If you’ve recently moved to Portugal, one of the practical steps you may need to take is to exchange your foreign driving licence for a Portuguese one. While you can’t renew a foreign licence in Portugal, you can exchange it — depending on your country of origin and your residency status.
At C1 Broker, we know that adapting to a new country can be overwhelming. From health insurance to driving regulations, our goal is to make your life in Portugal simpler and stress-free. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to help you understand when and how to exchange your driving licence in Portugal.
When Do You Need to Exchange Your Driving Licence?
The process depends on where your licence was issued:
1. If your licence is from the EU/EEA:
Good news! You can drive in Portugal using your EU/EEA licence as long as it remains valid. However, if you become a resident in Portugal, you’ll eventually need to exchange it for a Portuguese licence.
➡️ The exchange is not immediate or mandatory upon arrival, but it’s recommended to do it eventually to ensure your information is updated in the Portuguese system.
2. If your licence is from outside the EU/EEA:
If your driving licence was issued outside the European Union or the European Economic Area, you must exchange it for a Portuguese one once you become a resident.
This rule applies to expats from countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Brazil, or Australia, among others.
How to Exchange Your Driving Licence
You can complete the exchange process online or in person:
🔹 Online
Visit the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) website and fill out the licence exchange form available on the portal.
🔹 In person
You can go to an IMT office or a Loja do Cidadão to submit your documents and complete the process directly.
Documents Required
To apply for the exchange, you’ll need:
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Your original foreign driving licence
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A valid ID document (such as your passport or residence card)
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Your residence permit or certificate
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A proof of address in Portugal
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Your Portuguese taxpayer number (NIF)
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A medical certificate (required in some cases)
💡 The exchange fee is usually €30, but it’s always advisable to confirm the updated value on the IMT portal before applying.
Processing Time and Validity
The exchange process can take several weeks, so if your licence is about to expire, it’s best to start early.
Once your new Portuguese driving licence is issued, you’ll be able to drive in Portugal and across the EU without restrictions.
⚠️ Important Notes
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Renewal only applies to Portuguese licences. You can’t renew a foreign licence in Portugal.
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If your foreign licence is close to its expiration date, it’s best to exchange it before it expires.
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The process and requirements can vary slightly depending on the country that issued your original licence — always check the IMT or gov.pt website for the most up-to-date information.
Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence for a Portuguese One
If you hold a foreign driving licence and want to exchange it for a Portuguese one, use this official IMT page:
IMT – Troca de Título de Condução Estrangeiro
Here are the updated details and steps, based on IMT information:
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You can exchange your foreign licence by submitting a request online or in person at an IMT office or Loja do Cidadão.
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The usual fee is €30, and you may benefit from a 10% discount if done via IMTonline.
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You need to present:
• Original foreign driving licence
• Valid ID or residence permit
• Proof of Portuguese residence
• NIF (tax number)
• Medical certificate (in some cases)
• If your licence is from a country without a reciprocity agreement, you may also need to pass a theoretical test and a practical driving test -
For certain countries like Brazil, the exchange has become simpler: Brazilian licences issued after 18 May 2017 with a QR code can be exchanged without a consular authenticity statement.
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Note: After the process is complete, your Portuguese licence is issued, and your foreign licence is usually retained.
Renew (Revalidate) a Portuguese Driving Licence
If you already hold a Portuguese driving licence and it’s time to renew it, use the IMT official link below:
IMT – Revalidação da Carta de Condução
Key points to know:
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This process only applies to Portuguese licences; you cannot renew a foreign licence via this procedure.
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The fee is €30, though for people aged 70 or more it’s €15.
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Requests submitted via IMTonline benefit from a 10% discount.
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You can apply for revalidation in the six months before your licence expires.
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If you delay beyond expiry:
• Up to 2 years: you may need to pass a special driving test
• Between 5 and 10 years: you might also need to take a training course + test -
The processing times vary:
• Online requests: ~ 10 days
• IMT counters: ~ 8 days
• Lojas do Cidadão / Espaços Cidadão: ~ 25 days
C1 Broker Tip for Expats
When moving to Portugal, it’s not just your driving licence that needs adapting — you’ll also want to make sure your car insurance complies with Portuguese law.
At C1 Broker, we help expats every day find the best car insurance options in Portugal, with full support in English, German, Spanish and Portuguese.
👉 Calculate your car insurance now and enjoy peace of mind while driving in Portugal.
Final Thoughts
Exchanging your driving licence for a Portuguese one may seem bureaucratic, but it’s a straightforward process when you know the steps. Take your time to gather all necessary documents, check the IMT website for any updates, and apply early to avoid stress.
And remember — just like your driving licence, your insurance coverage should also be updated to protect you on Portuguese roads. Whether you need car, health, home, or life insurance, C1 Broker is your trusted partner in Portugal.
Important Legal Notice
These are the current procedures regarding European driving licences in Portugal. Please note that administrative regulations are subject to change and have been updated several times over the years. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we strongly recommend checking the official IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) website: https://www.imt-ip.pt/.
