Portugal – Driving Licenses

Can foreign nationals drive in Portugal on their home country licence, and for how long?

The rules governing use of a foreign driving licence in Portugal differ considerably depending on where that licence was issued and whether the holder is a temporary visitor or a permanent resident. Short visits are relatively uncomplicated, but acquiring residency introduces a more structured set of obligations.

EU and EEA licences
Holders of driving licences issued by an EU or EEA country (Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein) are entitled to drive in Portugal on that licence until it expires. That said, establishing residency in Portugal creates an administrative duty: you must notify the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) of your Portuguese address within 60 days of moving to the country. This registration carries no charge. If your EU-issued licence has no expiration date or carries lifetime validity, you will be required to exchange it for a Portuguese licence within 2 years of becoming a resident, since Portuguese law requires all licences to bear an expiry date.

Non-EU licences for tourists
Visitors to Portugal who are not residents may drive on a valid foreign licence for a maximum of 185 days (roughly six months), provided their licence was issued by a country that Portugal recognises. Recognised countries include members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). These include Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

Non-EU licences for residents
Once you take up residency in Portugal, specific deadlines begin running from the date your residence permit is issued. During the first 90 days, it remains lawful to drive on a foreign licence; however, you are obliged to submit a licence exchange application to the IMT within that window. Between the 90-day mark and the 2-year point, you may still apply to exchange your licence, but you are no longer permitted to drive on the foreign document itself during that interval.

Licences from countries not party to international conventions
A driving licence from a country that has not signed any international road traffic convention and holds no exchange agreement with Portugal is not valid for driving in Portugal. In such cases, you must apply immediately to convert your licence to a Portuguese one. This is a notable departure from the approach taken in many other countries, where a blanket grace period tends to apply regardless of the licence’s origin. In Portugal, the issuing country matters from your very first day of residency.

Post-Brexit note
Foreign nationals already resident in Portugal before Brexit took effect are treated in the same manner as EU and EEA licence holders. Those who arrived after Brexit fall under the non-EU bilateral agreement framework, and their UK licences must be exchanged within the applicable deadlines.

Does Portugal have licence exchange agreements with other countries?

Portugal uses a tiered recognition framework for foreign licences, built on bilateral agreements, multilateral road traffic conventions, and membership of international organisations. The tier your licence falls into determines whether you can convert it to a Portuguese licence without sitting a new driving test.

Bilateral and reciprocity agreements
Portugal has concluded bilateral agreements or maintains reciprocal recognition arrangements with a number of countries, including Brazil, Switzerland, Morocco, Andorra, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, the United Arab Emirates, and Angola. Licence holders from these countries may exchange without undergoing a driving test, as long as they act within the required timeframe. The approach is broadly consistent with how other European countries manage bilateral recognition — the essential requirement is prompt action after establishing residency.

International road traffic conventions
A foreign licence may also be exchanged for a Portuguese one without a driving test if it was issued by a country that is a signatory to one of the key international road traffic conventions — specifically Annex 9 to the Geneva International Convention of 19 September 1949, or Annex 6 to the Vienna International Convention of 8 November 1968 on Road Traffic. A wide range of countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Africa are party to one or both of these conventions.

OECD and CPLP countries
Since 1 July 2022, driving licences issued by member states of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) or the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) are recognised in Portugal. Under Decree no. 46 of 2022, documents issued by these countries require no validation in Portugal, and this covers countries such as Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, the United States, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, and others.

Where no agreement exists
If your licence was issued by a country that is neither a signatory to the relevant international conventions nor party to any bilateral arrangement with Portugal, that licence is not valid for driving in Portugal once you have taken up residency. You will be required to undergo the full conversion process, including both theory and practical driving tests for each vehicle category your licence covers.

Because bilateral agreements can be updated or expanded over time, you should always confirm the current status of your home country’s arrangement directly with the IMT. The official IMT portal at imt-ip.pt carries an up-to-date list of eligible countries and the categories covered.

How do you exchange or convert a foreign driving licence in Portugal?

The entire licence exchange process in Portugal is administered by the IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). Unlike some countries where local registries or post offices manage these matters, Portugal centralises all licence exchange activity through IMT offices and its online platform. The following outlines the process from start to finish.

