Portugal Driving Licence Renewal at a Glance
How to Renew Your Driving Licence in Portugal
The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) handles licence renewals in Portugal. Your licence lasts 15 years (10 years for ages 50–60, 5 years for 60–70, 2 years for 70+). Follow these steps to renew.
You should start early. Do not wait until the last week. Plan ahead so you have time to get your photo and forms. Most people finish in one visit. The process is simple if you have the right papers.
Available Renewal Methods
- Online — renew through the official online portal.
- In person — visit your local government office with the required documents.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Check if a medical is needed — If you are aged 50 or over, visit a registered doctor for a medical fitness certificate before starting the renewal. You can use any doctor listed on the IMT site.
- Apply online or visit IMT — For online renewal, use the IMT digital platform with your citizen card and digital key (chave móvel digital). Or visit an IMT office. You can find your nearest office on the IMT website.
- Upload documents — Provide your citizen card details, current licence information, and medical certificate if required. You must also upload a recent photo.
- Pay the fee — Pay €30 online or at the IMT office. You can use a debit card or Multibanco reference.
- Receive your new licence — Your new EU-format licence arrives by post within 5–20 work days. You get a receipt to use as a temp licence while you wait.
Portugal Driving Licence Renewal Fees.
| Standard renewal fee. | €30. |
| Currency. | EUR. |
| Validity period. | 15 years (10 years for ages 50–60, 5 years for 60–70, 2 years for 70+). |
Required Documents
Bring these documents to renew your licence in Portugal.
- Citizen card (cartão de cidadão) or passport with NIF.
- Current driving licence.
- Medical fitness certificate (for drivers aged 50+).
- Digital photo (for online applications).
Make copies of all your papers. Bring both the copies and the originals. Check that none of your ID cards have expired. If any are out of date, renew them first.
Photo Rules
Digital passport-quality photo for online applications. For in-person, the IMT office may take your photo. You must use a white background with no shadows. You should face the camera with a neutral look.
Medical Rules
Required for drivers aged 50 and over. The medical certificate can be obtained from any registered doctor. For drivers under 50 with standard categories, no medical is needed. You can visit any health centre for the check. The doctor tests your vision, hearing, and reflexes.
If Your Portugal Licence Expires
Driving with an expired licence can result in a fine of €120–€600. Insurance validity may also be affected. You may face points on your record as well. Police can stop you and check your licence at any time.
You can renew up to 30 days before expiry. No formal grace period after expiry, but renewal without retesting is possible for many years. You should start the process early to avoid gaps. You keep your old expiry date as the start for the next period.
Important: Do not drive with an expired licence in Portugal. Renew before your expiry date. This avoids fines and keeps your insurance valid.
Swapping a Foreign Licence in Portugal
EU/EEA licences are recognised. Non-EU licences can be used for 185 days after establishing residency. Some countries have bilateral exchange agreements; others require the Portuguese theory and practical tests. You apply for the swap through the IMT website. You also need a sworn translation of your licence.
To learn about swapping licences across the EU, see our EU driving licence exchange guide.
Common Portugal Licence Renewal Mistakes
Watch out for these mistakes.
Not getting a medical certificate before renewal
Drivers aged 50+ need a medical certificate before they can renew. Get this done first to avoid delays. You can book a same-week slot at most health centres.
Not having a chave móvel digital
Online renewal requires the Portuguese mobile digital key. If you do not have it, you must renew in person at an IMT office. You can set up your digital key at any citizen shop in about 10 minutes.
Not knowing the shorter renewal periods after 50
At 50, the renewal period drops from 15 to 10 years. At 60, it drops to 5 years. At 70, to 2 years. Plan accordingly. You can check your next renewal date on the IMT portal.
What Makes Portugal Different
Portugal has an age-based renewal schedule: 15 years until 50, 10 years until 60, 5 years until 70, and 2 years after 70.
Medical examinations are required starting at age 50 — earlier than in most EU countries.
Portugal requires a citizen card and chave móvel digital (mobile digital key) for online applications.
Licence categories for motorcycles are accessible from age 16 (AM) and 18 (A2), with progressive access.
You must carry your licence card when you drive in Portugal. A photo or copy is not valid proof.
Portugal uses a penalty points system. You start with 12 points and lose them for offences.
If you move within Portugal, you do not need a new card. You update your address on the IMT portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Licence Guides for Nearby Countries
Driving licence renewal in Portugal is simple. Start early. Get your photo and forms ready. Pay the fee. Then wait for your new card. Most people finish the whole process in less than a day. Do not let your licence expire. Set a reminder now so you renew on time.