If you have moved to Portugal and plan to drive, one of the first practical questions you may have is whether you can continue using your current driving licence or whether you need to exchange it for a Portuguese one.
The answer depends mainly on the country that issued your licence.
Portugal applies different rules to licences issued by EU and EEA countries, certain OECD and CPLP countries, countries with bilateral agreements or covered by international road traffic conventions, and countries whose licences are not recognised for driving in Portugal.
For this reason, the driving licence exchange process should always begin by identifying which rules apply to your specific licence.
This guide explains how to exchange a foreign driving licence in Portugal in 2026, the main deadlines, documents that may be required and how the IMT process works.
Do You Need to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal?
Not everyone who becomes resident in Portugal needs to exchange their driving licence immediately.
Whether you need a Portuguese driving licence depends on several factors, including:
The country that issued your licence
Whether the licence is still valid
Whether you are resident in Portugal
Your age
How long ago the licence was issued or last renewed
The vehicle categories included on the licence
Whether the issuing country has an applicable agreement with Portugal
The Portuguese government confirms that different rules apply depending on where the licence was issued.
Before starting an exchange application, determine which category your licence belongs to.
EU and EEA Driving Licences in Portugal
If your driving licence was issued by a European Union country or by an EEA country such as Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, it is generally recognised in Portugal.
The IMT states that an EU or EEA licence can normally be used in Portugal until the expiry date shown on the document.
However, once you establish residence in Portugal, you should also comply with the applicable IMT residence-registration requirements.
If your licence does not show an expiry date, the IMT states that residence registration should be completed within 60 days after establishing residence in Portugal.
You may also choose to exchange your EU or EEA licence voluntarily.
This can be useful if:
Portugal becomes your permanent country of residence
You want a Portuguese driving licence
You need to add certain categories or endorsements
You need to complete other driving-related procedures that require a Portuguese licence
OECD and CPLP Driving Licences in Portugal
Portugal has a special regime covering qualifying driving licences issued by certain OECD and CPLP countries.
The IMT currently lists countries including:
Angola
Australia
Brazil
Cabo Verde
Canada
Chile
Israel
Japan
Mozambique
New Zealand
Republic of Korea
São Tomé and Príncipe
Switzerland
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States of America
The precise regime depends on whether the country is covered by the relevant international road traffic conventions or has a bilateral agreement with Portugal.
Under the current IMT rules, qualifying licences from these countries can continue to be used in Portugal even after the driver becomes resident, provided that several conditions are met.
These include:
The issuing country must be covered by the relevant convention or bilateral agreement
No more than 15 years may have passed since the licence was issued or last renewed
The driver must be under 60 years old
The foreign licence must remain valid
The driver must meet the minimum Portuguese age requirement for the vehicle category
The licence must not be suspended, cancelled, expired or otherwise legally restricted
When these requirements are satisfied, the licence may continue to be used in Portugal after residence is established.
However, this permission applies to driving within Portugal. It does not convert the foreign licence into a Portuguese or EU licence for use elsewhere.
Can You Still Exchange an OECD or CPLP Licence?
Yes.
Even when you are allowed to continue driving with your foreign licence, you may still choose to exchange it for a Portuguese licence.
The IMT states that qualifying OECD and CPLP licence holders who complete an exchange are exempt from driving tests for the categories being exchanged, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
An exchange may also become necessary if you want to:
Add new driving categories
Obtain certain professional driving qualifications
Register Group II endorsements
Drive vehicles requiring specific Portuguese endorsements
Driving Licences From Countries With Bilateral Agreements or International Conventions
Another category includes licences issued by countries that have a bilateral agreement or reciprocity arrangement with Portugal, or that are covered by the relevant international road traffic conventions.
Before becoming resident, these drivers can generally use their foreign licence in Portugal for up to 185 days after entering the country.
Once residence is established, deadlines become particularly important.
The IMT currently states:
During the first 90 days after obtaining residence, you may continue driving with the foreign licence, but you should submit the exchange request.
After the first 90 days and up to two years after obtaining residence, you may still request the exchange, but you can no longer drive in Portugal using that foreign licence.
After two years, an exchange may still be possible, but the driver must pass a practical driving test.
This is why it is important not to leave the driving licence exchange until the end of the applicable period.
Driving Licences From Countries Not Covered by International Conventions
The rules are more restrictive when a licence was issued by a country that is not covered by the relevant international road traffic conventions.
These foreign licences are not valid for driving in Portugal.
The licence holder can still apply to exchange the document for a Portuguese licence, but the process requires passing driving examinations for the relevant categories. The IMT states that both theoretical and practical testing may be required.
If your licence falls into this category, you should not assume that you can continue driving simply because the licence remains valid in your country of origin.
What Documents Do You Need for a Driving Licence Exchange in Portugal?
The exact documents depend on the licence category and country of issue.
