Since we’re planning on staying in Portugal, we figured it would be smart to switch our US driver’s license to a Portuguese License. It’s good we did so. In Portugal, you must make this change within 90 days of getting your residency (so 90 days after you go to your first SEF appointment). I suggest you make this a priority as soon as you get your residency. This way you don’t need to take a driver’s test or pay crazy amounts of money for classes and your license.
How to Change your US Driver’s License to a Portuguese Driver’s License
How to transfer your US license to a Portuguese oneWhere You need to go to your local IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes) office. There are two offices that I know of in Lisbon:
Av. das Forças Armadas 40 (Alvalade)
Av. Elias Garcia 103 (Avenidas Novas Neighborhood)
When The offices open at 9 (although Google has the time as 9:30 am). I suggest you get there early, the lines are long. I got there at 8:30 and it took me about an hour the first time I visited to get information. They close for lunch from 1-2 and close again at 5 pm. I’d suggest getting there 1 hour early so you can be first on the line. When you walk in, make sure to pull a ticket. This is key as without it you won’t be seen. What You Need
Have a current & valid US Driver’s License and a certificate of validity with an apostille from the secretary of state from the state where your license was issued
Be of Portuguese driving age
Be physically and mentally fit (Atestado Medico – requires a citizen’s health card)
Proof of residence in Portugal (We used out residency card)
NIF
***You can request the apostille for your state by finding the Secretary of State for your state here or if you are short on time, you can have it expedited with Apostille.net (they were fast and a pleasure to work with – highly recommended). What Happens When You Arrive First, you take a number and wait. There is a person up front who can guide you on what button to press on the machine. Once you are called, you will enter the room and present your paperwork. The woman at the counter didn’t ask any questions. When she was done, she asked me for payment, gave me back my number and told me to wait to be called again to take my picture. A few minutes later I was called and a digital photo was taken and I was done. Cost There are multiple costs attached to this.
License abstract. This document serves as proof that your license is, in fact, valid in the states. I downloaded mine directly from the NYDMV website. The cost was $7USD and I was able to download it as PDF.
Apostille. The cost will be determined by your state. You will also need to pay for shipping the form to your state and for having it sent back to Portugal.
Atestado do Medico Electronico. This is a document your doctor will fill out attesting that you are sane and of good health. It will include your vision status as well. This will vary by doctor and insurance. Mine cost a mere €15 since I have Medis as myPortuguese Health Insurance.
The actual license. There is a cost of €30 to make the change.
What Happens When You’re Done You will be given a temporary document – basically a piece of paper with your info – which is valid for driving in Portugal for 2 months. Your new license will be sent to your Portuguese home address by mail. Your US license will be sent back to the USA. Note>>> The paper you get will probably expire before you get your physical license. If this is the case, simply go back to the IMT and ask for an extension. It’s super simple, they just take your temporary paper license, stamp it, and fill in the new expiration date. We only had to renew or temporary license once. It took 5 months for the new license to arrive and it was hand delivered by the CTT (they didn’t just put it in the mailbox, they rang the doorbell to deliver it). I assume that if you’re not home, you’ll be left with a “pick up at the CTT office notice”. If this is the case, go to the address on the CTT notice and bring your Portuguese ID. Still pretty simple stuff. Have questions for us about the process? Just leave your question in the comments section!
63 thoughts on “How to Change your USA Driver’s License to a Portuguese Driver’s License”
Bob
Thank you for all the information! Did you need to have an apostille with the driving abstract? Did it need to be translated? I’m seeing these requirements in some places
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Bon. Not an apostille, but a Selo Branco. You can get that at the US Embassy, but you must make an appointment before you go.
Blanca Valbuena
Bob, looks like you’ll need an apostille. I updated the blog with links to the sites in the US so you can procure them.
Dina
Great article – thank you! The last sentence bothers me.. “Your US license will be sent back to the USA.” Why can’t I keep my US license?? What do I do when I go back to the US?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Dina,
I hear you. I was not too happy about that either, but after much deliberation, it was the right move for me since I am planning to spend lots of time in Portugal. I’m not sure why they keep the license, but when I went in to do the exchange, I asked when I would get it back and the person at the desk said I would not.
You have 90 days from when you get residency to exchange your license without having to take the test and pay full price for the license. But, if you are here for over 2 years, then you must get a Portuguese driver’s license.
Many US states require that one continue to be a resident for the license to remain valid. Once you acquire residency in Portugal, the license may become invalid (again – depending on the state you are from). This can be an issue if you’re driving on your US license in Portugal and get in an accident.
My next move is to take my new temporary paper licence to the ACP to request an International Drivers Licence so that I can drive anywhere.
Jay Overton
My sister got residency in Portugal a little over a month ago . I sent a notarized copy of her driving record to her with an apostille. Now they want a certified letter stating that a class D licence in the U.S. is equivalent to a class B Portuguese. I’ve not seen anyone mention that. Is that a normal requirement?
Blanca Valbuena
All I was asked for was a certificate that the license was valid (got that from the DMV website for my state). I also had to get it apostilled. This is new to me. Is she requesting in Lisbon or another city?
Peter Ackland
My wife is 81 and has a Florida driving license if we become Portuguese residents can she exchange her driving license , she wouldn’t want to re-test
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Peter. Currently, Portuguese residents must renew their licenses when they become 50, 60, 65 and 70 (every two years after they turn 70 this includes a medical exam). She may be able to have her license transferred, but I’m not 100% sure on that. Before she arrives, make sure that she has her proof of validity apostilled. We got our exam from our private doctor. This may suffice for the IMT, but I’m not 100% on that. I could not find much info on the IMT website on your particular situation, but there was some on the European Commission website. Just make this a priority when you arrive so you have ample time in case they want more documentation or in case they want her to re-test.
