How to exchange a foreign driving licence in Portugal

Moving to Portugal and planning to drive? At some point you'll probably need to swap your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one. The process is handled by the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes), and since January 2026 it's done entirely online.

This guide explains who has to exchange, how long you can drive on your current licence, what documents you need, and how to avoid the mistake that forces some people to retake their driving test.

Quick summary:

• EU/EEA licences: drive until the licence expires – no exchange needed (register your address with IMT).
• Non-EU licences from recognised countries: residents generally have 2 years from taking up residence to exchange.
• Miss the deadline and you may have to pass a practical driving test.
• Cost: €30 IMT fee, plus a medical certificate and any translations.
• How: online only via the IMT Services Portal (since 21 January 2026). Check

Do You Need to Exchange Your Licence?

It depends on where your licence was issued and whether you're a resident.

EU and EEA licences

If your licence was issued in an EU country, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you can drive in Portugal until it expires. You should register your Portuguese address with IMT (there's an online form). If your licence has no expiry date, an exchange or renewal is required within 2 years of becoming resident.

UK citizens who were resident in Portugal before Brexit follow the EU rules.

OECD and CPLP countries

This group includes the UK (post-Brexit arrivals), USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil and other OECD or Portuguese-speaking countries. Under the rules in force since August 2022:

• Non-residents can drive for up to 185 days.
• Residents can keep driving on their foreign licence under certain conditions (for example, being under 60 and having a licence issued or renewed within the last 15 years), but must exchange within 2 years of taking up residence.

Other countries that signed the road traffic conventions

Residents usually have a much shorter grace period after taking up residence before they must exchange. Check your country's category on the IMT website.

Countries without an agreement

If your country isn't covered by an international convention or bilateral agreement, your licence isn't valid for driving in Portugal once you're resident. You'll need to take the Portuguese theory and practical driving tests.

Why the 2-Year Deadline Matters

This is the most important detail in the whole process. If you miss the 2-year window, you can no longer do a simple exchange – you'll usually have to pass a practical driving test in Portugal. Start the exchange early, especially as processing can take a couple of months.

Documents You Need

• Valid foreign driving licence (original, full – provisional licences aren't accepted) and a copy
• Identification: residence permit (Título de residênciaThe residence card that proves a non-EU national's residence permit.), EU registration certificate, or Cartão de Cidadão
• NIF (Portuguese tax number)
• Proof of address in Portugal
• Electronic medical certificate (atestado médico) issued by a doctor in Portugal and submitted electronically to IMT
• For some licence categories or ages: a psychological assessment
• For many non-EU licences: a declaration of authenticity (certidão) from the authority that issued your licence, or its embassy/consulate. US drivers typically obtain a driving record or letter from their state DMV.
• Certified translation where your documents aren't in Portuguese (and an apostille if required)

How to Exchange Your Licence: Step by Step

1. Get your medical certificate

Book an appointment with a GP (médico de família) or a private clinic that issues driving medical certificates. Tell them it's for a troca de carta de condução. The doctor sends the certificate electronically to IMT – you'll get a reference.

2. Gather your authenticity documents

Request the declaration of authenticity or driving record from your home licensing authority early – it can take weeks to arrive.

3. Log in to the IMT Services Portal

Since 21 January 2026, licence exchange applications must be submitted exclusively online through the IMT Services Portal. You can log in with your Chave Móvel Digital or Portal das Finanças credentials. Check

4. Fill in the application

Choose the option to exchange a foreign driving licence (troca de título de condução estrangeiro), upload your documents and enter your medical certificate reference.

5. Pay the €30 fee

Pay online via Multibanco reference or card.

6. Hand in your original licence

IMT will tell you how to deliver your original foreign licence – you can't keep both. Make a copy beforehand.

7. Receive your Portuguese licence

Processing typically takes around two months, sometimes longer. While you wait, you'll receive a temporary document (guia de substituição) that lets you keep driving in Portugal.

How Much Does It Cost?

Driving Abroad With a Portuguese Licence

Once you've exchanged, your Portuguese licence is valid throughout the EU. For travel outside the EU, you may need an International Driving Permit, which you can request from IMT. Keep in mind your original foreign licence is surrendered – if you need it back when you move home, you'll have to apply through IMT.

Common Mistakes

• Waiting too long. Missing the 2-year deadline can mean retaking the driving test.
• Letting the foreign licence expire. You can only exchange a valid licence. Renew it at home first if it's about to expire.
• Forgetting the authenticity letter. It's often the slowest document to obtain.
• Using an unofficial service. Agencies can help, but the IMT fee itself is €30 – watch for inflated charges.
• Not registering your address. EU licence holders should still register their residence with IMT.

Driving in Portugal: Things to Know

• Tolls: many motorways have electronic tolls only (how to pay them). Get a Via Verde device or register your plate.
• Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, 120 km/h on motorways.
• Alcohol limit: 0.5 g/l (0.2 g/l for new drivers and professional drivers).
• Mandatory in the car: reflective vest and warning triangle. The car itself also needs valid insurance.
• Fines are often collected on the spot.

Buying or importing a car, the annual IUC and inspections are covered in our guide to owning a car in Portugal.

Final Thoughts

Exchanging your licence in Portugal is straightforward if you do it early. Get your medical certificate and authenticity letter sorted first, apply online through IMT well before the 2-year deadline, and keep your temporary document in the car until your new Portuguese licence arrives. Always check the IMT website or gov.pt for the latest rules for your country.