Driver's Licences in Portugal (Carta de Condução)

It is not compulsory to exchange a UK-issued driver's licence on settlement in Portugal. These licences may be used until they expire. However, if you intend to make Portugal your main or permanent home, you must inform the IMTT office within 30 days of your arrival to live in Portugal.

There are a number of very good reasons for exchanging your licence for a Portuguese issued one though if you are going to be living in the country.

As in Britain, it is a legal requirement in Portugal for the address on the licence to reflect the correct address of its holder.

If lost, stolen or damaged, the licence can only be renewed or replaced by the original issuing authority. Some licensing authorities, such as the DVLA, will not renew or replace a licence to an overseas address.

When the licence eventually expires, the Portuguese authority will not renew it unless the holder takes (and passes) a driving test in Portugal. In order to exchange your driver's licence, you should apply to the nearest office of the Direçcão-Geral de Viação (Portuguese Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority). You will be required to surrender your original licence in exchange for a locally issued one.