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International Driving Permit in Portugal

Portugal

Get an easy International Driving Permit for your travel in Portugal

  • Instant approval
  • Fast & Easy Process
  • Valid from 1 to 3 years
  • Drive Legally Overseas
  • Translated in 70 Languages
  • Recognized in over 150 countries
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Where to get an International Driving Permit in Portugal?

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Portugal is straightforward if you hold a valid Portugal national driver's license. For those planning a visit to Portugal, it is advisable to contact the relevant authority in your home country to secure an IDP before departure. However, if you are already traveling and do not possess the IDP, you may opt to have your national driver's license translated online. This method offers a quicker, more convenient, and efficient way to ensure you can legally drive during your travels.

The International Driving Permit is a translation of the national driving license into many languages. The first ID cards appeared in 1926, after the Paris International Convention relative to Motor Traffic. The International Driving Permit was also influenced by two other conventions in 1949 and 1968. The International Driving Permit is the same as the International Driving License.

We remind you that the IDP works only with a valid national license.

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How to obtain an International Driving Permit in Portugal online?

Simply and quickly
To get the International Driving Permit (IDP), you should apply and then fill out the form for which you need to give us:
  • 1. A photo of your valid domestic driving license
  • 2. Your personal data
  • 3. A photo of yourself
  • 4. Your signature (scan or photo it)
Our services will not cost you a fortune.
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IDP promoters

How to get an International Driving Permit in Portugal?

According to the Vienna Convention of 1968, International Driving Permits (IDPs) are authorized to be issued by national governments or designated organizations. In most countries, this function is carried out by automobile associations affiliated with the AIT/FIA, the police, or other authorized entities. To obtain an International Driving Permit in Portugal, you must possess a local license and apply to the relevant authorities here (please notify us if the link is not working). The cost and processing time for an IDP vary by country.

If you hold a national license not issued in Portugal, you must verify if your license permits you to drive and if you require an IDP. If an IDP is necessary, the only option is to order a translation of your driver's license, available either via delivery or as an electronic version (confirm with the rental car company if an electronic version is acceptable), for example, through our services.

For U.S. citizens with only a U.S. driver's license, you can obtain an IDP from AAA, but it must be done before traveling to Portugal.!

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FAQ

How to get an International Driving Permit in Portugal?

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If you have a local license and want to travel, contact a competent organization. If you are an American and plan to travel in advance, you can get an IDP from AAA. In other cases, you can have your driver's license translated into the required languages so that you can travel with your national license and its translation.

How to apply for International Driving Permit?

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Our application process is fast and simple. Complete the IDP application form, attach a copy of your valid driver's license, your handwritten signature and a color ID photo, and make the payment. You can apply for an IDP online here.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Portugal?

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Portugal has unified its driving license in accordance with the 1968 Vienna Convention. If you have a driver's license from one of the 67 countries that did the same, you do NOT need an International Driving Permit to drive in Portugal. Drivers from other countries not on the list need an International Driving Permit, unless there is an additional agreement between Portugal and the country that issued your driver's licence about special conditions.

Can I drive in Portugal with a US license?

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You can only drive in Portugal with your driver's license if you have a valid International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

Сan an American drive in Portugal?

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To drive an American in Portugal, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP). Additional information for traveling U.S. citizens can be found on the government website.

What is the International Driver's Document?

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Our IDD is ideal for travelers visiting multilingual destinations. No test is required, and the IDD is valid for up to three years. This document is used in conjunction with, but does not replace, your valid national license; it is a translation of your driver’s license in three formats.

Can I rent a car with this document?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with car rental companies.

Can I purchase car insurance with the IDD?

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Usually, yes. However, as requirements vary from region to region, you are advised to inquire directly with local insurances companies.

What do you need to know to drive in Portugal?

The research was last conducted in March 2025, and the information is subject to change over time. You may copy this information only if you provide a link back to this page.

  1. Participation in the 1949 and/or 1968 United Nations Conventions on Road Traffic

    • Portugal acceded to the Geneva, 19 September 1949 Convention on Road Traffic on 28 December 1955 (a). [1]
    • Portugal signed the Vienna, 8 November 1968 United Nations Convention on Road Traffic on 8 November 1968 and ratified it on 30 September 2010. [2]

  2. Recognition of the International Driving Permit (IDP)

    Portugal recognizes International Driving Permits (IDPs) issued under both the 1-year validity of the 1949 Convention and the 3-year validity of the 1968 Convention. [3]

    All licenses issued in the European Union are accepted. [4]

  3. Duration of driving with a foreign license (+ IDP) if resident or non-resident

    • Non-residents:
      - If your driver's licence comes from a country participating in the International Transit Conventions (Geneva, 1949 and/or Vienna, 1968), you're allowed to drive in Portugal for a tourist duration of 185 days. [5]
      - Driver's licences from countries not party to the Transit Conventions are invalid for use in Portugal. [5]
      - Countries that do not need to exchange their driver's licences for a Portuguese one: Angola, Australia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Canada, Chile, United States of America, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Mozambique, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Republic of Korea, São Tomé and Príncipe, Switzerland, and Turkey. [5]
    • Residents:
      - If you plan to reside in Portugal, deadlines apply from the date your residence permit is granted: [5]
      - For the first 90 days, you can drive with your foreign licence but must submit a licence exchange request to the IMT.
      - Between 90 days and 2 years, you can still request an exchange but cannot drive with your foreign licence.
      - After 2 years, you must pass a practical driving test to obtain a Portuguese licence.
      - For EU/EEA license holders: A driving licence issued by a member state of the EEA is recognised throughout the EEA and can be used as long as it is valid. [4]
      - If your driving licence expires during a trip abroad, it automatically becomes invalid and may not be recognised in other countries. [4]
      - The exception is for those holding EEA driving licences issued in exchange for a non-EEA licence. [4]

Source links:

  1. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsV.aspx?src=TREATY&mtdsg_no=XI-B-1&chapter=11
  2. https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDetailsIII.aspx?src=IND&mtdsg_no=XI-B-19&chapter=11
  3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Driving_Permit
  4. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_driving_licence
  5. https://www.lvpadvogados.com/driving-in-portugal-is-a-foreign-driver-s-licence-valid

Car rental in Portugal:

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Driving tips for Portugal:

  • Portugal is a right-hand drive country.
  • Seat belt is a must.
  • The minimum age to drive is 18. The minimum age to rent a car is 23.
  • Hands-free is a must.
  • The maximum allowed drink drive level is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood.
  • The maximum permitted speed limit is 50 km/h on urban roads, 90 km/h on extra-urban roads and 120 km/h on highways.
  • You are prohibited to use safety camera warning devices. Otherwise, these devices will be seized and you will have to pay a big fine.
  • In accordance with EU regulations, children under the age of 12 can’t sit in the front seat. If a child is sitting in the back seat, make sure you are using appropriate and secure restraint systems.
  • If you throw garbage out of the window, you will be fined €300.
  • Texting and talking when behind the wheel will be fined €600.
  • Give way to the traffic which is already on a roundabout.
  • Be careful driving at night.
  • If a car flashes its lights at you, you must give it right of the way.
  • A reflective vest is a must.
  • A warning road triangle is a must.
  • You are prohibited to have a petrol can in your car.
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