How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal (2026): Requirements, Documents & Costs
Moving to Portugal often means dealing with a new set of administrative procedures, from registering your address to obtaining a Portuguese tax number. If you already have a driving licence, one of the most important questions is whether you can continue using it or need to exchange it for a Portuguese licence.
The answer depends on where your licence was issued, whether you have established residence in Portugal, the categories of vehicles you are authorised to drive and the agreements Portugal has with the issuing country.
Some foreign licences remain valid in Portugal without an immediate exchange. Others must be exchanged within a specific period, while certain licences may require additional driving tests. Understanding the applicable rules is particularly important if you plan to live in Portugal permanently, commute by car or work in a role that requires driving.
This guide explains how to exchange a foreign driving licence in Portugal in 2026, including the documents you may need, how to apply through the Portuguese transport authority and the fees involved.
Do You Need to Exchange Your Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal?
Not everyone moving to Portugal needs to exchange their driving licence immediately. Portuguese rules distinguish between licences issued by countries in the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA), licences covered by international conventions, and licences issued by countries subject to different recognition arrangements.
Your obligations also depend on whether you are visiting Portugal temporarily or have established residence there. Before applying for an exchange, identify the country that issued your licence and check the rules applicable to that country through the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT), Portugal’s transport and mobility authority.
Driving licences issued in the EU and EEA
Driving licences issued by EU and EEA countries are generally recognised in Portugal until their stated expiry date, subject to the applicable rules.
If you establish residence in Portugal with an EU or EEA licence, you must notify IMT of your residence within 60 days. This is a registration obligation and does not necessarily mean that you must immediately exchange a standard, valid licence.
Special rules may apply to licences without an expiry date or to older licence formats. If your licence is approaching its expiry date, you should check whether it must be renewed or exchanged under Portuguese rules.
Driving licences issued outside the EU and EEA
The rules for licences issued outside the EU and EEA are more complex. Portugal has recognition arrangements covering certain countries, including countries that are parties to international road traffic conventions and countries covered by bilateral agreements or reciprocity arrangements.
Depending on the issuing country and the licence concerned, you may be able to exchange your licence without taking a Portuguese driving test. Other cases may require theoretical or practical examinations.
Important: Do not assume that all non-EU licences follow the same rules. Check the current IMT guidance for your specific issuing country before driving after establishing residence in Portugal.
How Long Can You Drive in Portugal With a Foreign Licence?
The applicable deadlines are one of the most important aspects of the exchange process.
If you have an EU or EEA licence
A valid EU or EEA driving licence is generally recognised until its expiry date. However, if you become resident in Portugal, you must comply with the applicable registration requirements. You should also check the rules for licences without an expiry date and for any categories subject to additional medical or administrative requirements.
If you have a licence from a country covered by international recognition arrangements
For certain non-EU licences, Portugal applies specific rules following the establishment of residence. Under the general framework described by IMT for relevant countries, drivers may be able to submit an exchange application within 90 days of obtaining residence and continue driving during that initial period, provided the licence and the individual meet the applicable conditions.
After the initial 90 days, an exchange application may still be possible in qualifying cases, but the foreign licence may no longer authorise driving in Portugal while the exchange remains outstanding.
IMT also identifies a two-year period after obtaining residence in certain cases. After that period, an exchange may require a practical driving test. These deadlines are not universal. Different arrangements may apply depending on the country that issued your licence.
If your licence was issued by a country whose licences are not recognised for driving in Portugal
You may need to request an exchange immediately and complete the required examinations before being authorised to drive. Do not assume that holding a valid licence abroad automatically permits you to drive in Portugal.
If you are visiting Portugal temporarily
Rules for visitors can differ from those applicable to residents. IMT states that certain foreign licences may be used for up to 185 days after entry into Portugal and before residence is established, subject to the applicable recognition requirements. If you are approaching the date on which you will establish residence, check your specific situation before relying on this period.
Can You Exchange Your Licence Without Taking a Driving Test?
In many cases, yes. However, this depends on the issuing country, the categories held and the applicable recognition arrangements.
EU and EEA licences
A standard, valid EU or EEA licence can generally be exchanged without repeating the full driving test simply because you move to Portugal. Medical requirements or other conditions may still apply, particularly for professional or heavy-vehicle categories.