1. Confirm your eligibility. Establish whether your licence originates from a bilateral agreement country, a signatory to the 1949 or 1968 road traffic conventions, or an OECD/CPLP member state. This determines whether a driving test will be required. The list of qualifying countries is extensive and subject to change — always check with the IMT or a Portuguese consulate before proceeding.
2. Obtain a medical certificate. Book an appointment with a doctor who is registered with the IMT. The examination focuses specifically on your physical and mental capacity to drive — it is not a routine medical check-up. The cost is typically €30–€50 (as of 2025), and the certifying doctor submits the certificate electronically to the IMT. Medical certificates are ordinarily valid for six months.
3. Assemble your documents. You will need a valid passport (with visa if applicable) or residence permit as proof of identity, together with evidence of your Portuguese home address. If your residence permit does not include your address, a domicile certificate from the Portal das Finanças — which requires a Portuguese tax number (NIF) — will be needed instead. You must hand over your original valid foreign driving licence, so make a high-quality colour copy for your records before doing so. If your licence is not in Portuguese, French, English, or Spanish, a certified translation is required. For non-EU licences, you may also need a declaration from the licence-issuing authority confirming its authenticity; this can often be obtained through your home country’s embassy or consular services in Portugal.
4. Lodge your application. Submit your application through the IMT online portal or in person at an IMT office. Present the required documents, pay the €30 fee (as of 2025), and attend a scheduled appointment for biometric data collection, which includes your photograph and signature. The application form is generally available in both Portuguese and English.
5. Attend your IMT biometric appointment. Following submission of your documents, you will receive notification from the IMT directing you to visit the local office serving your area of residence for biometric data capture. At that appointment, you must present your current driving licence, which will then be forwarded to the issuing country’s authority. In return, you will be given a temporary Portuguese driving licence, valid for an initial period of 6 months.
6. Receive your Portuguese licence by post. Your new driving licence will be dispatched by registered mail to the Portuguese address you provided when submitting your exchange request. The typical processing period is approximately 60 days, and your temporary licence covers you to drive throughout this time.

What happens to your original licence?
Your original licence must be surrendered and will be returned to the authority that issued it. If you later leave Portugal, you can request its return by surrendering your Portuguese licence at that point. This differs from arrangements in some other countries — such as Australia — where the foreign licence may be retained by the holder. In Portugal, it is always sent back to the original issuing authority.

Costs to expect (as of 2025)
The exchange fee is €30, payable at your appointment. A medical certificate typically costs €25–€50. A psychological assessment, where required for professional vehicle categories, costs €50–€100. Translations and apostille authentication vary by country but generally run to €50–€200. Always check the current fee schedule on the official IMT portal, as these amounts are subject to change.

If you miss the 2-year deadline
Anyone who allows the 2-year window to lapse before beginning the exchange process will be required to sit and pass a practical driving test in Portugal before a Portuguese licence can be issued. Beginning the process as soon as your residence permit is granted is strongly recommended.

How do you apply for a driving licence in Portugal from scratch?

If your licence cannot be exchanged — either because your country has no relevant agreement with Portugal, or because you have never held a driving licence at all — you will need to complete the full Portuguese licensing process. This involves mandatory instruction, theory and practical examinations, a medical assessment, and various administrative costs.

Eligibility and residency
Any foreign national can obtain a driving licence in Portugal, regardless of their nationality, provided they hold lawful residency. If you are a non-national, you will need to present either a temporary or permanent residence permit or residence card issued by AIMA (Agency for Integration, Migration, and Asylum), or a passport bearing a study, work, temporary stay, or residence visa issued by AIMA, the Consular Office, or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Medical and psychological assessment
Before a driving licence can be issued in Portugal, you must provide an electronic medical certificate confirming that you are physically capable of driving. A psychological assessment certificate from a qualified psychologist, confirming psychological fitness to drive, must also be submitted to the driving school by the applicant. For standard Category B (car) licences, the psychological assessment is a requirement. For professional categories (C, D, and their sub-categories), both assessments are compulsory.

