The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) also known as Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes is the public institution in charge of driver’s licenses, registration certificates, and driver’s certificates, as well as vehicle registration in Portugal. Most importantly, it also handles driver’s license conversion.
South Africa and Portugal are signatories to the International Traffic Convention, which means that South Africans can drive in Portugal without having to obtain a new license. However, drivers are required to exchange their foreign license within two years of relocating.
The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) is the main point of contact for South African drivers wishing to exchange their license in Portugal. As this institution is of utmost importance, we’ve compiled 10 essential facts about IMT Portugal for South African drivers in the following article.
10 Essential Facts about IMT Portugal for South African drivers
- The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) has similar functions like that of the RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation) in South Africa.
- Some services offered by the IMT in Portugal are available in English. This includes services related to driving licenses, registration certificates, driver’s certificates, and vehicle licensing. Specific online services like issuing driver’s license certificates and renewing TVDE driver certificates can be accessed in English.
- The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) launched the online driving license platform on 16 July 2024, allowing for online driver’s license renewals, application to convert foreign driver’s license and assurance of driver’s certificate.
- Application form for the conversion of licence is available on the following link: Form
- Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) services are available online but it can also be done in person. The branches that offer onsite meetings are located in Lisbon (Saldanha or Marvila Citizen Shops), Porto, Setúbal or Faro.
- The IMT full contact details in Lisbon are as follows: Lisbon: Av. Elias Garcia 103, 1050-098 Lisboa, Portugal – Tel: +351 21 048 8488
- The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) requires you to do a medical fitness check by an IMT-registered doctor in order to convert your South African Driver’s license.
- The application fee for the conversion of South African driver’s license to a Portuguese driver’s license is 30 Euros.
- The Portuguese licence is issued within an average period of 60 days, unless a practical driving test is required. During this 60-day period, a provisional licence is issued, which allows the holder to drive until they receive their Portuguese licence.
- The Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT) will send your original driver’s license back to South Africa to the RTMC once you receive your Portuguese driver’s license.
Documents needed to convert the South African driver’s license to a Portuguese driver’s license
- You need to fill in an application form on the IMT website and submit it with the following documents:
- Proof of citizenship.
- A photocopy of your Identity Document.
- Driver’s license confirmation letter issued by the RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation) in South Africa. The driver’s license confirmation letter is also known as the Certificate of authenticity of the driving license. The driver’s license confirmation letter proves you have a valid South African license and verifies the information on your driver’s license captured by the National Traffic Information System. The driver’s license confirmation letter must be apostilled and translated.
- South African driver’s license. You will then surrender your South African driver’s license for a Portuguese driver’s license. Before you submit your documents, make sure you have high-quality copies of them.
- Tax identification number (Número de Identificação Fiscal). This is mostly used for administrative tasks in Portugal, including converting your driver’s license.
- Medical certificate to prove that you are fit to drive.
- A psychological assessment certificate, if you’re applying to keep vehicle types C, D, and/or E.
FAQs about IMT Portugal for South African Driver’s
- Do I have to book an appointment with the IMT to submit my documents so I can apply to convert my South African Driver’s license to a Portuguese driver’s license?
No, you don’t have to book an appointment with the IMT to submit your documents; rather, you can submit your documents online on the IMT website. The IMT will then contact you to complete the process by coming in person for photographs and a signature.
2. Does converting my South African driver’s license to a Portuguese one require that I take and pass a practical driving test?
No, it doesn’t. South Africa and Portugal are part of the international traffic convention, meaning you don’t need to pass and do a practical driving test examination to get a new license; you can just convert your South African one to a Portuguese one.
3.Do I also have to convert my driver’s license if I’m in Portugal on a visitor visa?
No, you don’t have to convert your driver’s license if you are on a visitor visa. You can use your South African driver’s license, but it must be accompanied by a driver’s license confirmation letter and valid for 6 months.
4.Can I submit my documents in person at IMT in Portugal in order to convert my driver’s license? Or do they only allow online applications?
Yes, you can exchange your international driver’s license for a Portuguese one in person at an IMT office in Portugal, but you can also do so online.
5.How long can I use my South African driver’s license before I have to convert it to a Portuguese one?
You are allowed to use your South African driver’s license for a period of 90 days (3 months), starting from the date you received your citizenship, but during that period, you need to convert your South African driver’s license to a Portuguese driver’s license through the IMT.
If you fail to apply to convert your South African driver’s license within the 90 days counted from the day you received your citizenship and two years pass, then you are required to do and pass a practical driver’s license, which you can apply for through IMT. If you’ll be in Portugal for a short while, you can use your South African driver’s license accompanied by your driver’s license confirmation letter for up to 6 months.
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