News article by Diana Soares Ribeiro, Lawyer - International Atlantic Services

In an increasingly interconnected world, where mobility is a fundamental aspect of modern life, the exchange of driver's licenses is a crucial process for individuals relocating to Portugal. Whether you're moving for work, study, retirement, or simply to immerse yourself in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Portugal, understanding the intricacies of exchanging your foreign driver's license for a Portuguese one is paramount.

It is important to know, depending on the country in which your driving license was issued, if you need to exchange your license for a Portuguese one:

LICENSES FROM OECD AND CPLP COUNTRIES:

You can drive in Portugal if your driver's license was issued by member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).

The countries that are covered by this regime are: Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Sao Tome and Principe, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and United States of America.

Even if you have a residence permit in Portugal, you do not need to exchange your license for a Portuguese license if:

• you are under 60 years old
• you have the mandatory minimum age in Portugal to drive the vehicle(s) of the category(ies) on your foreign license
• the foreign driver's license is valid
• no more than 15 years have passed since the issuance of the foreign license or since the last renewal
• the country that issued the license is part of the traffic conventions (Geneva, 1949 and/or Vienna, 1968) or has a bilateral agreement with Portugal
• the foreign driver's license is not seized, suspended, expired or revoked in Portugal or in the country of origin.

DRIVING LICENSES FROM EUROPEAN UNION (EU) COUNTRIES AND EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA)

If you have a driving license from an EU or EEA country (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you can drive in Portugal with this license until the document expires. However, if you live in Portugal, you must register your address with the Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) within 60 days after moving to the country. Registration is free of charge.

DRIVING LICENSES FROM COUNTRIES WITH A BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH PORTUGAL

If you have a driving license issued in a country with a bilateral agreement with Portugal, you can drive in Portugal with your foreign driving license for 185 days (about 6 months), provided you are not a resident. If you live in Portugal, you must exchange your foreign driving license for a Portuguese license within 2 years after taking up residence in Portugal.

DRIVING LICENSES FROM COUNTRIES NOT PARTY TO INTERNATIONAL ROAD TRAFFIC CONVENTIONS

Driving licenses issued by foreign countries which are not party to international road traffic conventions are not valid for driving in Portugal. If you want to drive in Portugal, you must request the exchange of your driving license for a Portuguese license immediately.

At IAS we can support you in the process of changing your driving license. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.