Licences covered by bilateral agreements or international conventions
Some licences issued outside the EU and EEA can be exchanged without a Portuguese driving test if the applicable conditions are met. The exact requirements depend on the country and licence category.
Licences that require examinations
If the issuing country is not covered by an applicable recognition arrangement, an exchange may depend on passing the required theoretical and practical driving examinations. The examinations and fees depend on the procedure and categories involved. Before paying for a service or booking an examination, confirm the requirements with IMT.
Documents Required to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence
The documents required depend on the country that issued your licence and your circumstances. For many exchange applications, the following documents are relevant:
- Valid foreign driving licence: The original licence must be valid and definitive, rather than a provisional or learner’s permit.
- Identification document: For example, a passport or another accepted identification document.
- Proof of residence in Portugal: The exact document accepted depends on your status and the procedure.
- Portuguese NIF: Your Número de Identificação Fiscal, or tax identification number.
- Medical certificate: An electronic medical certificate may be required, depending on the applicable rules.
- Psychological assessment certificate: This may be required for certain professional or heavy-vehicle categories.
- Certificate of authenticity: For some licences issued outside the EU and EEA, IMT may require confirmation from the issuing authority or a consular authority.
- Translation: A certified translation may be required if the licence or supporting documents are not in Portuguese, English, French or Spanish.
Not every applicant will need every document on this list. For example, the certificate of authenticity and translation requirements are particularly relevant to certain non-EU licences. The medical and psychological requirements can also vary by category.
How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal: Step-by-Step
The exchange process is managed by IMT. For many applications, the request must be submitted online through the official driving-licence service.
Step 1: Check the Rules for Your Country
Start by consulting the IMT guidance for foreign driving licences. Identify whether your licence is covered by EU/EEA recognition, a bilateral agreement, reciprocity arrangements or an international road traffic convention. This determines whether an exchange is necessary, which documents are required and whether you must take a driving test.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Gather your valid driving licence, identification document, proof of residence and NIF. If IMT requires a medical certificate, authenticity declaration or translation, arrange these before submitting the application. Check that your personal details are consistent across all documents.
Step 3: Submit the Application Online
Use the official Portuguese driving-licence service, commonly referred to as A Minha Carta de Condução, to submit your exchange request where the procedure is available. Follow the instructions for your licence category and country of issue. Upload the requested documentation and retain the application confirmation.
Step 4: Pay the Applicable Fee
After submitting the application, you should receive instructions concerning payment and any additional steps. The standard exchange fee published by the Portuguese government is €30. IMT may apply a discount for online applications, so check the amount stated in the payment instructions before paying. Additional fees may apply if you need translations, medical assessments, psychological assessments or driving examinations.
Step 5: Respond to Any Request for Additional Documents
IMT may request further documentation or clarification. Check the email address associated with your application and follow any instructions within the specified period. If your licence requires an authenticity certificate or a driving test, the process may take longer.
Step 6: Attend an Appointment if Required
After the online application has been submitted, IMT may instruct you to attend an appointment. Depending on the procedure, you may need to present original documents, surrender your foreign licence and have your photograph and signature collected. Do not send or surrender your original licence unless instructed to do so through the official process.
Step 7: Receive Your Portuguese Driving Licence
Once the application has been approved and all applicable requirements have been met, the Portuguese licence can be issued. Follow the instructions provided by IMT regarding delivery or collection. If your application requires a driving examination, the licence will only be issued after the relevant requirements have been satisfied.
How Much Does It Cost to Exchange a Driving Licence in Portugal?
The standard fee published for exchanging a foreign driving licence is €30. The final cost can be higher if additional requirements apply.
| Expense | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Standard exchange fee | €30 under the published government fee |
| Online application | A discount may apply; check the amount requested by IMT |
| Medical certificate | Additional cost may apply |
| Psychological assessment | Additional cost where required |
| Certified translation | Depends on the document and provider |
| Driving examinations | Additional examination fees may apply |
The total cost therefore depends on the issuing country, the licence category and whether any supplementary documents or examinations are required.
How Long Does the Exchange Process Take?
Processing times vary according to the issuing country, the completeness of the application and the workload of IMT. Applications involving a straightforward exchange may be simpler than those requiring an authenticity certificate, additional medical documentation or driving examinations.
There is no single processing time that can be guaranteed for every applicant. To reduce avoidable delays:
- Check the requirements for your country before applying.
- Submit clear copies of all requested documents.
- Ensure your licence remains valid.
- Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
- Keep your application reference and check your email regularly.
If you need to drive for work or daily activities, start the process early and confirm whether your foreign licence remains valid for driving in Portugal while the application is pending.
What Happens to Your Foreign Driving Licence?
When a foreign licence is exchanged for a Portuguese one, the original document may need to be surrendered to the Portuguese authorities. Under the applicable arrangements, the original licence may be returned to the authority that issued it. The precise procedure depends on the issuing country and the exchange process.
If you later return to your country of origin, you may need to contact its authorities to understand how to recover or replace the original licence. Do not assume that you can keep both licences after an exchange.
What If Your Foreign Driving Licence Has Expired?
An expired foreign licence can complicate the exchange process. In general, applicants should not assume that an expired licence can be exchanged through the standard procedure. The applicable rules depend on the issuing country, the licence category and whether any special arrangements apply.
If your licence has expired, contact IMT before submitting an application. You may need to renew the licence through the issuing country or follow a different procedure. Do not drive in Portugal on the assumption that a pending exchange application makes an expired licence valid.
Can You Exchange a Licence From the UK, US or Brazil?
The answer depends on the specific country and the conditions of the applicable recognition arrangements.
United Kingdom
UK driving licences are not EU licences, but Portugal has arrangements under which qualifying UK licences may be recognised. The applicable conditions, residence deadlines and exchange requirements should be checked with IMT.
United States
The United States is among the countries whose licences may fall under Portugal’s recognition arrangements, subject to the relevant conditions. Requirements may vary according to the licence category and the circumstances of the holder.
Brazil
Brazilian licences may qualify for recognition and exchange under Portugal’s arrangements with certain CPLP and convention countries. Applicants should check the current IMT requirements, including any conditions concerning licence validity, residence and categories.
FAQ
Do I need to exchange my EU driving licence when moving to Portugal?
A valid EU or EEA licence is generally recognised until its expiry date. However, residents must comply with applicable registration requirements, and special rules may apply to licences without an expiry date.
How much does it cost to exchange a foreign driving licence in Portugal?
The standard government fee published for the exchange is €30. An online discount may apply, and additional expenses can arise if you need medical assessments, translations or examinations.
Can I exchange my foreign licence online?
Many exchange requests are submitted through the official online driving-licence service. However, you may still need to attend an appointment to present original documents or complete other requirements.
Do I need a medical certificate?
A medical certificate may be required, depending on the licence category and the applicable procedure. Check the official requirements for your situation.
Do I need to take a driving test?
Not necessarily. Many licences covered by applicable recognition arrangements can be exchanged without repeating the full driving test. Other licences may require theoretical or practical examinations.
Can I drive while my exchange application is being processed?
This depends on your licence, issuing country, residence status and the applicable deadlines. Submitting an application does not automatically extend the validity of a foreign licence. Confirm your position with IMT before driving.
Can I exchange an expired licence?
Do not assume that an expired licence qualifies for a standard exchange. Contact IMT to establish whether renewal or another procedure is required.
What is the difference between exchanging and renewing a driving licence?
Exchanging a licence means replacing a foreign driving licence with a Portuguese one. Renewing a licence means extending or replacing a licence under the applicable renewal rules. The procedures and eligibility requirements are different.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The consequences depend on the issuing country and the applicable rules. In some cases, you may still be able to request an exchange but no longer be allowed to drive using the foreign licence. In other cases, examinations may be required. Contact IMT promptly if you have missed a deadline.
Final Thoughts
Exchanging a foreign driving licence is an important administrative task for many people settling in Portugal. The process can be relatively straightforward when the licence is covered by a recognition arrangement and the applicant has all the required documents. However, the rules are not identical for every country, and the deadlines following the establishment of residence can be particularly important.
Before applying, confirm whether your licence must be exchanged, whether you can continue driving during the process and whether any medical documents, authenticity certificates or examinations are required. Use the official IMT service to submit your request and check the latest instructions before paying any fees.
One Comment