Theory test
The theory examination covers Portuguese traffic regulations, road signs, and driving rules. Typically, the driving school will guide you through booking the theory test, which takes place at the IMT or at an approved private examination centre. The test is administered in Portuguese, but candidates may arrange for an IMT-approved translator to be present if they wish to sit it in English. This translation option is available only for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, and B.

Practical test
The practical driving test may be taken at an IMT test centre or at a licensed private centre. Driving schools (*escolas de condução*) prepare candidates for both the theory and practical components and can also assist with test registration. Enrolling with a recognised driving school is strongly advised even if not strictly mandated, as schools are well versed in current IMT requirements and can help you navigate the administrative steps involved.

Costs and timescales (as of 2025)
Obtaining a driving licence in Portugal from scratch typically costs between €375 and €920 in total. The final figure depends on the vehicle category, the driving school chosen, and your location. On top of tuition fees, there are administrative costs including exchange fees, medical records, and any translation required. The theory exam fee is approximately €30, while mandatory driving lessons can amount to €500–€800 for up to 32 hours, depending on the school and area. The practical test fee is approximately €30 (as of 2025). These are indicative figures — always verify current rates with your chosen driving school and the IMT portal before enrolling.

The overall timeline for obtaining a new Portuguese licence is typically one to three months, with the application review stage taking one to two weeks. A temporary driving permit, valid for six months, can be used while awaiting the full licence.

A directory of accredited driving schools across Portugal is available on the IMT website. Official government guidance on obtaining a driving licence is available at gov.pt.

How do you renew a driving licence in Portugal?

Once you hold a Portuguese driving licence — whether obtained through the full licensing process or via an exchange — renewal is governed by national Portuguese rules. The renewal timetable is structured according to age rather than a uniform validity period, which sets it apart from many other countries that apply a single fixed term regardless of the holder’s age.

Renewal schedule for Category B (car) licences
For licences issued before 1 January 2013, renewal is required at ages 50, 60, 65, and 70, and then every 2 years thereafter. For licences issued between 2 January 2013 and 29 July 2016, the first renewal falls due 15 years after the issue date, followed by renewals at ages 60, 65, and 70, and then every 2 years. For licences issued after 30 July 2016, renewal is required every 15 years until the holder reaches 60, then at ages 65 and 70, and every 2 years from that point on.

Professional vehicle category renewal
For licences covering professional categories (such as C and D) issued before 1 January 2013, renewal is required at ages 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 68, then every 2 years. For licences issued between 2 January 2013 and 29 July 2016, renewal falls due every 5 years until age 70, then every 2 years. For licences issued after 30 July 2016, renewal is every 5 years until age 70, with some categories expiring at age 67.

Timing of renewal
You may begin the renewal process up to 6 months before the deadline, and the procedure must be finalised no later than the day before your birthday.

Fees and how to renew (as of 2025)
For those under 70, the renewal fee is €30 in person or €27 online. For those over 70, the fee is €15 in person or €13.50 online. Online renewal is available through IMT Online using your Digital Mobile Key, Citizen Card, or Finance Portal login. Under the Drivers section, select “Driving Licence Request”. You can also set up email or SMS reminders within IMT Online to alert you ahead of your renewal deadline. Current fees should always be confirmed on the IMT portal before submitting an application.

Medical requirements at renewal
A medical certificate is required with each renewal from the age of 60 onwards. This requirement applies equally to all residents holding a Portuguese licence, irrespective of nationality, and is not affected by where the licence was originally obtained.

Missing the renewal deadline
Driving with an expired licence is a punishable offence carrying a fine. If more than two years pass beyond the renewal date without the licence being revalidated, a driving test will be required before renewal can proceed. This is strictly enforced: unlike in some countries where a brief automatic grace period applies, Portugal requires licence holders whose documents are significantly overdue to demonstrate their driving competence afresh.

Is an International Driving Permit valid in Portugal?

An International Driving Permit (IDP) can serve as a helpful companion document for foreign licence holders in Portugal, particularly for short-term visitors whose licences are issued in a non-Latin script. However, it cannot stand alone as a driving document, and its practical value changes fundamentally once residency is established.

