Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're a non-EU citizen and are new to Portugal it's crucial to exchange your foreign driver's license as soon as possible. If you don't do it, your license could be seized or cancelled.
Comprar carta de condução da categoria C 'll require the following documents to complete your exchange: ID, a completed IMT Modelo 13 application, and proof of residence. You may also need an examination for medical reasons.
Cost
The cost of an IMT driving license varies based on whether you choose to take the theory test online or in person. The test costs EUR15 in person and takes 30 minutes. It consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and covers the syllabus you learned in preparation classes. The test is in Portuguese, but you can also opt to have it translated into English. The IMT website has an extensive list of private centers offering the test.
The IMT also offers an online service to replace stolen or lost drivers' licenses. The website allows citizens to register their request and receive an electronic certificate. You can then show the certificate to the police station to obtain a new license within eight weeks. You could also submit your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll need an ID document like a citizen card or taxpayer number, residence permit or passport and an completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
It is essential to change your foreign driver's license to a Portuguese one as soon as you can after you have moved to Portugal. You will be protected from heavy fines in the event that your driver's license from abroad is lost or stolen. In addition, you must obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your previous one expires.
You can make your request online or in person at an IMT office. However the in-person visit is more common for applications with a lot of complexity which include the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings might require additional documents, such as a notarized translation of your foreign license or a copy of your country's governing body.
In contrast to other countries in the world, the US has no central driving license database. This means it takes longer for IMT to verify the authenticity of your driver's license. Fortunately, you can get around this by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper license when it's due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's licence for a Portuguese license can be confusing and lengthy. You need to prepare all the necessary documentation prior to going to an IMT office and you must carry cash in case the office isn't able to accept credit cards. Download the SIGA application on your smartphone to determine how many people will be dealt with at any given time.
Requirements
You can swap a foreign driving license to one that is a Portuguese license without taking the Portuguese driving test. The process could be lengthy. It is possible that you will need to organize your documents, but you'll also need to attend preparation classes and then take the theory test at IMT or privately. You must have completed 32 hours of instruction in practical classes and 28 hours of theory to be eligible for a driving test. The lessons are held in government-approved centers. These centers are listed on the website of the IMT. The length of the lessons is dependent on your availability and progress.
To exchange your foreign license You will need to present an abstract of driving documents from the state in which you last resided in the United States. This document must be apostilled/stamped in order to be valid for inclusion in your application to IMT. The embassy can authenticate this certificate for you. You can bring it along to your in-person appointment with IMT.
You can apply for a driver's license on the internet or in person at the IMT office in your city. It's faster and less stressful. However, you will require an identification document such as a citizen card or taxpayer number to make an application. If you're exchanging a foreign license, you'll also require your passport or resident permit.
The IMT offers a new service which permits drivers to request duplicate driving licenses online. This new service will save time and money, and it is much more convenient than visiting an IMT office in person. The IMT has created a portal that allows drivers to upload their documents, and even upload a picture.
Additionally, the institute gives the possibility of receiving an automatic notification when it's the appropriate time to renew your driving licence. Additionally, the IMT also informs you about the expiration date of your driving licence and how to renew it.
Time frame
The process of getting your driving license in Portugal could be long. The IMT can take as long as 30 days to process your request and can take even longer if you are applying during peak periods. You can drive while waiting with your foreign driving license or temporary permit.
The IMT's online portal lets you to check the status of your application and monitor your progress. However, certain applications require an in-person visit. In certain instances you may be able to provide the required documents from your country of origin which makes the process quicker.
If you're looking to exchange your EU driver's license, you must make the change as soon as you can. This will prevent your license from being lost or stolen while you wait for it to be processed. It's also important to obtain a Portuguese license before traveling abroad, since the IMT will not be able to replace your EU license if it's lost or stolen in another country.
After you've submitted your application, you'll need to undergo a medical examination. This is a simple exam to determine if you're mentally fit to drive a car. This test does not include stress tests or bloodwork and therefore should be simple to pass. The IMT website contains an approved list of doctors for this test.
After you've passed your medical exam, you can then start studying for the practical and theory tests. The theory exam can be taken at the IMT or an examination center privately owned however, you must have completed your preparation classes prior to taking it. The practical exam can be taken separately or alongside the theory test. If you choose to take the test in conjunction with the theory test, you must make sure that you have your certificate of preparation with you at the time of the test. Otherwise, you'll have to take the test again at a later date.
Insurance
If you're planning to relocate to Portugal and want to move there, you must get your driver's license exchanged in the earliest time possible. Failure to do this could result in fines and a delay in your residence permit. It is recommended to exchange your residence permit within 90 days.
No matter if you're an EU resident or not, you need to get a Certificate of Authenticity for your license prior to exchanging it for an Portuguese one. Comprar carta de condução da categoria A can be obtained from the embassy of your country or through consular services in Portugal.
You'll also have to pass a medical examination. Fortunately, this exam isn't as long as you may think. This test involves blood tests and physical examination to confirm that you are able to drive safely. A doctor from a medical network can conduct this exam, which costs around EUR25.