Elizeth Meti
Hey, I have a question I´m from Virginia and I want to change my drive license but I can´t find my state on the list of states I can only see West Virginia I don´t know what can I do, I´m having a really hard time on this process, I called the consulate but they can´t help me, I hope you can, Best Regards
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Elizeth,
Wish I could help you on that one…but if the consulate isn’t able to…I probably won’t be either. Why don’t you go to the IMT in your area. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Blanca
Johanna
Hi Blanca,
First of all, I just want to thank you so much for all of the information you’ve provided through your blog. It helped me out tremendously while working on getting my D7 visa – which I now have approved to begin the process of becoming a Portuguese resident! On the theme of switching over my license, I’ve got plenty of time but did have one question – when I called the DMV office in NJ, they mentioned that I could request my driving record online – which is what I assume you did and downloaded from the NY DMV, however, is the last 5 years valid enough for the Portuguese or do I need to request my driving record for all time lived in NJ since I acquired a driver’s license? Just to be safe, I might acquire my full record but just wanted to see what your thoughts were since that requires more steps.
Blanca Valbuena
Congrats Johanna,
5 years should be enough. Just make sure you get that apostilled, but it would not hurt to check the IMTT website from time to time. Laws change, especially in Portugal.
Hi, I just got turned down for the apostille (and I am moving in 3 days)! They said I needed the DMV signature notarized–I tried to figure that out, but I don’t know anyone at the DMV–it’s not like it was a document that was signed in from of me. So I sent it off for the apostille. No luck.
Did you have a signature notarized? I’m not sure what to do, now. The apostille company has my money and my certificate of validity 🙁
Blanca Valbuena
Try Notarize.com they may be able to help you.
Allegra hayim
Could you please advise if the period to get Portuguese driver license is 90 days OR 90 work days from date of issus of residency Thank you
Blanca Valbuena
For US licenses, you need to do the transfer before the 90 days from the issue of residency (and I would suggest that you do it asap – it took me three visits to the IMT before I figured everything out).
Ed foley
Hi Blanca, you have been so helpful. The world is a better place when we have folks like you. Now my query. We are Irish citizens with US driving licences but we cannot exchange them for EU licences due to Irish bureaucrisy and we live in Ireland . My wife would have trouble doing the written test for the Irish licence due to dyslexia. Blanca ,how long do we have to wait to get residency permits to stay in Portugal and then subsequent then how long before we can begin process to exchange the licences.Thanks so much. Edmund
Blanca Valbuena
Nice to meet you, Ed.
Thank you for the kind words. Yours is challenging.
1. how long do we have to wait to get residency permits to stay in Portugal?
Depends on the type of residence visa you are requesting and your situation. For us, since we did a D7 Residence visa from the US, it took us 2 months to wait for the appointment, and then an extra 30 days for the approval. This is on top of the time it took us to gather all the paperwork we needed.
My mom did the same visa but coming in from Colombia and her process was much easier and faster than it was with us. So there are differences with the process from one country to another.
2. and then subsequent then how long before we can begin the process to exchange the licences
I would execute this as soon as you move to Portugal with your residence visa. The process will vary from state to state because of how the paperwork will be processed in the US…so if I were you, I would start to gather the paperwork as soon as you are approved for your visa. It will be much easier for you to get the necessary paperwork if you’re in the US.
Wishing you much luck in your move to Portugal. Keep us updated on your process…also, we have started a private area for those who want more personal advice and help with moving to Portugal.
Simon Green
Hi Blanca – first off, your blog is the best resource on moving to Portugal on the internet, without a doubt. My question is about the drivers license – if you are going to be here for 2 years, possibly less, would you absolutely switch over to a portuguese license? If you would be here for more than 2 years would you definitely switch over? And what happens to your US license? Does it get shipped to US, or destroyed?
Thanks
Blanca Valbuena
Thanks for the love Simon,
If you’re planning to be here a long time, I would absolutely make the switch. The Portuguese driving test is given in Portuguese and I hear it is quite difficult.
I’m not 100% on what “happens” to the license, but mine was taken away. I believe it is somewhere in the Newark embassy since I applied in NJ…but I don’t know for sure (my Portuguese was close to zero when I did this errand). I’ll try to find out and get back to you.
Talk to you on Instagram 🙂
Blanca
Andrew Fernandes
I have a Limited-term driver license from Utah since I was in the us with a student visa. So my license expire the same day my visa does. I’m planning on moving to Portugal with my license still being valid. Could it be possible to change it for a Portuguese driver license ?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Andrew,
I have a feeling the answer is no. According to the IMTT website, you need to be in possession of a valid and definitive foreign driving title. I believe by definitive they need a permanent license, yours is limited term, so this could hinder you in getting your license exchanged. You can always email them to ask at this address: imtonline @imt-ip.pt. Let me know what they say.
Bem vindo a Portugal!
Blanca
Jose
If I have class E on state of Florida what portuguese equivalente that would bemine liscense i nPortugal,my liscense now I can drive up to 26000 pounds (11000.00 kilos THANK YOU
Blanca Valbuena
Not 100% sure on that since you’re asking about a commercial license. Are you planning to work in that field when you move to Portugal? I can ask around.
David Novack
Great blog and thank you! I went today with all my paperwork. I was unfortunately unable to this before the 90 days and was told I need just the driving test. But I was sent home with nothing and told the card would come in the mail and then I go back in (I assume for the test). It was very hard to get a road map of the process. My Portuguese is bad, but functional and they were just very unhelpful in explaining the process. If you have any idea of what I can expect now, I would appreciate it. Meanwhile I have ordered a replacement license in NY so that I am not without a license. When I return. Many thanks.
