Xtracars®® Blog
Car Tips and Tricks
Driving license in Portugal: complete step-by-step renewal guide.
Renewing your driving license in Portugal may seem confusing, but with this Xtracars guide it’s straightforward. Learn all the deadlines, required documents, and how to avoid unnecessary fines.
Why must you renew your driving license in Portugal?
All driving licenses in Portugal have an expiry date. Renewal is mandatory to ensure that you are still physically and mentally fit to drive safely. The deadline depends on your age, the license category, and the date it was issued.
Renewal schedule for your driving license in Portugal.
You can check the IMT Portal to confirm your specific renewal deadline or use the summary below as a guide.
Group 1, AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, and BE (motorcycles, light vehicles, tractors, etc.).
- Issued before 1 January 2013, renew at ages 50, 60, 65, 70, then every 2 years.
- Issued between 2 January 2013 and 29 July 2016, renew 15 years after the issue date, at 60, 65, 70, and every 2 years.
- Issued after 30 July 2016, renew every 15 years until age 60, then at 65, 70, and every 2 years.
Group 2, C1, C, D, E, B, and BE (professional drivers).
- Issued before 1 January 2013, renew at 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 and 68, then every 2 years.
- Issued between 2 January 2013 and 29 July 2016, renew every 5 years until age 70, then every 2 years.
- Issued after 30 July 2016, renew every 5 years until age 70. Some categories expire at 67.
You can begin the renewal process up to 6 months before the deadline. The process must be completed by the day before your birthday.
How to Renew Your Driving License in Portugal Step by Step.
The renewal process doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow this step-by-step guide from Xtracars to complete everything quickly and without errors.
1. Take a medical exam, and a psychological test if necessary.
- Group 1 requires a medical exam from age 60 or earlier if recommended.
- Group 2 requires a medical exam at all ages, plus a psychological test (CAP) from age 50.
Results are submitted electronically to the IMT.
2. Gather all necessary documents.
- Current driving license
- Citizen Card or identification document
- Tax identification number (NIF)
- Medical certificate or CAP if applicable
If you apply online, you will need fewer documents.
3. Pay the applicable renewal fees.
- Up to age 70, 30 euros in person or 27 euros online.
- Over age 70, 15 euros in person or 13.50 euros online.
4. Wait for your new license to arrive.
- At IMT counters, about 8 working days
- Online, approximately 10 working days
- At Citizen Shops, it may take up to 25 days
Online renewal of your driving license in Portugal.
Renewing your license online is cheaper, faster, and more convenient. If you live abroad, however, you must complete the process in person.
Steps for online renewal.
- Access IMT Online using your Digital Mobile Key, Citizen Card or login from the Finance Portal.
- Under the Drivers section, choose "Driving License Request"
- Authorise access to your personal data
- Receive a payment reference for Multibanco, which becomes active after 24 hours
- Wait for the license to be delivered to your address
You can also activate email or SMS alerts in IMT Online to receive a reminder before the renewal deadline.
Where to renew your driving license in person in Portugal.
If you prefer to complete the process in person, you can go to:
- IMT service counters
- Citizen Shops in Lisbon (Saldanha), Setúbal or Santarém
- Espaço Cidadão
- Civil Registry Offices, only for categories A and B
Make sure to book an appointment in advance. If you live in a remote area, check if Mobile Citizen Space is available near you.
What to do if your driving license has expired.
If your license has expired and you missed the deadline:
- Up to 2 years, you can renew normally
- Between 2 and 5 years, a practical test is required
- Between 5 and 10 years, you must complete a theory course at the IMT and pass a practical test
- More than 10 years, you must apply for a new license from scratch
Driving with an expired license can lead to fines between 120 and 600 euros, or even imprisonment in serious cases.
Rent a car monthly in Portugal with Xtracars.
At Xtracars, you can rent a car for any period from 1 to 12 months. Our fleet is modern and diverse, with SUVs, estates and city cars, all with full protection included:
- Driver and passenger insurance for maximum safety
- Young driver option, ideal for drivers under 21
Make sure your driving license in Portugal is valid before booking. With Xtracars, it’s fast, easy, and comes with exclusive benefits.
