Though I have a valid Massachusetts driver's license--the more expensive one that permits travel, I don't drive. Yes, you heard correctly. I have had a driver's license for over 40 years, but I do not drive. Maybe it's time to let it go, even with such a 'clean' driving history? One time into a roundabout and I would make the international news.
It is my understanding that IMT is way behind right now due to both COVID and the large influx of expats/immigrants (choose your preferred noun), but am not sure if that is regional or not.
Hi Nancy, I've enjoyed your Monday's posts very much! Since I am approaching 60, I want to wait until my birthday to start the driver license exchange. Do I need the physical exam first before submitting the application? Do I need to go back to the States to get my (Colorado) driving history, certify it, apostilled by the consulate , then mailed back to me? Your article seems to suggest it's possible. Just want to confirm. Thank you!
Hi, I have a Florida license too and leaving in a month. Was the certified copy from Tallahasee all you needed? You didn't have to get it apostilled? Also, I've read it is necesary to also provide a consular certificate of authenticity from the Washington Consulate. Did you do that? I would truly appreciate any help with this!
Hello there - I thought I'd read that there are a few states with reciprocal agreements w/ PT so that you don't have to take a driver's license test......you just do the exchange. I thought you'd written which states. But heck if I can find that now. I've also googled. No luck. any idea what I'm talking about? Thanks in advance.
Got it!!! My brain just kicked in and I remember now that that was a tidbit of information I'd read about Mexico border crossings. Oi-vey. Thank you for your quick response.
I was thinking the same thing when I read that. I have been told, and have read that you have to live there 6 months and 1 day. But, I believe if you reside in another country full-time it doesn’t matter. We chose Washington state for that very reason. No time requirement.
I'd give up driving and use public transportation. When I lived in Germany on a project with SMS, because I was a manager they gave me a car. After 1 week I had to convince then I would rather have a train pass. Every weekend I went to a different town. It was wonderful and stress free.
You are absolutely correct...if you live near a city it is easy to use public transportation. There are also many private bus companies. For example, I took a private bus to Faro (a 3.5 hour drive) for only 5€. Though it is possible to live in the Algarve without a car, it is more difficult.
Thank you for reminding me to start the process here in Sweden. Unfortunately, it is a lot more complicated here :( ...I will have to apply for a permit, take a difficult (so I'm told) theory test, take 2 full days of "risk" classes, several driving lessons, and then an actual driving test (that many people fail). All in all, it will probably cost around 600-700 USD. I've been driving for about 30 years. Sigh.
Yikes...I nearly hyperventilated when I had to take a written driving test to exchange my FL for a CA driver's license. I might just hire a driver when I need one.
What a coincidence just paid my 30 Euros a week ago and today, i have my appointment this afternoon at the IMT in Faro to get my biometrics done.
Quick question, they asked me to bring originals of a few key documents for verification including my US license. Do they take away the license and not return it as one has to revoke it “literally” exchange it?
I was not asked to take anything to IMT when I got the biometrics done. In fact the only ID I had was my Resident Card. I had already sent my license, original of physical and certified driving record to Coimbra by the time I went to Lisbon. Perhaps Faro is like Coimbra and you will be able to get the license from them. I don't know. Sorry I can't be more help.
I went for my 245pm appointment at the IMT today in Faro to have my photo and digital signature created, was seen at promptly 245pm 😳, the lady was super nice, asked for my nif number, resident card, my US driving license (which she retained) and my Massachusetts driving record notarized by the Portuguese consulate in Boston (which she retained also) and after the photo/signature was dine was given a temporary driving license in the form of a paper document and told the official license will arrive in the mail by end of February.
Eric my husband is still waiting like Denise for the email from IMT requesting the 30Euros which is followed by an email soon after with the appointment date for the biometrics appointment like I had today.
Another step forward with all the Portuguese red tape. 😁
Though I have a valid Massachusetts driver's license--the more expensive one that permits travel, I don't drive. Yes, you heard correctly. I have had a driver's license for over 40 years, but I do not drive. Maybe it's time to let it go, even with such a 'clean' driving history? One time into a roundabout and I would make the international news.
