Exchanging your Virginia driver’s license for a Portuguese one involves several steps to ensure compliance with both Virginia and Portuguese regulations. Below is a comprehensive guide to assist you through this process.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Obtain a Certified Driving Record from Virginia:
• Request Your Driving Record: Contact the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a certified copy of your driving record. This document verifies the authenticity of your driver’s license and provides details of your driving history.
• Authentication (Apostille): Once you have the certified driving record, it must be authenticated with an apostille to be recognized in Portugal. In Virginia, this is handled by the Secretary of the Commonwealth. You can submit your document for authentication either by mail or in person. Detailed instructions are available on the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
- Translate Necessary Documents:
• If your driving record or any other documents are in English, they must be translated into Portuguese by a certified translator. Ensure that the translations are accurate and certified, as they will be required by the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT) in Portugal.
- Undergo a Medical Examination in Portugal:
• Schedule an Appointment: Arrange a medical examination with a Portuguese doctor to assess your physical and mental fitness to drive.
• Electronic Submission: After the examination, the doctor will issue a medical certificate and send it electronically to the IMT via their medical certificate platform.
- Prepare and Submit Your Application to IMT:
• Required Documents:
• Completed IMT application form.
• Valid residence permit in Portugal.
• Original Virginia driver’s license.
• Certified and apostilled driving record from Virginia, along with its certified Portuguese translation.
• Proof of electronic submission of the medical certificate by the Portuguese doctor.
• Submission Process: Submit your application and all required documents to the IMT. It’s advisable to contact the IMT or visit their official website for specific submission procedures and to schedule an appointment if necessary.
- Surrender Your Virginia Driver’s License:
• Upon approval of your application, you will be required to surrender your Virginia driver’s license to the IMT. They will issue you a Portuguese driver’s license in exchange.
Summary of Required Documents:
| Document | Issuing Authority | Authentication Required | Translation Required |
| Certified Driving Record | Virginia DMV | Yes (Apostille) | Yes |
| Medical Certificate | Licensed Portuguese Doctor | No | No |
| IMT Application Form | IMT | No | No |
| Valid Residence Permit | Portuguese Immigration Authorities | No | No |
Common Pitfalls to Avoid:
• Delaying the Exchange: After acquiring legal residency in Portugal, U.S. citizens have 90 days to request the exchange of their driver’s license without being required to take a driving test. Failing to do so within this period may result in the need to pass Portuguese driving examinations.
• Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all documents are correctly authenticated and translated to prevent processing delays.
• Not Surrendering the U.S. License: Be prepared to surrender your Virginia driver’s license upon receiving the Portuguese one, as retaining it may lead to legal complications.
FAQs:
• How long can I drive in Portugal with my U.S. driver’s license?
• U.S. citizens can drive in Portugal with their U.S. driver’s license for up to 185 days, provided they are not legal residents. After acquiring legal residency, they have 90 days to exchange their license without the need for a driving test.
• Do I need to take a driving test in Portugal?
• If you apply for the exchange within 90 days of obtaining residency, no driving test is required. After this period, you may be subject to testing.
• Where can I find more information on the apostille process in Virginia?
• Detailed information on obtaining an apostille for your documents in Virginia is available on the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website.
Checklist Before Submission:
• Obtain a certified copy of your Virginia driving record.
• Authenticate the driving record with an apostille.
• Translate all necessary documents into Portuguese.
• Complete a medical examination in Portugal and ensure the certificate is electronically submitted to the IMT.
• Fill out the IMT application form.
• Gather all required documents, including your residence permit.
• Submit the application and await further instructions from the IMT.
By following these steps diligently, you can smoothly transition from your Virginia driver’s license to a Portuguese one, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.