Driving in Portugal
Driving in Portugal
This is the latest information provided by GOV.UK on 12th August following changes introduced by the Portuguese Government in August 2022 related to driving licences.
Until 31 December 2022
Rules applied to EU driving licences continue to apply to UK driving licences in Portugal until 31 December 2022. This means that until this date, it is possible to drive in Portugal on a UK driving licence issued by the DVLA (in England, Scotland and Wales) or DVA (in Northern Ireland).
To continue driving in Portugal as a resident, you must register your driving licence with the IMT. You must do this within 60 days of the issue date on your residence certificate, or immediately if you have already been in Portugal for more than 60 days.
Alternatively, you can exchange your UK driving licence for a Portuguese one now.
These arrangements will change on 1 January 2023. Depending on your circumstances, you may need to exchange your licence.
From 1 January 2023
The Portuguese Government recently introduced new legislation regarding driving licences issued by OECD countries. This means that you can continue using a UK driving licence as a resident in Portugal from 1 January 2023, if you meet all these requirements:
- you are under the age of 60
- your driving licence photocard has not expired
- your licence was issued or renewed within the last 15 years
- you are only using your licence to drive vehicle categories A and B
- you are not disqualified from driving in Portugal or the UK.
If you do not meet all of these requirements, you will need to start the process to exchange your licence by the end of March 2023 to continue driving. Read more about the Portuguese legislation passed in August 2022 about licences issued by OECD countries
The British and Portuguese governments continue to negotiate a joint agreement, separate to this legislation, for the recognition and exchange of UK driving licences. If you are resident in Portugal and need to drive, we advise that you exchange your valid UK licence now, do not wait for negotiations to conclude.
Exchanging your UK driving licence
To exchange your UK driving licence for a Portuguese one:
- Go to the IMT portal
- Select the second option: “Driving licences issued by countries: that Portugal has a bilateral agreement or a reciprocity recognition for the recognition and Exchange of driving licences contracting parts of international traffic conventions”
- Fill out the form and submit with the necessary documents
- Ask for a certificate of authenticity from the DVLA or get a check code and share this with IMT. For licences issued by Northern Ireland, use the NI Direct website.
- You do not need to take a test.
- When you exchange your driving licence, you will be issued with a ‘guia’ (temporary driver’s permit) which you can use to drive until your new licence arrives. You can only drive in Portugal with this permit.
Exchanging your Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or Isle of Man licence
If you have a licence from Gibraltar, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man, you must exchange it within 90 days of the issue date on your residence certificate. You can exchange categories AM, A1, A2, B1, B and BE without having to take a test.
Renewing or replacing a UK driving licence
You cannot renew or replace your UK driving licence if are resident in Portugal. You must instead exchange your licence for a Portuguese one.
You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of exchanging your licence.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Portugal, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority. You can apply for a new Portuguese disabled parking card (in Portuguese)
Read the EU guidance on the EU parking card for people with disabilities
Driving outside Portugal with a Portuguese licence
You can use your Portuguese licence when visiting the UK. Keep up-to-date with the UK Highway Code
If you go to live in the UK, you can exchange your Portuguese licence for a UK one without taking a test.
To drive in another country, in addition to your Portuguese licence, you may need to apply for an IDP (in Portuguese). You cannot apply for an IDP with your ‘guia’ (temporary driver’s permit).
Read the EU guidance on: