Portugal Driving License (2021)

Portugal Driving License (2021) – Validity, Exchange & How to Apply

The Portugal Driving License (Carta de Condução) issued from January 2021 onward is a credit-card-style EU license that complies with the European Union Directive 2006/126/EC. It serves as an official permit for driving in Portugal and across the EU.

Here’s everything you need to know about the 2021 Portuguese driving license, including classes, renewal, validity, and exchanging a foreign license.

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🪪 Quick Overview: Portugal Driving License (2021 Format)

• EU-standard format (plastic card with embedded security features)
• Contains:
  • License holder’s name, date of birth, photo, and signature
  • License number, categories, validity dates
  • Driving restrictions or endorsements (if applicable)
• Issued by: Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT)
• Recognized across all EU/EEA countries

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🚘 License Categories

Category	Vehicle Type	Minimum Age
AM	Mopeds up to 50cc	16
A1	Motorcycles up to 125cc	16
A2	Motorcycles up to 35 kW	18
A	All motorcycles	24 (or 20 with A2 for 2 yrs)
B	Cars up to 3.5 tons	18
BE	B + trailer (up to 4,250 kg)	18
C, CE	Trucks and heavy vehicles	21–24
D, DE	Passenger transport (buses)	24

📝 Most residents and expats apply for Category B for standard car use.

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📅 Validity Period (2021 License Format)

Age at Issue	Validity Period
Under 50 years old	Valid for 15 years
50–60 years old	Valid until 60th birthday
60–70 years old	Valid for 5 years
Over 70 years old	Valid for 2 years

✅ Renewal includes medical exams for older drivers or specific license categories.

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📄 Documents Required to Get a Driving License in Portugal

For first-time applicants (Category B):

• Valid ID or residence permit
• NIF (Portuguese tax number)
• Medical certificate (for ages 50+ or for Group 2 licenses)
• Proof of address
• Successful completion of a certified driving school course
• Passing both theory (Código) and practical exams

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🔁 Exchanging a Foreign Driving License

You can exchange your license for a Portuguese one if you’re a resident, depending on your origin:

EU/EEA Nationals:

• No need to exchange, but must register your license with IMT after 60 days of residence
• Optional exchange available

Non-EU Nationals:

• Mandatory exchange within 2 years of obtaining Portuguese residency
• Must pass medical and psychological evaluation
• Countries with exchange agreements (e.g., Brazil, UK, Switzerland, Canada*) may not require driving exams

Required documents for exchange:

• Original valid foreign license
• Portuguese residence permit
• NIF
• Medical certificate (online or from a doctor)
• Official translation (if not in Portuguese)
• Certificate of authenticity (if required by IMT)

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💶 Fees (2025, based on 2021 format)

Service	Fee (EUR)
First-time issue	€30 – €50
License renewal	€30 – €40
Exchange from foreign license	€30 – €45
Lost or damaged replacement	€15 – €30

💡 Payments are made directly through IMT or at Loja do Cidadão offices.

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🛂 Using Your Portuguese License Abroad

✅ Valid throughout the EU/EEA
✅ Can be used in over 100+ countries under international agreements
🌍 You may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) outside Europe (e.g., in the USA or Asia)

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