Which types of IDP are accepted?
Portugal has ratified both the 1949 Geneva Convention and the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Accordingly, IDPs issued under either convention are accepted in Portugal. While the 1968 Vienna Convention IDP is now the more commonly issued type in most countries, both versions remain valid.

When do you need an IDP?
If your licence was not issued by an EU country or is written in a language other than English or Portuguese, carrying an International Driving Permit alongside your licence is advisable. The IDP functions as a certified translation of your national licence and must be presented together with it at all times — it has no validity on its own. If you are from outside the EU or EEA and your licence is in a language other than English or Portuguese, an international driving permit from your home country may be needed to supplement your licence when driving in Portugal.

Limitations for residents
An IDP is intended primarily for tourists and short-stay visitors. Once you have established residency in Portugal, an IDP does not extend or replace your driving entitlement — the exchange and registration obligations that apply to your licence type must still be met. An international driving permit is only valid for use outside the territory of the country that issued it, for a maximum of one year, unless a shorter period is specified on the underlying national licence.

Obtaining an IDP for use in Portugal
An international driving licence is available from the IMT or the ACP (Automóvel Clube de Portugal) and is valid for driving in countries other than the one in which you reside. If you are relocating to Portugal and anticipate needing an IDP during the period before your exchange is completed, obtain it from the appropriate authority in your country of origin prior to your move.

What are the penalties for driving licence offences in Portugal?

Portugal imposes a clearly defined range of sanctions for driving licence violations, spanning financial penalties, licence suspension, and vehicle seizure in the most serious cases. Expats should be aware that ignorance of exchange deadlines is not regarded as a mitigating circumstance by Portuguese traffic authorities.

Driving without a valid licence
Fines of up to €600 may be imposed on anyone caught driving without a valid licence; using public transport while resolving any licensing issue is the prudent course. Operating a vehicle on an expired or unrecognised foreign licence is also illegal, with fines ranging from €120 to €600 or higher for repeat offenders, along with the possibility of vehicle seizure or the voiding of insurance coverage. These figures are as of 2025 — always confirm current penalty levels with the relevant Portuguese authority.

Failing to register a foreign EU/EEA licence
Holders of licences issued by EU or EEA countries (including Switzerland) who do not inform Portugal’s traffic authority of their residency may face a fine. Drivers who settle in Portugal are required to notify the relevant IMT Regional or District Office within 60 days of establishing residence, and failure to do so renders them liable to a penalty.

Missing the non-EU exchange deadline
Failure to submit a licence exchange application within 90 days of becoming resident may result in a fine from the traffic police. Failure to complete the exchange within 2 years of taking up residency means the driver will need to sit and pass a Portuguese driving test before a Portuguese licence can be issued.

Driving after the 90-day resident grace period
Residents from bilateral agreement or convention countries must submit their licence exchange application during the first 90 days of residency. After that point, driving on the foreign licence is no longer permitted, even though the exchange application itself may still be lodged for up to 2 years from the start of residency.

Insurance implications
Using an expired or unrecognised foreign licence exposes the driver to fines, administrative penalties, and potentially invalid vehicle insurance, particularly once the legal exchange period has elapsed. This carries serious practical consequences: even if a roadside check does not immediately result in a fine, an invalid licence may nullify your insurance cover entirely, leaving you personally responsible for all costs arising from any accident.

Points system
Portugal operates a demerit points system for driving offences. While licence exchange violations are primarily addressed through fines and administrative consequences, subsequent serious traffic offences — such as speeding or drink-driving — carry points penalties that can lead to licence suspension or disqualification. For the current points tariff and full penalty schedule, consult the IMT official website or the Portuguese Road Safety Authority (ANSR) at ansr.pt.

Which government departments or agencies handle driving licences in Portugal?

A number of official bodies are involved in driving licensing matters in Portugal. Knowing which agency to approach for a given purpose can save a great deal of time, particularly during the early stages of settling in the country.

Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT)
The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) is the sole authority responsible for driver’s licence exchange in Portugal. IMT oversees all aspects of licence issuance, exchange, address registration, and renewal. Its online platform — IMTonline — allows residents to initiate applications, monitor progress, and manage renewals digitally. IMT regional and district offices are spread across the country, with major offices in Lisbon (Saldanha), Porto, and Faro. The IMT helpline can be reached on +351 210 488 488, and enquiries may be submitted by email to [email protected] or [email protected]. The official website is imt-ip.pt.

