be confusing and lengthy. You must be prepared with all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT branch. Also, you should bring cash if the branch does not accept credit cards. Download the SIGA app on your phone to see how many people are being handled at any given time.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese license without the need to pass the Portuguese driving test. Nevertheless, the process can be lengthy. You may need to arrange your documents, but you'll also need to attend preparation classes and pass the test in theory either at IMT or privately. To pass the driving test, you must have completed 28 hours of theory lessons and 32 hours of practical ones. The lessons are conducted in government-approved centres. These centers are listed on the website of the IMT. The duration of these classes is dependent on your availability and your progress.
To exchange your foreign driver's license, you will need to provide an abstract of your driving records from the state where you most recently resided in the United States. This document needs to be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid in your application with IMT. The embassy will authenticate this certificate for you. You can also bring it to your appointment in person with IMT.
You can apply for a driver's license on the internet or in person at the IMT office in your city. The online process is more convenient and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, like your taxpayer number or citizenship card, to submit an application. If you're exchanging a foreign license, you'll also require your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that lets drivers request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service will save time and money, and it is more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has developed a new website that lets drivers upload their documents, and even upload an image.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility of receiving an automatic announcement when it's time to time to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also inform you when your driving license expires and the best way to renew it.
Time frame
The process of obtaining your driving license in Portugal can be lengthy. The IMT can take up 30 days to process your application, and even longer if you're applying during peak periods. You can drive while you wait using your driving license issued by a foreign country or temporary permit.
You can track the status of an application online and follow the progress of an application. However certain applications require a personal visit. In some cases you can submit the required documents directly from your home country. This will make the process much quicker.
If you're looking to exchange your EU driver's license, you must make the change as soon as possible. This will prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It is also crucial to obtain a Portuguese license before traveling abroad, since the IMT won't be able to replace your EU licence if it is stolen or lost in a different country.
After you have submitted your application, a medical examination will be required. It's a quick test to determine if you're mentally able to operate an automobile. This test doesn't contain stress tests or bloodwork therefore it's easy to pass. The IMT website has an approved list of doctors for 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 either at the IMT or at a private exam center. You must have taken your preparatory courses prior to the exam. The practical test can be taken either separately or as a part of the theory exam. If you choose to take the practical test in conjunction with the theory test it is essential to ensure that you have your preparation class certificate with you at the time of the test. If not, you'll need to take the exam again at a later date.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal and want to move there, you must have your driver's licence changed as soon as possible. Failure to do this could result in a fine or delay in getting your residence permit. It is best to change your residence permit within 90 days.
If you're an EU resident or not, you'll need to get a Certificate of Authentication for your previous license prior to exchanging it for an Portuguese one. This document can be obtained at the embassy of your country or through consular services in Portugal.
You'll need to pass a medical test. Fortunately, this test isn't as extensive as you might think. This test involves blood tests and physical examination to confirm that you're able drive safely. This test costs EUR25 and is conducted by a physician from a medical group.