Johanna
Hi Blanca,
Hope all is well! I have been hearing conflicting things about the requirements for the license exchange and I wondered if you could clarify something for me:
I know you need to provide a driving abstract from the state your license is issued and I know you mentioned that it needed to be apostilled by the state in which the license is issued. Is this still the case?
I’ve also heard that you need to get a letter from the Portuguese Consulate from the state that coincides with where you live (e.g. NJ for me) that you mentioned below (in a different question response):
A declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test.
Do you need both the apostile and the letter of declaration from the Consulate? Or does one or the other justify it?
I’m asking so that I can see what my next steps are.
Thanks!
Blanca Valbuena
I did not need the document from the consulate, but I did this a while back since I have been here for the past 2 years.
Looks like you now need the consular document. I marked this by *** This is the latest info from the IMTT website:
The following documents are required for the issuing of the license for exchange:
Delivery of the original of the valid and definitive driving license; Presentation of the identification document proving the residence in the national territory; Displaying the Tax Identification Number; Electronic Medical Certificate, issued by any doctor in the exercise of his profession, for drivers of all categories; Certificate of favorable psychological assessment, issued by any psychologist in the exercise of his / her profession, for Group 2 drivers: Category C1 vehicles , C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E and DE, as well as categories B, BE driving ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles, patient transport, school transport, child transport and passenger car rental. ***Declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test; Translation of the driving license, authenticated by the consular service of Portugal or of another Member State in its country, when its content is not in Portuguese, French, English or Spanish.
Hope that helps, Blanca
Blanca Valbuena
Hi David,
I’m so glad you like the blog. Antonio and I made so many mistakes when moving to Portugal that we figured we would share our experiences to help those looking to become expats in Lisbon. Are you in Lisbon or another city?
Usually, government agencies are good here about getting things mailed out on time. If you haven’t received information in a week, I would stop by the IMTT and ask about it. I find here the info you get depends on who you talk to at the particular authority you are at.
So….the bad news. The test is given in Portuguese…the good news, you can have an Embassy accredited translator there. AFAIK – this is what goes into the driving test:
3 part test:
Theory – 30 questions in 35 minutes Technical– 50 minutes Driving exam – 40-50 minutes with instructor and examiner present.
You will be required to take 32 hours of lessons at a government-licensed driving school. Once you take those lessons, you can take the theoretical. Once you pass that (you need to get 27 out of 30 right) you can take the Portuguese driving test.
Hi, I’ve been reading some of the post and your blog about changing your US to a Portuguese driving license. Why didn’t you choose to have a dual citizenship?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi,
I am here on a Portuguese D7 Visa, the way it is structured, I need to spend a good number of years while renewing that visa before I am eligible to apply for permanent residency…and then I’d have to apply for citizenship.
🙂
Max
Hi,
Thank you for the profound information about the Portuguese driving license. I have recently done the whole process of changing my current driving card to a Portuguese one and I received this temporary paper for driving for 2 months. Is there any link that you can check if your Portuguese driving licence is issued/ being issued?
Thank you!
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Max,
Thanks for checking out the article on how to change your US driver’s license to a Portuguese one. As far as I know, no. There is no site where you can check…that being said, it always takes longer than 2 months. A week or so before, go back to the IMTT, let them know that your temporary is about to expire and they will give you a new one. I had to do this 3 times before mine was issued. Would love it if you update me here with how long it took since I did mine back in 2017.
🙂 Blanca
Sofia
Hi!! What and i supposed to do when i click on “https://usa.gov/agencies/state_and_territories.shtml” ? this is the website you share with us to get our apostille. I am portuguese, but i lived in the usa last year and took my drivers test there. I have a texas drivers license, but I really don’t know what to do when i click on that website. if you could help me out, that’d be great!
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Sofia,
Looks like they updated the website and redirected the site. I did a search on their site for apostille and this page came up. That will be a good starting point to help you figure out how to get your apostille on your driving abstract. Did you take a driver’s test in Portugal of TX?
The article outlines the process…so just take a few minutes to read it through again. You have to request the transfer once you move to Portugal. You can’t do it from the states, but there are documents from the states that you need to bring with you in order to be able to change your US license to a Portuguese one.
Good luck on the move. You’re going to love living in Portugal. 🙂 Blanca
Michael Morgenstern
Hi Blanca,
First of all, thanks so much for all the invaluable information you share with everyone!
Not sure if you can clarify this, but —
Continuing on the question posed by Joanna, I’m still a bit confused re: the need to obtain a document from a Portuguese consulate. The IMT site states the need for a “Statement issued by the issuing authority OR diplomatic or consular authority, confirming the authenticity of the driving title, date of issue and its validity, etc…” In Portuguese: “Declaração emitida pelo serviço emissor ou autoridade diplomática ou consular, comprovativa da autenticidade do título de condução, da data de emissão e respetiva validade,”
So would the “Statement issued by issuing authority” in this case refer to the license abstract issued by the DMV and apostilled by the Sec’y of State? Especially since the Portuguese reads “the issuing authority OR diplomatic or consular authority”.
Thanks again for all your help!
Claire DeLany
Ola Blanca! I found this information very helpful but as usual, have further questions. I just got my visa from DC and heading back to Portugal in a few days. My SEF appointment is January 20, 2020 so I know I have 90 days from then. Here’s my problem:
My current license is South Carolina, but I moved in with family in Georgia a few months ago and no longer reside in SC. If I change my license to Georgia, they will not have a driving record history. I went on the SCDMV web and requested a duplicate Driver’s license and a certified copy of my 3 year driving history. Is 3 years enough? Do I send the certified copy to SC Secretary of State to be Apostille and is this also considered the license abstract? I’m confused on how many documents I need.
