Exchanging a foreign driving licence

Which licence you hold decides the rule. A tourist who has not taken up residence can often drive on a foreign licence for 185 days after entering Portugal. After you become resident, the clock changes.

For licences from countries covered by the road conventions or a bilateral agreement, the IMT rule is counted from the residence permit. Within 90 days, file the exchange and you may still drive on the foreign licence. From 90 days until two years, you can still apply, but you may not drive on that foreign licence. After two years, the exchange needs a passed practical test.

A licence from a country outside those conventions is not valid for driving here. The exchange asks for a theory test and a practical test.

The medical certificate is sent to the IMT by the doctor, through the electronic platform. You submit the exchange on the portal A Minha Carta de Condução. The portal then tells you which counter to visit, in Porto or elsewhere, to hand in the old licence and give a photo and signature.

Official page: IMT, carta de condução estrangeira.