AIMA — Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum
AIMA (which replaced the former SEF) is responsible for issuing residence permits to non-EU nationals in Portugal. Your AIMA residence permit is a key document required throughout the licence exchange process. Further information is available at aima.gov.pt.

ANSR — Autoridade Nacional de Segurança Rodoviária
The National Road Safety Authority (ANSR) oversees road safety policy, the demerit points system, and traffic penalty enforcement. It is the appropriate authority to consult regarding penalty points and driving disqualification. Visit ansr.pt for current information.

ACP — Automóvel Clube de Portugal
International driving licences are available from both the IMT and the ACP (Automóvel Clube de Portugal), and are valid for driving in countries other than the one where you reside. The ACP performs a function broadly comparable to that of organisations such as the AA or RAC in other countries, and can assist with IDP applications and general driving queries. Visit acp.pt.

Gov.pt — Central Government Portal
The Portuguese government’s central portal provides comprehensive, official guidance on driving licensing in Portugal, available in English. The key pages are: Exchange a foreign driving licence and Getting a driving licence in Portugal.

If you are based in Madeira, note that driving licence matters on the island are handled by DRETT (Direção Regional de Economia e Transportes Terrestres), which performs the functions of mainland IMT offices in that region.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive in Portugal as a tourist on my home country licence?

Tourists visiting Portugal may drive on a valid foreign licence for up to 185 days (approximately six months), provided they are not residents and their licence was issued by a country that Portugal recognises. If your licence is not written in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish, it is also advisable to carry an International Driving Permit alongside it.

Do I need to retake my driving test when exchanging my licence for a Portuguese one?

Holders of licences from EU/EEA countries, countries with bilateral agreements, or CPLP/OECD member states can generally complete the exchange without sitting any tests. However, if your country has no recognised agreement with Portugal, or if you allow the exchange deadline to pass, you will be required to pass both a theory test and a practical driving test.

How long does it take to get a Portugal driving licence after applying to exchange?

The typical processing time is around 60 days. A temporary licence is issued while you wait, allowing you to continue driving until the permanent Portuguese licence arrives. Actual processing times may vary depending on IMT workload and appointment availability, so it is worth initiating the process as early as possible.

What documents do I need to exchange my foreign licence in Portugal?

You will generally need: your valid original foreign driving licence (which will be surrendered — make a copy first); a valid passport or residence permit; proof of your Portuguese residential address; a Portuguese tax number (NIF); an electronic medical certificate from a doctor registered with the IMT; and, if your licence is not in Portuguese, French, English, or Spanish, a certified translation. Non-EU licences may additionally require a certificate of authenticity from your home country’s licensing authority or its embassy in Portugal.

Can I keep my original foreign driving licence after it is exchanged in Portugal?

No — your original licence must be surrendered and will be returned by the IMT to the authority that issued it. If you subsequently leave Portugal, you may request its return by handing in your Portuguese licence at that time. Always make a colour copy of the original before surrendering it.

What happens if I miss the 90-day or 2-year deadline to exchange my licence?

If you fail to apply within the first 90 days, you may be fined by traffic police for continuing to drive on your foreign licence. If you miss the 2-year deadline altogether, you will need to pass a Portuguese driving test before a Portuguese licence can be issued to you. Missing these deadlines can be both financially and practically costly — beginning the exchange process as soon as you receive your residence permit is strongly advisable.

How often do I need to renew my Portuguese driving licence?

For licences issued after 30 July 2016, renewal is required every 15 years until you reach the age of 60, then at ages 65 and 70, and every 2 years after that. A medical certificate becomes mandatory at each renewal from the age of 60. As of 2025, renewal fees are €30 in person or €27 online for holders under 70.

Is a Portuguese driving licence valid in other EU countries?

Yes — once issued, a Portuguese driving licence carries the same EU-wide recognition as any other EU licence. You may use it to drive in any EU or EEA country on the same basis as a local licence holder. This is one of the key practical benefits of completing the exchange process: your Portuguese licence is fully recognised across the entire European Union.