Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're a non-EU citizen and are new to Portugal, it's important to change your foreign driver's license as soon as possible. If you don't get your license, it could be confiscated or canceled.
In order to complete your exchange, you'll need to submit the required documents: an ID and a completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proofs of residence. You may be required to undergo an exam for medical conditions.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving licence varies depending on whether you choose to take the test online or in person. In person, the test costs EUR15 and takes 30 minutes. It's comprised of 30 multiple choice questions that cover the syllabus you've learned in your preparation classes. The test is offered in Portuguese or English. The IMT website provides the list of private centers that can offer the test.
The IMT provides online services to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website allows citizens register their request to receive digital certificates. Then, you can take the certificate to a police station in order to obtain an additional license within eight weeks. Additionally, you can submit your request to an IMT desk in person. You will need a valid ID document like an identity card, passport, taxpayer number, a citizenship card or a residence permit. Also, you will be required to fill out the Modelo 10 IMT Form.
After you have moved to Portugal it is crucial to exchange your current foreign driving license for one that is a Portuguese driver's license as soon as you are able. This will help you avoid heavy fines if your foreign license gets lost or stolen. Additionally, you should get your new Portuguese license before the validity of your current one ends.
You can submit your request online or in person at a IMT office. In- Comprar a carta de condução do IMT are the most popular for complicated applications like those involving the exchanging of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documents, such as the translation of a foreign license or a copy from your home country.
The US has no central database for driving licenses, unlike other countries. This means it takes longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's permit. You can avoid this issue by asking IMT to extend the temporary paper driver's licence when it is due to expire.
The process of exchanging your US driver's license for a Portuguese one can be confusing and lengthy. You should prepare all the necessary documentation prior to going to an IMT office, and you should carry cash in case the office isn't able to accept credit cards. Download the SIGA application on your smartphone to see how many persons are being handled at any given moment.
Requirements
A foreign driver's license may be exchanged to obtain an Portuguese driving license, without taking the Portuguese driving test. However, the process can be lengthy. In addition to arranging your documents and preparing your documents, you might also have to take preparation classes and the theory test at IMT or a private examination center. You must have completed 32 hours of instruction in practical classes and 28 hours of theory to be eligible for your driving test. The lessons are held in government-approved centers. You can find the list of these centers on the IMT website. The length of these lessons depends on your availability and the progress you make.
In order to transfer your foreign driver's license you must provide an abstract of your driving record from the state where you had your last residence in the United States. The document must be apostilled or stamped in order to be valid for inclusion in your application for IMT. The embassy will then authenticate the certificate. You can bring it along to your in-person appointment with IMT.
You can apply online or in an IMT office near you. The online process is more convenient and less stressful. You'll need to provide an identification document, like your taxpayer number or citizenship card, to submit your request. If you are exchanging the driver's license of a foreign country it is also necessary to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service which allows drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service can save time and money, and is a lot more convenient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT created a portal which allows drivers to upload their documents and even upload an image.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility of receiving an automatic notification when it's the right time to renew your driving licence. Additionally it also informs you of the IMT also informs you of the expiration date of your driving licence as well as how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of obtaining your Portuguese driving license could be long. The IMT can take up 30 days to process your application and may take longer if you're applying during peak periods. While you wait you are able to drive with your foreign license or a temporary permit.
You can check the status of an application online and monitor the progress of an application. However, some applications require a personal visit. In certain instances, you can submit the necessary documents directly from your country of origin. This makes the process much faster.
If you're attempting to exchange your EU driver's license, it's crucial to do so as soon as you can. This will stop your license from being stolen or lost while you're waiting for it to be processed. It is also important to obtain an Portuguese license prior to traveling abroad. The IMT will not be able replace your EU license if it's stolen or lost in a different country.
After you've completed your application, you'll have to take a medical exam. This is a simple test to confirm that you're mentally fit enough to drive an automobile. It doesn't contain bloodwork or a stress test which makes it easy to pass. The IMT website contains the list of doctors who are authorized to administer this test.
Once you've passed your medical exam, you can then start preparing for the theory and practical exams. The theory test can be conducted at the IMT or at a private exam center. You must have completed the preparatory classes prior to taking. The practical test can be taken as a stand-alone test or in conjunction with the theory test. If you choose to take the theory test and the practical test together, you'll require your certificate of preparation class with you. You will have to retake the exam if you don't.
Insurance
If you're planning on moving to Portugal, make sure you have your driver's licence changed as soon as you can. Failure to do this could result in a fine or delay in obtaining your residence permit. It is recommended to change your residence permit within 90 days.
If you're an EU resident or not, you'll need to get a Certificate of Authenticity for your license prior to exchanging it for a Portuguese one. This document is available at the Embassy of your country, or through consular services in Portugal.
You'll have to pass a medical exam. Fortunately, this exam isn't as extensive as you might think. This exam includes bloodwork and physical tests to make sure that you're able to drive safely. A physician from a medical network can perform this test costing around EUR25.