Exchange Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal

Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence for a Portuguese Licence 

In Portugal, anyone holding a driving licence issued by a foreign country can apply to exchange it for a Portuguese licence. However, in some cases, this exchange is not mandatory.

📌 When You Do Not Need to Exchange

Licences from OECD and CPLP Countries

If your licence was issued by a country that is part of the OECD or the CPLP (such as the UK, USA, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, Japan, Angola, Mozambique, among others), you may drive in Portugal without exchanging it, provided that:

• You are under 60 years old.

• The licence is valid and issued less than 15 years ago.

• The issuing country is part of the Geneva (1949) or Vienna (1968) conventions, or has a bilateral agreement with Portugal.

• The licence is not suspended, expired, or revoked.

Note: This authorization is valid only in Portugal. To drive in other EU countries, you must exchange your licence for a Portuguese one.

Licences from the European Union and European Economic Area

If you hold a licence from the EU or EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you may drive in Portugal until the licence expires.

• Residents must register their address with the IMT within 60 days of settling in Portugal.

• Foreigners residing in Portugal before Brexit retain the same rights as EU/EEA citizens.

📌 When You Must Exchange

Licences from Countries with Bilateral Agreements

• You may drive for up to 185 days (6 months) without exchange if you are not a resident.

• Residents must exchange their licence within 2 years of establishing residence.

Licences from Non‑Convention Countries

• Licences issued by countries not party to international road traffic conventions are not valid in Portugal.

• Immediate exchange is required, including a practical driving test for each category.

📑 Required Documents

• Valid foreign driving licence (original submitted to IMT).

• Identification document and proof of residence.

• Residence permit in Portugal.

• Portuguese Tax Identification Number (NIF).

• Electronic medical certificate.

• Psychological evaluation certificate (for professional categories).

• Declaration from the issuing authority or consulate (for bilateral or non‑convention countries).

• Authenticated translation if the licence is not in Portuguese, French, English, or Spanish.

💰 Costs and Deadlines

• Exchange fee: €30.

• Driving test fee (if required): €30.

• Driving school lessons (optional): €15.

• Average issuance time: 60 days.

• A temporary licence is issued during this period, allowing you to drive until the Portuguese licence is delivered.

🌍 Additional Information

• Theoretical exams can be taken in English upon request.

• The Portuguese licence may have a different validity period than the original.

• The foreign licence is returned to the issuing country after the exchange.

🎯 Conclusion

In 2025, Portugal maintains clear and simplified rules for exchanging foreign driving licences. The process can be completed online via the IMT portal, ensuring faster and safer procedures for residents and visitors.