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 you can. If you don't, your license could be confiscated or even cancelled.
To complete your exchange you'll need to provide the following documents: a photo ID, a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residence. You may require an examination for medical reasons.
Cost
The cost for purchasing the IMT driving license varies based on whether you decide to take the test in person or online. The test costs EUR15 in person and lasts for 30 minutes. It's comprised of 30 multiple choice questions and covers the syllabus you learned in your preparatory classes. The test is in Portuguese However, you can also opt to have it translated into English. The IMT website provides an extensive list of private centers offering the test.
The IMT provides online services to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows citizens register their request to receive a digital certification. You can then show the certificate to a police station in order to receive 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, passport or residence permit and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
After you have moved to Portugal it is crucial that you exchange your foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese driver's licence as soon as possible. You will be protected from heavy fines in the event that your driver's license from abroad is stolen or lost. You should also get your new Portuguese driving license before the old one expires.
You can submit your application 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 might require additional documents, for example, an official translation of your foreign license or the copy of your country's the governing body.
The US has no central database for driving licenses, unlike other countries. This could mean it will take longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's licence. Fortunately you can avoid this by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper license if it's nearing to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license to a Portuguese license can be confusing and lengthy. You should prepare all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office, and you should bring cash in the event that the office does not accept credit cards. Download the SIGA app on your phone to see how many people will be dealt with at any given moment.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged for a Portuguese driving license, without taking the Portuguese driving test. However, Comprar carta de condução da categoria A can be lengthy. You may need to arrange your documents, but you'll be required to attend preparatory classes and take the theory test at IMT or privately. You must have completed 32 hours of practical lessons and 28 hours of theory in order to be eligible for your driving test. The lessons are conducted in government-approved centers. You can find the locations on the IMT website. The duration of these lessons depends on your availability and the progress you make.
To exchange your driver's license from another country, you must present an abstract of your driving record from the state of your last residence in the United States. This document must be apostilled/stamped to be valid when included in your application at IMT. The embassy will verify the certificate. You can also bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply online or at an IMT office near you. It's faster and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, such as your taxpayer number or a citizen card, in order to make an application. If you are transferring an international driver's license you will also need to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that lets drivers request a duplicate driver's license online. This new service is easy and can save your time and money. The IMT has developed an online portal that allows drivers to upload their documents, and even upload an image.
The institute also offers the option of receiving an automatic notification when it is the right time to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also inform you when your driving permit expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process for getting your Portuguese driving license isn't easy and can take a long time. The IMT can take as long as 30 days to process your application and may take longer if you are applying during peak periods. While waiting you are able to drive using your foreign license or a temporary permit.
You can check the status of an application online and monitor its progress. However certain applications require a personal visit. In certain cases, you can submit the required documents from your country of origin. This makes the process much faster.
If you're attempting to exchange your EU driver's license, it's important to do so as soon as possible. This will prevent your license from being lost or stolen while you wait for it to be processed. It's also essential to get a Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad, since the IMT cannot replace your EU license if it's stolen or lost in a different country.
Once you've completed your application, a medical test will be required. This is a straightforward test to ensure that you're mentally able to operate a vehicle. This test doesn't contain stress tests or bloodwork therefore it's easy to pass. The IMT website includes the list of doctors who have been authorized to administer this test.
After you've passed the medical exam, you can then start preparing for the theory and practical exams. The theory exam can be taken at the IMT or a private examination center but you must have completed your preparation classes before taking it. The practical test can be taken either separately or in conjunction with the theory exam. If you decide to take the theory test and the practical test together, you will require a certificate of the preparation class along with you. You'll need to retake the test if you don't.
Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1

If you plan to relocate to Portugal in the near future, it is recommended to exchange your driver's license immediately. In the event of delay, it could result in fines and delay of your residence permit. It is recommended to exchange your residence permit within 90 days.
Before you exchange your license for the Portuguese license, you'll need a Certificate Of Authentication. This document is available from your country's embassy or consular service in Portugal.
You'll need to pass a medical test. The exam isn't as difficult as you think. It consists of bloodwork and a check-up that will ensure that you are able to drive safely. A medical doctor from a network can perform this test, which costs around EUR25.