It is my understanding that IMT is way behind right now due to both COVID and the large influx of expats/immigrants (choose your preferred noun), but am not sure if that is regional or not.
Hi Nancy, I've enjoyed your Monday's posts very much! Since I am approaching 60, I want to wait until my birthday to start the driver license exchange. Do I need the physical exam first before submitting the application? Do I need to go back to the States to get my (Colorado) driving history, certify it, apostilled by the consulate , then mailed back to me? Your article seems to suggest it's possible. Just want to confirm. Thank you!
The step by step directions can be found here. https://expatinportugal.substack.com/p/drivers-license-exchange
Very clear. Thank you, Nancy!
Hi, I have a Florida license too and leaving in a month. Was the certified copy from Tallahasee all you needed? You didn't have to get it apostilled? Also, I've read it is necesary to also provide a consular certificate of authenticity from the Washington Consulate. Did you do that? I would truly appreciate any help with this!
When we did this (nearly 2 yrs ago) the FL certified copy was accepted. But i believe requirements have changed
Hello there - I thought I'd read that there are a few states with reciprocal agreements w/ PT so that you don't have to take a driver's license test......you just do the exchange. I thought you'd written which states. But heck if I can find that now. I've also googled. No luck. any idea what I'm talking about? Thanks in advance.
The state that issued the license has no impact whatsoever ever!
Got it!!! My brain just kicked in and I remember now that that was a tidbit of information I'd read about Mexico border crossings. Oi-vey. Thank you for your quick response.
Hi Nancy, does one need to live in FL for 6 months of the year to be able to gain residency and take advantage of the tax laws?
I was thinking the same thing when I read that. I have been told, and have read that you have to live there 6 months and 1 day. But, I believe if you reside in another country full-time it doesn’t matter. We chose Washington state for that very reason. No time requirement.
I'd give up driving and use public transportation. When I lived in Germany on a project with SMS, because I was a manager they gave me a car. After 1 week I had to convince then I would rather have a train pass. Every weekend I went to a different town. It was wonderful and stress free.
You are absolutely correct...if you live near a city it is easy to use public transportation. There are also many private bus companies. For example, I took a private bus to Faro (a 3.5 hour drive) for only 5€. Though it is possible to live in the Algarve without a car, it is more difficult.
Thank you for reminding me to start the process here in Sweden. Unfortunately, it is a lot more complicated here :( ...I will have to apply for a permit, take a difficult (so I'm told) theory test, take 2 full days of "risk" classes, several driving lessons, and then an actual driving test (that many people fail). All in all, it will probably cost around 600-700 USD. I've been driving for about 30 years. Sigh.
Yikes...I nearly hyperventilated when I had to take a written driving test to exchange my FL for a CA driver's license. I might just hire a driver when I need one.
What a coincidence just paid my 30 Euros a week ago and today, i have my appointment this afternoon at the IMT in Faro to get my biometrics done.
Quick question, they asked me to bring originals of a few key documents for verification including my US license. Do they take away the license and not return it as one has to revoke it “literally” exchange it?
I was not asked to take anything to IMT when I got the biometrics done. In fact the only ID I had was my Resident Card. I had already sent my license, original of physical and certified driving record to Coimbra by the time I went to Lisbon. Perhaps Faro is like Coimbra and you will be able to get the license from them. I don't know. Sorry I can't be more help.
I went for my 245pm appointment at the IMT today in Faro to have my photo and digital signature created, was seen at promptly 245pm 😳, the lady was super nice, asked for my nif number, resident card, my US driving license (which she retained) and my Massachusetts driving record notarized by the Portuguese consulate in Boston (which she retained also) and after the photo/signature was dine was given a temporary driving license in the form of a paper document and told the official license will arrive in the mail by end of February.
Eric my husband is still waiting like Denise for the email from IMT requesting the 30Euros which is followed by an email soon after with the appointment date for the biometrics appointment like I had today.
Another step forward with all the Portuguese red tape. 😁