The duplicate will allow me to drive when I’m back at Christmas and I will get a GA license at that time. That’s because my S.C. will expire in April 2020. Should I just get an International Driver’s license and forget the Portugal one and the US one? Seems simpler. LOL!
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Claire,
You just reminded me of all my trips to the IMTT. I would assume that 3 years should be enough. I’m not 100% sure if that is considered the abstract, varies by state, but something tells me it may be good enough. Yes, the apostille is for the abstract.
I believe by law if you live in Portugal you need to have a Portuguese license, so the International will not be valid here after a certain time.
Hope that helps a touch 🙂 Blanca
Claire DeLany
Hi Blanca, So sorry, I’m still confused…I have an Official copy of my three year driving record that includes my drivers license information i.e. date of issue/expiration dates etc. is this the document that needs to be Apostilles?
If I go on the Apostille website, it looks like they only do Driver’s license so I’m not sure what I need to send to the South Carolina State Department. Thanks again for all your help.
Rose
Blanca, thanks so much for your informative post. I wanted to ask if the pdf of driving record you downloaded was signed or had water mark. I did the same thing, downloaded license abstract from NY DMV for $7, and I printed it, and it’s on a plain peace of paper, I am worried I wont be able to get it apostilled by NY state.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Claire,
An Apostille just a fancy name for a certificate that is issued by the Secretary of State. The Apostille is a separate document that is attached to whatever your original document is to verify it is authentic so that it is accepted in Portugal and other countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Your driver’s license does not get apostilled, it is your driving record.
What you need from the DMV from your state is to have a current & valid US Driver’s License and a certificate of validity with an apostille from the secretary of state from the state where your license was issued (this for me in NY state was my driving abstract – it varies by state, so you need to see what document your state gives and once you have it, find your secretary of state to write out the apostille – or use a service which will just make things easier).
I hope that clears up things 🙂 Blanca
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Rose,
Mine was also plain as day and I did exactly what you did. You should be perfectly fine with getting that apostilled unless things have changed recently.
Good luck and update me when you’re done.
🙂 Blanca
John
You mention that you exchanged your license because you were staying more than 2 years. I will be getting residency in portugal, but I would also like to keep my id for voting absentee in elections (I may need to change the status to at least be able to vote in federal elections if I obtain the residency). I there a solution in the short term to be able to continue to drive in portugal with the US license?
John
It is 90 work days. Not Calendar.
I was in Miami, had to fly in rush to Portugal because I thought it was Calendar days. I confirmed this 2 times with the IMT. Also, they say they will soon remove that 90 work days delay as many people are on waiting list until 2-3 months to get their Driver License switched.
Richard
Hi Bianca
I have been having a big trouble to exchange the driver license. IMTT asks for “*Declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test”. But I am so confused how to get that certificate? I asked DMV California and they said they don’t make that as I will be have the original drivers license. US embassy also said they don’t issue that. All I have is my driver’s license notarized and got an apositle from secretary state of California. Still the IMTT demand for a certificate and I have no idea where to obtain that. Please help me because I am frustrated to the extreme level.
Thanks
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Richard,
That’s the first I hear of this. I got an abstract of my driving record (NY license) and that was sufficient. How many times have you gone to the IMTT? I find that oftentimes, talking to another person at the same office can make a world of difference. Maybe try a different office and see how it goes. I’ll ask around in the meantime to see if anyone else has gone through this.
Blanca
Dan
Just a heads up for those reading this that it looks like the window for exchange is now 2 years instead of 90 days (as of very recently). Looks like it applies to signatories of the Geneva Convention (including the US).
I had tried to link to the IMT site showing this, but my post was flagged for moderation.
Josephine
Hi, Blanca! Your site made such an impression on me when I first saw it about a year ago, that today, when I tried to recall it to mind, I found it in one try! Thank you for creating such a useful tool for the rest of us!
I recall that you cited a service based in the USA that, for a fee of $200 would do the USA-to-Portuguese driver’s license process, but I don’t see that citation today. Do you mind reposting that info, if this service is still available? Thank you SO much!
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Josephine,
I’m so glad you found this site on moving to Portugal helpful. I think you are referring to the Apostille. I got mine through Apostille.net. They were great. The process for the license, you have to do on your own 🙁
Blanca
Tonislava D Docheva
Hi Bianca,
Do you know if you can get your driver’s license exchange passed the 2 year mark of residency?
I’m afraid of starting this process only to be denied because of that.
William B Stolz
This site is an outstanding resource of germane information. Thank you for taking the time to maintain it.
Q: Given that in the USA our driver’s license is THE document for identification here, is there a way that one can secure his or her Portuguese drivers license while NOT GIVING UP his or her US driver’s license?
In my case I will be going back-and-forth from Portugal to the US once or twice a year, and I will retain my house in my state of Georgia.
Since I am bilingual and thus face no language barrier, that part of securing a Portuguese driver’s license or taking road tests, etc. will not be a problem for me.
I see no feasible way to give up my Georgia driver’s license, since I have a licensed insured vehicle, which will stay in the garage of my house while I am living in Portugal, and which needs to be legally available to me, including being insured, when I’m visiting in the US.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Tonislava,
You cannot. At that time you will have to take the Portuguese driver’s test.
Wish I had better news for you.
Blanca
Blanca Valbuena
Hey William,
As far as I know, you aren’t supposed to. The IMTT takes your license when they give you the Portuguese one. When I go to the states I rent a car with my new Portuguese license and use my Passport as ID. You may also be able to get a non-driver’s ID for your state. It would be worth it to look at that.
I would maybe go to the DMV in your state and ask them how what to do in this situation. Maybe they can give you a copy?
Update me and let me know what they say.
