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 do not then, your license could be confiscated or cancelled.
To complete your exchange, you'll need to submit the required documents: an ID as well as the completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proofs of residence. You may also require a medical exam.
Cost
The cost of buying 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 that you've learned in preparation classes. The test is offered in Portuguese, but you can also choose to translate it into English. The IMT website lists private centers that provide this exam.
The IMT provides a service online for replacing lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens make a request for replacement and receive an electronic certificate. Then, you can present the certificate at a police station to receive an additional license within eight weeks. In addition, you may submit your request at an IMT desk in person. You'll need an ID document, such as a citizen card, taxpayer number, passport or residence permit and a completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
It is essential to exchange your foreign driver's license with a Portuguese one immediately after moving to Portugal. This will help you avoid huge fines if the foreign license is lost or stolen. Also, you should obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one runs out.
You can make your request online or in person at an IMT office. In-person visits are most common for complex applications such as ones that involve the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documents, like an official translation of your foreign license or an official copy of your country's governing body.
As opposed to other countries in the world, the US does not have a central driving license database. It could take IMT longer to verify your driver's license. You can prevent this issue by asking IMT to extend your temporary driver's license when it is due to expire.
The process of converting your US driver's license to one that is a Portuguese one can be confusing and time-consuming. You should prepare all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office and carry cash in case the office doesn't accept credit cards. A helpful tip is to download an app called SIGA on your phone which will inform you the number of people being handled and how long you'll need to wait.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged to obtain the Portuguese driving license without taking the Portuguese driving test. Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 can still be lengthy. It is possible that you will need to organize your documents, but you will also need to attend preparation classes and take the theory test at IMT or privately. To pass the driving test you must pass 28 hours of theory classes and 32 hours of practical ones. The lessons are conducted in approved government-approved centers. These centers are listed on the website of the IMT. The duration of these lessons is contingent on your availability and the progress you make.
To transfer your foreign license You will need to present an abstract of driving records from the state where you resided the last time in the United States. This document needs to be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid for inclusion in your application for IMT. The embassy can authenticate the certificate for you. You can bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply online or in an IMT office near you. Online applications are faster and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, such as your taxpayer number or citizenship card, to make an application. If you're exchanging an international driver's license it is also necessary to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service that allows drivers to request a duplicate driving license online. This new service will save time and money, and is more convenient than visiting an IMT office in person. Comprar a carta de condução do IMT has created an online portal that lets drivers upload their documents, and can even upload photos.
The institute also provides the option of receiving an automated notification when the time is the right time to renew your driving licence. The IMT will also tell you when your driving licence expires and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of getting your driver's license in Portugal could be long. The IMT can take as long as 30 days to process your request and may take longer if you're applying during peak times. Comprar carta de condução da categoria C can drive while you wait using your foreign driving license or temporary permit.
The IMT's online portal lets you to check the status of your application and monitor your progress, however certain applications require an in-person visit. In certain instances you may be able to submit the required documents from your country of origin, making the process much easier.
It's important that you apply as soon as you can if you want to exchange your EU driving license. This will prevent your license from being stolen or lost while you're waiting for it to be processed. It is also crucial to obtain a Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad, since the IMT won't be able to replace your EU license if it's stolen or lost in another country.
Once you've submitted your application, you'll need to take a medical exam. This is a simple exam to determine whether you're mentally fit enough to drive a vehicle. This test does not include bloodwork or stress tests and therefore should be simple to pass. The IMT website has an approved list of doctors for this exam.
After you have passed your medical test and you are now able to begin preparing for both the practical and theory examinations. The theory test can be conducted at the IMT, or a private exam center. You must have completed your preparatory classes first. The practical test can be taken independently or in conjunction with the theory exam. If you choose to take the practical test alongside the theory exam be sure that you have your preparation class certificate at the time of the test. Otherwise, you'll be required to take the exam again at a later time.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal, make sure you have your driver's licence changed in the earliest time possible. Failure to do this could result in fines or delays in getting your residence permit. It is best to change your residence permit within 90 days.
No matter if you're an EU resident or not, you'll need to get a Certificate of Authenticity for your previous license prior to exchanging it for one that is a Portuguese one. This document can be obtained from the Embassy of your country or from consular services in Portugal.
You'll also need to pass a medical exam. The exam isn't as difficult as you may think. This test involves blood tests and physical tests to make sure that you are able to drive safely. The test costs EUR25 and is administered by a physician from a medical group.