I think after the CTT, the IMT may be the second least beloved entity in Portugal (Ok…maybe the third least loved after the AT). If you were lucky enough to get through the process of exchanging your US driver’s license to a Portuguese one; at some point, you will need to revalidate your Portuguese Driver’s license. In this post, I will walk you through everything you need to know in order to renew your Portuguese driver’s license.
NOTE: This info is correct as of 2022. However, if you are getting to this article at a later date, or if you have a question I did not cover, check out the IMT’s page on revalidation of your driver’s license for the must updated information.
How to Renew Your Portuguese Driver's License
When Do You Need to Renew Your Portuguese Driver's License?
There is no exact time or age when you need to renew your Portuguese driver’s license. Your renewal date depends on when you got your license and the type of license. Here’s the breakdown for a regular driver’s license:
- Got your license before January 2, 2013, you must renew at 50, 60, and 65. Once you turn 70, you will need to renew it every 2 years with a medical letter.
- If you got your license before July 29, 2016, you need to renew it according to what is stated on your license. After that first renewal, you will need to renew it every 15 years until you turn 60. Then you will need to renew it at 60, 65, and 70 (the medical atestado will be necessary).
- If you got your license after July 30, 2016, then you need to renew it every 15 years until you turn 60. Once you turn 70, you will need to renew it every 2 years.
My Portuguese Driver's License Already Expired. Is There anything I can do?
The first thing you need to do is stop driving. The good news is that you can renew your Portuguese driver’s license up to two years after it expired without having to pay additional fees. If you let your license lapse somewhere between 2-5 years, you will be fined somewhere between €120-600 and you will need to take a a special driver’s exam.
Where Can I renew My Portuguese Driver's License?
You can revalidate your Portuguese Driver’s License at:
- At the regional and district counters of the IMT.
- At the Lojas de Cidadao in Saldanha (Lisbon), Setúbal and Santarém.
- At the Citizen Spaces.
Can I renew my Portuguese driving licence online?
Yes, you can renew it at the IMT website using your AT (Financas) login, your NIF, your citizen card (if you are now a citizen, or your chave movel.
Do I need A Medical Certificate To Renew My Driver's License?
You will need a medical certificate if:
- You are over 60 years old.
- If you are renewing a license that allows you to drive heavy vehicles.
- If you already had a medical restriction.
What is the cost to renew my Portuguese driver's license?
It depends on your age and whether you are renewing online or in person:
RENEWING ONLINE
- Up to 70 years old, €27
- Over 70 years old, €13.50
RENEWING IN PERSON
- Up to 70 years old, €30
- Over 70 years old, €15
What Do I Need If I am Renewing In Person?
This is a list of the documents you will need to bring with you if you are renewing your Portuguese driver’s license in person:
- Citizen card, or NIF, or residency card.
- Your current or expired driver’s license.
- Medical and psychological letter from your doctor if appropriate.
If you have already gone through the process of renewing your Portuguese driver’s licence, leave a comment and let us know how it went.
If you have questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll do my best to get the answer for you.
Happy driving.
Hi. I get my licence on 05/2013 but it has an expiry date. does it mean I still need to apply for new one? what if I only have a UK residency document!
Hi Anahita,
Hope I am answering your question here. From your write up, it seems that you have a UK license. If so, of August 1 of last year, people who have a driving license from certain countries can drive in Portugal without needing to get a new Portuguese license. This rule applies to people who have licenses from Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Sao Tome e Principe, Guinea Bissau, and Mozambique, Australia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Zealand, Turkey, the United Kingdom, the US, Switzerland, and Iceland. But once it expires you need to get a Portuguese license.
If you can still trade it in for the Portuguese license, I would recommend that, this way you can skip taking the Portuguese driving test when your license expires.
Blanca