Blanca
Amy
Hi, If I apply for a Portuguese drivers license within 90 days, is it necessary to take the written or theory exam? I realize after 90 days I am required to take a driving test, but if I apply within the 90 days, am I only required to surrender my current drivers for a Portuguese license?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Amy,
As long as you get your application in before the 90 days you will not have to take the test. Make this a priority. It took me I think 3 visits to get my transfer done…so I highly recommend doing this sooner, rather than later. Due to Covid, you need to make an appointment via email. The email for the IMTT is [email protected].
Good luck! Blanca
Gabriela Itigan
Once exchanged to a Portuguese driver’s license, how long is it valid for?
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Gabriela,
Once you get your license, the renewal depends on your, the type of license you have (example – what kind of car you are allowed to drive), and the year you got your license. I will assume that you will fall into the after 2016 group since you’re asking now. You need to request the renewal of your Portuguese license six months before you hit the age in question. This may change, but the latest info I have on the ages when you need to renew your license is as follows; every 15 years after the date your Portuguese driver’s license was issued until you turn 60. Up until that point, you don’t need to conduct a health exam for renewal. Once you are 60, you need to renew your license again, but you must submit a medical exam and will need to do so every time you renew. Then 5 years later at 65, again at 70, and then every two years.
Hope that helps! Blanca
Charlotte
The automatic response generated by IMTT denied my application and requested this declaration. Any news on how to get this kind of declaration?
Thank you!
Charlotte
Hi Blanca, I’m experiencing the same request from IMTT. Do you have any ideas how to get this declaration? NYDMV has no clue about this. Thank yuu for your assistance.
Blanca Valbuena
Hi Charlotte,
Since the declaration can be given by the issuing authority, I would try the DMV from your state. This was not a requirement when I did my exchange. If the NYDMV can’t do it, I would make an appointment at the consulate here to see if they are able to get a document of this sort for you.
Thank you for all the information! Did you need to have an apostille with the driving abstract? Did it need to be translated? I’m seeing these requirements in some places
Hi Bon. Not an apostille, but a Selo Branco. You can get that at the US Embassy, but you must make an appointment before you go.
Bob, looks like you’ll need an apostille. I updated the blog with links to the sites in the US so you can procure them.
Great article – thank you!
The last sentence bothers me.. “Your US license will be sent back to the USA.” Why can’t I keep my US license?? What do I do when I go back to the US?
Hi Dina,
I hear you. I was not too happy about that either, but after much deliberation, it was the right move for me since I am planning to spend lots of time in Portugal. I’m not sure why they keep the license, but when I went in to do the exchange, I asked when I would get it back and the person at the desk said I would not.
You have 90 days from when you get residency to exchange your license without having to take the test and pay full price for the license. But, if you are here for over 2 years, then you must get a Portuguese driver’s license.
Many US states require that one continue to be a resident for the license to remain valid. Once you acquire residency in Portugal, the license may become invalid (again – depending on the state you are from). This can be an issue if you’re driving on your US license in Portugal and get in an accident.
My next move is to take my new temporary paper licence to the ACP to request an International Drivers Licence so that I can drive anywhere.
My sister got residency in Portugal a little over a month ago . I sent a notarized copy of her driving record to her with an apostille. Now they want a certified letter stating that a class D licence in the U.S. is equivalent to a class B Portuguese. I’ve not seen anyone mention that. Is that a normal requirement?
All I was asked for was a certificate that the license was valid (got that from the DMV website for my state). I also had to get it apostilled. This is new to me. Is she requesting in Lisbon or another city?
My wife is 81 and has a Florida driving license if we become Portuguese residents can she exchange her driving license , she wouldn’t want to re-test
Hi Peter. Currently, Portuguese residents must renew their licenses when they become 50, 60, 65 and 70 (every two years after they turn 70 this includes a medical exam). She may be able to have her license transferred, but I’m not 100% sure on that. Before she arrives, make sure that she has her proof of validity apostilled. We got our exam from our private doctor. This may suffice for the IMT, but I’m not 100% on that. I could not find much info on the IMT website on your particular situation, but there was some on the European Commission website. Just make this a priority when you arrive so you have ample time in case they want more documentation or in case they want her to re-test.
Hey,
I have a question I´m from Virginia and I want to change my drive license but I can´t find my state on the list of states I can only see West Virginia I don´t know what can I do, I´m having a really hard time on this process, I called the consulate but they can´t help me, I hope you can,
Best Regards
Hi Elizeth,
Wish I could help you on that one…but if the consulate isn’t able to…I probably won’t be either. Why don’t you go to the IMT in your area. They may be able to point you in the right direction.
Blanca
Hi Blanca,
First of all, I just want to thank you so much for all of the information you’ve provided through your blog. It helped me out tremendously while working on getting my D7 visa – which I now have approved to begin the process of becoming a Portuguese resident! On the theme of switching over my license, I’ve got plenty of time but did have one question – when I called the DMV office in NJ, they mentioned that I could request my driving record online – which is what I assume you did and downloaded from the NY DMV, however, is the last 5 years valid enough for the Portuguese or do I need to request my driving record for all time lived in NJ since I acquired a driver’s license? Just to be safe, I might acquire my full record but just wanted to see what your thoughts were since that requires more steps.
Congrats Johanna,
5 years should be enough. Just make sure you get that apostilled, but it would not hurt to check the IMTT website from time to time. Laws change, especially in Portugal.
🙂
Blanca
Hi,
I just got turned down for the apostille (and I am moving in 3 days)! They said I needed the DMV signature notarized–I tried to figure that out, but I don’t know anyone at the DMV–it’s not like it was a document that was signed in from of me. So I sent it off for the apostille. No luck.
Did you have a signature notarized? I’m not sure what to do, now. The apostille company has my money and my certificate of validity 🙁
Try Notarize.com they may be able to help you.
