Buy the IMT Driving License
If you're not a EU national and you are new to Portugal it is recommended that you exchange your foreign driving license as soon as possible. If you don't, your license could be seized or revoked.
To complete your exchange, you'll need to provide the following documents: a photo ID, an completed IMT Modelo 13 form, and proof of residence. You may be required to undergo a medical examination.
Cost
The cost of purchasing the IMT driving license varies based on whether you choose to take the theory test in person or online. In person, the test is EUR15 and lasts 30 minutes. The test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions that test the syllabus you were taught in preparation classes. The test is in Portuguese however, you can also choose to have it translated into English. The IMT website provides an extensive list of private centers that offer the test.
The IMT also provides an online service to replace lost or stolen driver's licenses. The website lets citizens submit their request to receive digital certificates. You can then show the certificate at a police station and receive a replacement license within eight weeks. You can also make your request in person at an IMT counter. You'll require an ID document like a citizenship card or taxpayer number, a passport or residence permit, and the completed Modelo 10 IMT form.
It's important to exchange your driver's license to one that is a Portuguese one as soon as you can after you move to Portugal. You will be protected from costly penalties in the event that your foreign driver's license is lost or stolen. Also, you should obtain your new Portuguese license before the validity of your old one expires.
You can submit your application in person at an IMT office or online. However Comprar carta de condução da categoria A -person visit is more frequent for applications that are complex that require the exchange of foreign licenses. In-person meetings may require additional documents, for example, an official translation of your foreign license or the copy of your home country's governing body.
The US does not have a central database for driving licenses, unlike other countries. It could take IMT longer to verify your driver's license. You can avoid this problem by asking IMT to extend your temporary paper driver's license when it is due to expire.
The process of changing your US driver's license for a Portuguese license is a complicated and long. You should prepare all the necessary documents prior to visiting an IMT office, and you should bring cash in the event that the office doesn't accept credit cards. A good tip is to download an application called SIGA on your mobile, which lets you know the number of people being dealt with and how long you'll need to wait.
Requirements
You can exchange a foreign driving licence to obtain the Portuguese license without having to take the Portuguese driving test. The process is lengthy. You may have to organize your documents, but you'll also have to attend preparation classes and take the theory test at IMT or privately. To be able to take the driving test you must have completed 28 hours of theory and 32 hours of practical ones. These lessons are taught at government-approved centers. You can find the list of these centers on the IMT website. The length of these lessons depends on your availability and your progress.
In order to transfer your driver's license from another country, you must present an abstract of your driving record from the state of your last residence in the United States. The document must be stamped or apostilled to be valid in your application at IMT. The embassy can authenticate the certificate for you. You can also bring the certificate to your IMT appointment in person.
You can apply for a driver's license certificate online or in person at the IMT office in your city. The online method is easier and less stressful. You will need to provide an identification document, such as your taxpayer number or citizen card, to submit an application. If you're exchanging the driver's license of a foreign country, you will also need to bring your passport or resident permit.
The IMT has a new service that allows drivers to request a duplicate driving license online. This new service is easy and can save you time and money. The IMT has launched an online portal which allows drivers to upload their documents, and can even upload an image.
Moreover, the institute offers the possibility to have an automatic announcement when it's time to moment to renew the driving licence. In addition it also informs you of the IMT also informs you about the expiration date of your driving licence and how to renew it.

Time frame
Getting your driving license to drive in Portugal is a long process. It can take as long as 30 days for the IMT to complete your application, and even longer during the peak hours. While waiting you are able to drive with your foreign license or a temporary permit.
You can track the status of your application online and monitor the progress of an application. However certain applications require a personal visit. In certain instances, you can submit the necessary documents from your home country. This will make the process much more efficient.
If you're looking to exchange your EU driver's license, you must complete the process as soon as you can. This will stop your license from being stolen or lost while you wait for it to be processed. It's also essential to obtain a Portuguese license prior to travelling abroad. The IMT cannot replace your EU license if it's lost or stolen in another nation.
After you've submitted your application, you'll have to undergo a medical examination. This is a simple test to confirm that you're mentally able to operate the vehicle. It doesn't contain bloodwork or a stress test, so it should be easy to pass. The IMT website has a list of doctors who are authorized to administer this test.
After passing your medical test and you are now able to begin preparation for both the theory and practical examinations. The theory test can be conducted at the IMT or at a private exam center. You must have attended the preparatory classes prior to taking. The practical test can be taken separately or as a part of the theory test. If you choose to take the theory test and the practical test together, you'll require your certificate of the preparation class along with you. You'll have to take the test if you do not.
Insurance
If you're planning to move to Portugal and want to move there, you must have your driver's licence changed as soon as you can. Failure to do this could result in fines or a delay in obtaining your residence permit. It is recommended to exchange your residence permit within 90 days.
Before you exchange your license for a Portuguese license, you'll need to obtain an authentic Certificate of Authenticity. This document is available at the embassy of your country or from consular services in Portugal.
Comprar Carta de Condução da Categoria B1 'll need to pass a medical test. This test isn't as difficult 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.