Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU national and new to Portugal, you should exchange your foreign driving licence as soon as you can. If you don't then, your license could be confiscated or cancelled.
You'll need the following documents to complete your exchange ID, an completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residence. You may require an exam for medical conditions.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving license varies based on whether you choose to take the theory test online or in person. The test is EUR15 in person and takes 30 minutes. The test is comprised of 30 multiple-choice questions that are based on the syllabus you learned in your preparation classes. The test is offered in Portuguese however, you can also opt to translate it into English. The IMT website has an extensive list of private centers that offer the test.
The IMT also offers an online service for replacing lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens register their request and receive a digital certificate. You can then show the certificate at a police station to receive a replacement license within eight weeks. You can also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll need an ID document, such as a citizen card or taxpayer number, residence permit or passport and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
After you have moved to Portugal it is essential to exchange your foreign driving license to a Portuguese driver's licence as soon as you are able. This will help you avoid heavy fines if your foreign license is lost or stolen. In addition, you must obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your old one ends.
You can submit your application online or in person at an IMT office. However in-person visits are more common for applications with a lot of complexity, including those involving the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings might require additional documents, for example, an official translation of your foreign license or an official copy of your country's the governing body.
Unlike systems in other countries in the world, the US doesn't have a central driving license database. It can take IMT longer to verify your driver's licence. You can avoid this issue by asking IMT for an extension of your temporary paper driver's license when it is due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for one with a Portuguese license can be confusing and lengthy. You must be prepared with all the necessary documentation before 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 persons are being handled at any given moment.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license to obtain a Portuguese license without the need to pass the Portuguese driving test. However, the process could be a lengthy one. It is possible that you will need to organize your documents, but you will be required to attend preparatory classes and then take the theory test at IMT or privately. To be eligible for the driving test you must pass 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical ones. These lessons are taught in government-approved centres. These centers are listed on the IMT's website. The duration of the lessons is dependent on your availability as well as your performance.
To exchange your foreign driver's license you must provide an abstract of your driving documents from the state in which you last resided in the United States. The document must be apostilled or stamped to be valid in your application to IMT. The embassy can authenticate this certificate for you. You can bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply online or at an IMT office close to you. Comprar carta de condução da categoria C is quicker and less stressful. However, you will require an identification document such as a citizen card or taxpayer number to submit a request. If you're exchanging an international license, you'll also require your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service which permits drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service is easy and can save you time and money. The IMT created a portal that allows drivers upload their documents and even provide a picture.
Additionally, the institute gives the possibility of receiving an automatic notification when it's the right 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
Getting your driving license to drive in Portugal can be a lengthy process. It can take as long as 30 days for the IMT to approve your application and longer during the peak hours. While you wait, you can still drive with a foreign license or temporary permit.
The online portal of IMT allows you to check on the status of your application and track your progress, however certain applications require an in person visit. In certain cases, you can submit the required documents directly from your home country. This can make the process much quicker.
It's crucial to apply as soon as you can when you're looking to exchange your EU driving license. This will stop your license from being lost or stolen while you're waiting for it to be processed. It's also important to obtain a Portuguese license prior to travelling to another country, as the IMT cannot replace your EU license if it's stolen or lost in a different country.
After you've submitted your application, you'll need to take a medical exam. This is a simple test to determine if you're mentally able to operate an automobile. It doesn't contain any blood tests or a stress test, so it should be easy to pass. The IMT website has a list of doctors certified to conduct this test.
Once you have passed your medical exam, you can start prepping for both the theory and practical examinations. The theory test can be taken either at the IMT or at a private exam centre. You must have attended your preparatory classes first. The practical test can be taken separately or as a part of the theory test. If you choose to take the theory test and the practical test together, you'll require your certificate of preparation along with you. Comprar carta de condução categoria B 'll have to take the test if you don't.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal be sure to have your driver's licence changed in the earliest time possible. Failure to do this could result in fines and a delay of your residence permit. It is recommended that you change your residence permit within 90 days.
Whether you're an EU resident or not, you need to obtain a Certificate of Authentication for your old license before changing it to an Portuguese one. This document can be obtained at the embassy of your country or consular service in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical examination. Fortunately, the exam isn't as lengthy as you think. It's a combination of bloodwork and a check-up to make sure you can safely drive. A medical doctor from a network can conduct this exam, which costs around EUR25.