Could you please advise if the period to get Portuguese driver license is 90 days OR
90 work days from date of issus of residency
Thank you
For US licenses, you need to do the transfer before the 90 days from the issue of residency (and I would suggest that you do it asap – it took me three visits to the IMT before I figured everything out).
Hi Blanca, you have been so helpful. The world is a better place when we have folks like you. Now my query. We are Irish citizens with US driving licences but we cannot exchange them for EU licences due to Irish bureaucrisy and we live in Ireland . My wife would have trouble doing the written test for the Irish licence due to dyslexia. Blanca ,how long do we have to wait to get residency permits to stay in Portugal and then subsequent then how long before we can begin process to exchange the licences.Thanks so much. Edmund
Nice to meet you, Ed.
Thank you for the kind words. Yours is challenging.
1. how long do we have to wait to get residency permits to stay in Portugal?
Depends on the type of residence visa you are requesting and your situation. For us, since we did a D7 Residence visa from the US, it took us 2 months to wait for the appointment, and then an extra 30 days for the approval. This is on top of the time it took us to gather all the paperwork we needed.
My mom did the same visa but coming in from Colombia and her process was much easier and faster than it was with us. So there are differences with the process from one country to another.
2. and then subsequent then how long before we can begin the process to exchange the licences
I would execute this as soon as you move to Portugal with your residence visa. The process will vary from state to state because of how the paperwork will be processed in the US…so if I were you, I would start to gather the paperwork as soon as you are approved for your visa. It will be much easier for you to get the necessary paperwork if you’re in the US.
Wishing you much luck in your move to Portugal. Keep us updated on your process…also, we have started a private area for those who want more personal advice and help with moving to Portugal.
Hi Blanca – first off, your blog is the best resource on moving to Portugal on the internet, without a doubt.
My question is about the drivers license – if you are going to be here for 2 years, possibly less, would you absolutely switch over to a portuguese license? If you would be here for more than 2 years would you definitely switch over? And what happens to your US license? Does it get shipped to US, or destroyed?
Thanks
Thanks for the love Simon,
If you’re planning to be here a long time, I would absolutely make the switch. The Portuguese driving test is given in Portuguese and I hear it is quite difficult.
I’m not 100% on what “happens” to the license, but mine was taken away. I believe it is somewhere in the Newark embassy since I applied in NJ…but I don’t know for sure (my Portuguese was close to zero when I did this errand). I’ll try to find out and get back to you.
Talk to you on Instagram 🙂
Blanca
I have a Limited-term driver license from Utah since I was in the us with a student visa. So my license expire the same day my visa does.
I’m planning on moving to Portugal with my license still being valid.
Could it be possible to change it for a Portuguese driver license ?
Hi Andrew,
I have a feeling the answer is no. According to the IMTT website, you need to be in possession of a valid and definitive foreign driving title. I believe by definitive they need a permanent license, yours is limited term, so this could hinder you in getting your license exchanged. You can always email them to ask at this address: imtonline @imt-ip.pt. Let me know what they say.
Bem vindo a Portugal!
Blanca
If I have class E on state of Florida what portuguese equivalente that would bemine liscense i nPortugal,my liscense now I can drive up to 26000 pounds (11000.00 kilos THANK YOU
Not 100% sure on that since you’re asking about a commercial license. Are you planning to work in that field when you move to Portugal? I can ask around.
Great blog and thank you! I went today with all my paperwork. I was unfortunately unable to this before the 90 days and was told I need just the driving test. But I was sent home with nothing and told the card would come in the mail and then I go back in (I assume for the test). It was very hard to get a road map of the process. My Portuguese is bad, but functional and they were just very unhelpful in explaining the process. If you have any idea of what I can expect now, I would appreciate it. Meanwhile I have ordered a replacement license in NY so that I am not without a license. When I return. Many thanks.
Hi Blanca,
Hope all is well! I have been hearing conflicting things about the requirements for the license exchange and I wondered if you could clarify something for me:
I know you need to provide a driving abstract from the state your license is issued and I know you mentioned that it needed to be apostilled by the state in which the license is issued. Is this still the case?
I’ve also heard that you need to get a letter from the Portuguese Consulate from the state that coincides with where you live (e.g. NJ for me) that you mentioned below (in a different question response):
A declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test.
Do you need both the apostile and the letter of declaration from the Consulate? Or does one or the other justify it?
I’m asking so that I can see what my next steps are.
Thanks!
I did not need the document from the consulate, but I did this a while back since I have been here for the past 2 years.
Looks like you now need the consular document. I marked this by *** This is the latest info from the IMTT website:
The following documents are required for the issuing of the license for exchange:
Delivery of the original of the valid and definitive driving license;
Presentation of the identification document proving the residence in the national territory;
Displaying the Tax Identification Number;
Electronic Medical Certificate, issued by any doctor in the exercise of his profession, for drivers of all categories;
Certificate of favorable psychological assessment, issued by any psychologist in the exercise of his / her profession, for Group 2 drivers: Category C1 vehicles , C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E and DE, as well as categories B, BE driving ambulances, fire-fighting vehicles, patient transport, school transport, child transport and passenger car rental.
***Declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test;
Translation of the driving license, authenticated by the consular service of Portugal or of another Member State in its country, when its content is not in Portuguese, French, English or Spanish.
Hope that helps,
Blanca
Hi David,
I’m so glad you like the blog. Antonio and I made so many mistakes when moving to Portugal that we figured we would share our experiences to help those looking to become expats in Lisbon. Are you in Lisbon or another city?
Usually, government agencies are good here about getting things mailed out on time. If you haven’t received information in a week, I would stop by the IMTT and ask about it. I find here the info you get depends on who you talk to at the particular authority you are at.