However, a foreign driving licence exchange can commonly require:
A valid foreign driving licence
Identification
Proof of Portuguese residence
Portuguese NIF
Electronic medical certificate
Psychological assessment where required
Certificate of authenticity of the foreign licence
Certified translation where applicable
Proof of fiscal address where required
The Portuguese government confirms that applicants must also meet the legal age and medical requirements for the relevant licence categories and must not be prohibited from driving.
Not every applicant will need every document listed above.
Your country of issue and licence categories determine the exact requirements.
The Electronic Medical Certificate
A medical assessment is an important part of many Portuguese driving licence exchange applications.
The medical certificate must be issued electronically by a doctor and transmitted directly to the IMT system.
The applicant does not normally need to upload a paper copy of the electronic certificate.
It is therefore useful to complete the medical assessment before submitting the exchange application.
When Is a Psychological Assessment Required?
A psychological assessment may be required for certain heavy-vehicle categories and professional driving situations.
The Portuguese government specifically identifies categories such as:
C1
C1E
C
CE
D1
D1E
D
DE
It may also apply to certain B and BE drivers performing activities such as ambulance, firefighting, school transport, patient transport or some passenger transport activities.
If your foreign licence contains heavy-vehicle or professional categories, confirm whether a psychological certificate is required before submitting the application.
Certificate of Authenticity
Depending on the country that issued your licence, you may also need a certificate confirming that the licence is authentic.
This can usually be issued by:
The authority that originally issued the licence
The relevant diplomatic or consular authority
The certificate may need to confirm:
The authenticity of the licence
Date of issue
Expiry date
Vehicle categories
Dates associated with each category
Whether the categories were obtained by examination or equivalence
The IMT specifically requires this document for several types of foreign driving licence exchanges.
Because obtaining the certificate can take time, it is one of the documents worth organising early.
When Do You Need a Certified Translation?
A certified translation may be required when the driving licence is not written in:
Portuguese
English
Spanish
French
The IMT states that when a translation is required, it must be authenticated through the appropriate Portuguese consular service or another EU Member State's consular service in the country where the licence was issued.
If your licence is already written in one of the accepted languages, this translation requirement generally does not apply.
Proof of Residence and Fiscal Address
To complete a driving licence exchange, the IMT may require evidence that you are legally resident in Portugal.
Depending on your circumstances, this can include:
Portuguese residence documentation
EU residence documentation
CPLP residence documentation
Other accepted proof of residence
If the residence document does not show your Portuguese address, the IMT may also request a certificate of fiscal domicile from Portal das Finanças.
It is therefore useful to ensure that your Portuguese address is correctly registered before starting the exchange.
How to Exchange a Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal
The driving licence exchange process can be divided into several steps.
1. Identify Which Rules Apply to Your Licence
First, determine whether your licence falls under:
EU or EEA rules
OECD or CPLP regime
Bilateral agreement or reciprocity regime
International road traffic conventions
Non-convention country rules
This determines whether the exchange is compulsory, optional or subject to examinations.
2. Complete the Medical Assessment
Arrange the medical appointment required for the exchange.
The doctor submits the electronic medical certificate directly to the IMT.
3. Gather the Required Documents
Prepare the documentation required for your specific case.
This may include:
Identification
Residence documentation
NIF
Foreign driving licence
Proof of fiscal address
Certificate of authenticity
Certified translation
Psychological certificate where applicable
4. Submit the Application Online
Foreign driving licence exchange applications are submitted through the IMT's online driving-licence system.
The IMT states that foreign licence exchange requests should be submitted through the A Minha Carta de Condução portal, where applicants can also consult the status of the request and receive notifications.
5. Wait for IMT Instructions
After submission, the IMT reviews the application.
Applicants should wait for the IMT to provide instructions regarding the next steps and whether they need to attend an IMT service point.
6. Attend the IMT Appointment if Required
Depending on the case, you may need to attend an IMT service point.
This can involve:
Presenting original documents
Providing biometric information
Delivering the original foreign licence
Completing any additional administrative steps
The Portuguese authorities may return the original foreign licence to the issuing country after the Portuguese licence is issued.
7. Complete Any Required Driving Test
Not every applicant needs an examination.
Testing depends on:
The country where the licence was issued
The international agreement that applies
How long you have been resident in Portugal
The categories you want to exchange
Drivers from countries not covered by the relevant conventions may need both theory and practical examinations.
Drivers who wait more than two years under certain bilateral or convention regimes may also need to pass a practical examination.
How Long Does the Driving Licence Exchange Take?
The Portuguese government currently states that the Portuguese driving licence is delivered in an average of approximately 60 days, except where a practical driving examination is required.
During the processing period, a temporary document may be issued that allows the applicant to drive while waiting for the Portuguese licence.
Actual processing times can vary.
Incomplete documentation, additional requests from the IMT or examination requirements can extend the process.
Common Problems With Foreign Driving Licence Exchanges
Many delays occur because the application is incomplete or the wrong rules have been applied.
Missing Certificate of Authenticity
Applicants sometimes begin the application before obtaining the necessary authenticity declaration from the issuing authority or consulate.
This can delay the process.
