Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU national and you are new to Portugal, you should exchange your foreign driving license as soon as is possible. If you do not, your license may be confiscated or cancelled.
You'll need the following documents to complete your exchange: ID, a completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residency. You may be required to undergo an examination for medical reasons.
Cost
The cost for purchasing the IMT driving license varies depending on whether you choose to take the theory test in person or online. In person, the test is EUR15 and takes 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and covers the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The test is available in Portuguese or English. The IMT website lists private centers that offer this test.
The IMT provides online services to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request and receive an electronic certificate. You can then show the certificate at a police station to receive an alternative license within 8 weeks. You can also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll need a valid ID document such as passport, a taxpayer number, a citizenship card or a residence permit. Additionally, you'll have to fill out the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
After moving to Portugal, it's important that you exchange your foreign driving license to a Portuguese driver's license as soon as possible. This will help you avoid massive fines if your foreign license gets lost or stolen. Also, you should get your new Portuguese driving license before your old one expires.
You can make your request online or in person at a IMT office. However, in-person visits are more common for applications with a lot of complexity that require the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings can require additional documents such as the translation of a foreign license or a copy 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. Fortunately you can circumvent this by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper license when it's due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for one in Portuguese one can be a bit confusing and time-consuming. You must prepare all the necessary documentation before going to an IMT branch. Also, it is recommended to bring cash in case the office does not accept credit cards. A helpful tip is to download an app called SIGA on your mobile that will let you know how many people are being handled and how long you'll need to wait.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license to the Portuguese license without the need to pass the Portuguese driving test. However, the process can be a long one. In addition to preparing your documentation and preparing your documents, you might also have to take classes for preparation and take the theory test at IMT or a private test center. To be able to take the driving test, you must have completed 28 hours of theory and 32 practical ones. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. You can find the list of these centers on the IMT website. The duration of the lessons is dependent on your availability as well as your progress.
To transfer your foreign license you must provide an abstract of your driving records from the state where you last resided in the United States. This document needs to be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid for inclusion in your application to IMT. The embassy will then authenticate the certificate. You can bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
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. However, you will require an identification document like your citizen card or taxpayer number in order 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 allows drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new option can save time and money, and it is more efficient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has launched a new website which allows drivers to upload their documents and can even provide a photo.
Additionally, the institute gives the option of receiving an automatic notification when it's the appropriate time to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also tell you when your driving permit expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of obtaining your driver's license in Portugal could be long. The IMT could take up to 30 days to process your application, and even longer if you are applying during peak periods. While you wait you can drive with your foreign license or temporary permit.
You can check the status of your application online and monitor the progress of an application. However, some applications require the applicant to visit the site personally. In Comprar carta de condução da categoria C , you can even provide the required documents from your home country, making the process much faster.
If you're looking to exchange your EU driver's license, it's important to complete the process in the earliest time possible. This will prevent your license from being lost or stolen while you wait for it to be processed. It is also crucial to obtain a Portuguese license before traveling abroad, since the IMT will not be able to replace your EU licence if it is stolen or lost in another country.
After you've submitted your application, a medical test will be required. This is a straightforward test to ensure that you're mentally able to operate the vehicle. It doesn't include any blood tests or a stress test which makes it easy to pass. The IMT website includes the list of doctors who are authorized to administer this test.
After you've passed the medical exam 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 courses prior to the exam. The practical exam 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 will require a certificate of preparation class along with you. Otherwise, you'll have to take the test again at a later date.
Insurance
If you're planning to move to Portugal, make sure you have your driver's licence changed in the earliest time possible. Failure to do so can result in fines as well as a delay in 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 one that is a Portuguese license, you will require a Certificate Of Authentication. This document can be obtained from the Embassy of your country, or through consular services in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical test. Fortunately, this test isn't as long as you might think. The test includes bloodwork as well as a physical to ensure that you are able to drive safely. The test costs EUR25 and is administered by a physician from a medical group.