So….the bad news. The test is given in Portuguese…the good news, you can have an Embassy accredited translator there. AFAIK – this is what goes into the driving test:
3 part test:
Theory – 30 questions in 35 minutes
Technical– 50 minutes
Driving exam – 40-50 minutes with instructor and examiner present.
You will be required to take 32 hours of lessons at a government-licensed driving school.
Once you take those lessons, you can take the theoretical. Once you pass that (you need to get 27 out of 30 right) you can take the Portuguese driving test.
You can find the list of Portuguese driving exam testing locations here.
I hope this helps you out a bit.
Hi,
I’ve been reading some of the post and your blog about changing your US to a Portuguese driving license. Why didn’t you choose to have a dual citizenship?
Hi,
I am here on a Portuguese D7 Visa, the way it is structured, I need to spend a good number of years while renewing that visa before I am eligible to apply for permanent residency…and then I’d have to apply for citizenship.
🙂
Hi,
Thank you for the profound information about the Portuguese driving license. I have recently done the whole process of changing my current driving card to a Portuguese one and I received this temporary paper for driving for 2 months. Is there any link that you can check if your Portuguese driving licence is issued/ being issued?
Thank you!
Hi Max,
Thanks for checking out the article on how to change your US driver’s license to a Portuguese one. As far as I know, no. There is no site where you can check…that being said, it always takes longer than 2 months. A week or so before, go back to the IMTT, let them know that your temporary is about to expire and they will give you a new one. I had to do this 3 times before mine was issued. Would love it if you update me here with how long it took since I did mine back in 2017.
🙂
Blanca
Hi!!
What and i supposed to do when i click on “https://usa.gov/agencies/state_and_territories.shtml” ? this is the website you share with us to get our apostille. I am portuguese, but i lived in the usa last year and took my drivers test there. I have a texas drivers license, but I really don’t know what to do when i click on that website. if you could help me out, that’d be great!
Hi Sofia,
Looks like they updated the website and redirected the site. I did a search on their site for apostille and this page came up. That will be a good starting point to help you figure out how to get your apostille on your driving abstract. Did you take a driver’s test in Portugal of TX?
The article outlines the process…so just take a few minutes to read it through again. You have to request the transfer once you move to Portugal. You can’t do it from the states, but there are documents from the states that you need to bring with you in order to be able to change your US license to a Portuguese one.
Good luck on the move. You’re going to love living in Portugal.
🙂
Blanca
Hi Blanca,
First of all, thanks so much for all the invaluable information you share with everyone!
Not sure if you can clarify this, but —
Continuing on the question posed by Joanna, I’m still a bit confused re: the need to obtain a document from a Portuguese consulate. The IMT site states the need for a “Statement issued by the issuing authority OR diplomatic or consular authority, confirming the authenticity of the driving title, date of issue and its validity, etc…” In Portuguese: “Declaração emitida pelo serviço emissor ou autoridade diplomática ou consular, comprovativa da autenticidade do título de condução, da data de emissão e respetiva validade,”
So would the “Statement issued by issuing authority” in this case refer to the license abstract issued by the DMV and apostilled by the Sec’y of State? Especially since the Portuguese reads “the issuing authority OR diplomatic or consular authority”.
Thanks again for all your help!
Ola Blanca! I found this information very helpful but as usual, have further questions. I just got my visa from DC and heading back to Portugal in a few days. My SEF appointment is January 20, 2020 so I know I have 90 days from then. Here’s my problem:
My current license is South Carolina, but I moved in with family in Georgia a few months ago and no longer reside in SC. If I change my license to Georgia, they will not have a driving record history. I went on the SCDMV web and requested a duplicate Driver’s license and a certified copy of my 3 year driving history. Is 3 years enough? Do I send the certified copy to SC Secretary of State to be Apostille and is this also considered the license abstract? I’m confused on how many documents I need.
The duplicate will allow me to drive when I’m back at Christmas and I will get a GA license at that time. That’s because my S.C. will expire in April 2020. Should I just get an International Driver’s license and forget the Portugal one and the US one? Seems simpler. LOL!
Hi Claire,
You just reminded me of all my trips to the IMTT. I would assume that 3 years should be enough. I’m not 100% sure if that is considered the abstract, varies by state, but something tells me it may be good enough. Yes, the apostille is for the abstract.
I believe by law if you live in Portugal you need to have a Portuguese license, so the International will not be valid here after a certain time.
Hope that helps a touch 🙂
Blanca
Hi Blanca,
So sorry, I’m still confused…I have an Official copy of my three year driving record that includes my drivers license information i.e. date of issue/expiration dates etc. is this the document that needs to be Apostilles?
If I go on the Apostille website, it looks like they only do Driver’s license so I’m not sure what I need to send to the South Carolina State Department. Thanks again for all your help.
Blanca, thanks so much for your informative post. I wanted to ask if the pdf of driving record you downloaded was signed or had water mark. I did the same thing, downloaded license abstract from NY DMV for $7, and I printed it, and it’s on a plain peace of paper, I am worried I wont be able to get it apostilled by NY state.
Hi Claire,
An Apostille just a fancy name for a certificate that is issued by the Secretary of State. The Apostille is a separate document that is attached to whatever your original document is to verify it is authentic so that it is accepted in Portugal and other countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Your driver’s license does not get apostilled, it is your driving record.
What you need from the DMV from your state is to have a current & valid US Driver’s License and a certificate of validity with an apostille from the secretary of state from the state where your license was issued (this for me in NY state was my driving abstract – it varies by state, so you need to see what document your state gives and once you have it, find your secretary of state to write out the apostille – or use a service which will just make things easier).
I hope that clears up things 🙂
Blanca
Hi Rose,
Mine was also plain as day and I did exactly what you did. You should be perfectly fine with getting that apostilled unless things have changed recently.