Incorrect Residence Information
The residence document and fiscal address may not contain the same information.
Check that your Portuguese address is properly registered before submitting the application.
Missing Medical Certificate
The electronic medical certificate should be completed and transmitted according to IMT requirements.
Missing Translation
If the licence is not in Portuguese, English, Spanish or French, the required certified translation must generally be obtained.
Applying Too Late
For licences subject to a specific exchange deadline, waiting too long can affect your ability to continue driving legally.
Assuming All Non-EU Licences Follow the Same Rules
They do not.
The rules applying to a licence from the United States, Brazil, United Kingdom or Canada may be very different from those applying to a licence issued by another non-EU country.
Always check the country-specific category first.
Driving in Portugal With a Foreign Licence
A common search is simply: "Can I drive in Portugal with my foreign licence?"
There is no single answer.
The country where your licence was issued determines the applicable rules.
An EU or EEA licence can normally continue to be used until expiry.
Some qualifying OECD or CPLP licence holders can continue driving in Portugal after becoming resident if they meet the current conditions.
Other foreign licences may have residence-related exchange deadlines.
Licences from countries outside the applicable international conventions may not be valid for driving in Portugal at all.
That is why checking your specific licence category is essential.
Can You Drive in Portugal With a US Licence?
The United States is currently included among the OECD countries covered by Portugal's special regime.
Eligible US licence holders may continue driving in Portugal after becoming resident if they satisfy the applicable requirements, including the age, licence-validity and issue-date conditions.
A US licence holder may still choose to exchange the licence for a Portuguese one.
Can You Drive in Portugal With a UK Licence?
The United Kingdom is also included among the OECD countries listed by the IMT.
Eligible UK licence holders can therefore continue driving in Portugal under the special regime when the required conditions are met.
An exchange remains possible if the driver prefers or needs a Portuguese licence.
Can You Drive in Portugal With a Brazilian Licence?
Brazil is included in the CPLP regime covered by the current Portuguese rules.
Eligible Brazilian licence holders can continue driving in Portugal after residence when the applicable requirements are met.
They may also voluntarily exchange the Brazilian licence for a Portuguese licence.
Can You Drive in Portugal With a Canadian Licence?
Canada is another OECD country currently included in the special regime.
Eligible Canadian licence holders can continue using their licence in Portugal after becoming resident when they meet the applicable conditions.
A Portuguese driving licence exchange is also available when required or preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions About Driving Licence Exchange in Portugal
Do I have to exchange my foreign driving licence in Portugal?
Not always.
It depends on where the licence was issued, your Portuguese residence status, your age, how old the licence is and the international agreements that apply.
Can I drive in Portugal after becoming resident?
In some cases, yes.
EU and EEA licences and certain qualifying OECD and CPLP licences can continue to be used subject to applicable requirements.
Other foreign licences are subject to specific deadlines.
How do I exchange my foreign driving licence in Portugal?
You generally need to identify the applicable licence regime, complete the required medical assessment, prepare the supporting documents and submit the exchange application through the IMT's online system.
What documents are needed for a driving licence exchange in Portugal?
Depending on your case, you may need:
Foreign driving licence
Identification
Residence documentation
NIF
Electronic medical certificate
Proof of fiscal address
Certificate of authenticity
Certified translation
Psychological assessment for certain categories
Do I need a driving test?
Not necessarily.
Whether you need an examination depends mainly on the issuing country, applicable international agreements and, in some cases, how long you have been resident in Portugal.
How long does the driving licence exchange take?
The Portuguese government currently gives an average delivery period of approximately 60 days, except where a practical examination is required.
Do I need to translate my foreign driving licence?
If your licence is not written in Portuguese, English, Spanish or French, a certified translation may be required.
Can someone help me with the driving licence exchange process?
Yes.
Practical assistance can include identifying the applicable requirements, organising documents and appointments, coordinating the medical certificate and following up on the administrative process.
Driving Licence Exchange Portugal With Portugal Personal Fixer
Exchanging a foreign driving licence in Portugal can involve several different documents, deadlines and requirements depending on where your licence was issued.
Portugal Personal Fixer can provide practical administrative support throughout the process.
Depending on your situation, we can help coordinate:
Review of the applicable requirements
Medical certificate appointments
Certificate of authenticity requirements
Certified translations
Documentation preparation
Residence and address documentation
IMT procedures
Appointments
Administrative follow-up
The aim is to reduce the time you spend navigating the process and coordinating the different steps yourself.
Need Help Exchanging Your Foreign Driving Licence in Portugal?
If you need to exchange a foreign driving licence in Portugal and would rather not manage every document, appointment and follow-up yourself, tell us what you need help with.
Portugal Personal Fixer can help coordinate the practical side of the driving licence exchange process from documentation preparation to IMT follow-up.
Information reviewed against current IMT and Portuguese government guidance in October 2026. Driving licence requirements can vary depending on the issuing country, licence category and individual circumstances, and official requirements should always be confirmed before applying.