Good luck and update me when you’re done.
🙂 Blanca
You mention that you exchanged your license because you were staying more than 2 years. I will be getting residency in portugal, but I would also like to keep my id for voting absentee in elections (I may need to change the status to at least be able to vote in federal elections if I obtain the residency). I there a solution in the short term to be able to continue to drive in portugal with the US license?
It is 90 work days. Not Calendar.
I was in Miami, had to fly in rush to Portugal because I thought it was Calendar days. I confirmed this 2 times with the IMT. Also, they say they will soon remove that 90 work days delay as many people are on waiting list until 2-3 months to get their Driver License switched.
Hi Bianca
I have been having a big trouble to exchange the driver license. IMTT asks for “*Declaration issued by the issuing authority or diplomatic or consular authority attesting to the authenticity of the driving title, the date of issue and its validity, the categories of vehicles to which it is entitled, their dates and restrictions, and obtained by passing a driving test”. But I am so confused how to get that certificate? I asked DMV California and they said they don’t make that as I will be have the original drivers license. US embassy also said they don’t issue that. All I have is my driver’s license notarized and got an apositle from secretary state of California. Still the IMTT demand for a certificate and I have no idea where to obtain that. Please help me because I am frustrated to the extreme level.
Thanks
Hi Richard,
That’s the first I hear of this. I got an abstract of my driving record (NY license) and that was sufficient. How many times have you gone to the IMTT? I find that oftentimes, talking to another person at the same office can make a world of difference. Maybe try a different office and see how it goes. I’ll ask around in the meantime to see if anyone else has gone through this.
Blanca
Just a heads up for those reading this that it looks like the window for exchange is now 2 years instead of 90 days (as of very recently). Looks like it applies to signatories of the Geneva Convention (including the US).
I had tried to link to the IMT site showing this, but my post was flagged for moderation.
Hi, Blanca! Your site made such an impression on me when I first saw it about a year ago, that today, when I tried to recall it to mind, I found it in one try! Thank you for creating such a useful tool for the rest of us!
I recall that you cited a service based in the USA that, for a fee of $200 would do the USA-to-Portuguese driver’s license process, but I don’t see that citation today. Do you mind reposting that info, if this service is still available? Thank you SO much!
Hi Josephine,
I’m so glad you found this site on moving to Portugal helpful. I think you are referring to the Apostille. I got mine through Apostille.net. They were great. The process for the license, you have to do on your own 🙁
Blanca
Hi Bianca,
Do you know if you can get your driver’s license exchange passed the 2 year mark of residency?
I’m afraid of starting this process only to be denied because of that.
This site is an outstanding resource of germane information. Thank you for taking the time to maintain it.
Q: Given that in the USA our driver’s license is THE document for identification here, is there a way that one can secure his or her Portuguese drivers license while NOT GIVING UP his or her US driver’s license?
In my case I will be going back-and-forth from Portugal to the US once or twice a year, and I will retain my house in my state of Georgia.
Since I am bilingual and thus face no language barrier, that part of securing a Portuguese driver’s license or taking road tests, etc. will not be a problem for me.
I see no feasible way to give up my Georgia driver’s license, since I have a licensed insured vehicle, which will stay in the garage of my house while I am living in Portugal, and which needs to be legally available to me, including being insured, when I’m visiting in the US.
Hi Tonislava,
You cannot. At that time you will have to take the Portuguese driver’s test.
Wish I had better news for you.
Blanca
Hey William,
As far as I know, you aren’t supposed to. The IMTT takes your license when they give you the Portuguese one. When I go to the states I rent a car with my new Portuguese license and use my Passport as ID. You may also be able to get a non-driver’s ID for your state. It would be worth it to look at that.
I would maybe go to the DMV in your state and ask them how what to do in this situation. Maybe they can give you a copy?
Update me and let me know what they say.
Blanca
Hi,
If I apply for a Portuguese drivers license within 90 days, is it necessary to take the written or theory exam? I realize after 90 days I am required to take a driving test, but if I apply within the 90 days, am I only required to surrender my current drivers for a Portuguese license?
Hi Amy,
As long as you get your application in before the 90 days you will not have to take the test. Make this a priority. It took me I think 3 visits to get my transfer done…so I highly recommend doing this sooner, rather than later. Due to Covid, you need to make an appointment via email. The email for the IMTT is [email protected].
Good luck!
Blanca
Once exchanged to a Portuguese driver’s license, how long is it valid for?
Hi Gabriela,
Once you get your license, the renewal depends on your, the type of license you have (example – what kind of car you are allowed to drive), and the year you got your license. I will assume that you will fall into the after 2016 group since you’re asking now. You need to request the renewal of your Portuguese license six months before you hit the age in question. This may change, but the latest info I have on the ages when you need to renew your license is as follows; every 15 years after the date your Portuguese driver’s license was issued until you turn 60. Up until that point, you don’t need to conduct a health exam for renewal. Once you are 60, you need to renew your license again, but you must submit a medical exam and will need to do so every time you renew. Then 5 years later at 65, again at 70, and then every two years.
Hope that helps!
Blanca
The automatic response generated by IMTT denied my application and requested this declaration. Any news on how to get this kind of declaration?
Thank you!
Hi Blanca,
I’m experiencing the same request from IMTT. Do you have any ideas how to get this declaration? NYDMV has no clue about this.
Thank yuu for your assistance.
Hi Charlotte,
Since the declaration can be given by the issuing authority, I would try the DMV from your state. This was not a requirement when I did my exchange. If the NYDMV can’t do it, I would make an appointment at the consulate here to see if they are able to get a document of this sort for you.
Let me know if either of these work, good luck!
Blanca