Driving Licence Translation

If you’re living in Portugal and hold a driving licence from a non-EU country, you’ll need to exchange it for a Portuguese licence through IMT (Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes). That process requires a certified Portuguese translation of your foreign licence.

I provide certified driving licence translations accepted by IMT and all Portuguese authorities. I handle the full process: translation, certification by a Portuguese lawyer, and delivery of a document ready for your IMT appointment.

Certified translation for Portugal (English to Portuguese)

When you’ll need your driving licence translated

Exchanging a non-EU driving licence. If you hold a driving licence from the UK (post-Brexit), the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa, or another non-EU country, you’ll need to exchange it for a Portuguese licence once you become a resident. The exchange is handled by IMT, and they require a certified Portuguese translation of your licence. For a full walkthrough of the process, see my guide on exchanging a foreign driving licence in Portugal.

Supporting a residence permit application. While your driving licence isn’t a required document for AIMA, some applicants include it as supplementary identification. If you do, a certified translation ensures it’s understood.

Insurance and rental purposes. Some insurance companies and car rental agencies in Portugal ask for a certified translation of a foreign licence, particularly if the licence isn’t in a Latin script.

After the grace period expires. EU residents who held a UK licence before Brexit had a grace period to exchange their licences. If you’ve recently moved, check whether the exchange deadline has passed, as driving on an expired exchange window can result in fines.

What’s included

Driving licences are short documents, but they contain specific categories, codes, and date formats that need to be rendered accurately. The translation covers your full name, date of birth, licence number, issuing authority, the date of issue and expiry, and all vehicle categories you’re licensed for (such as category B for cars, A for motorcycles, and so on).

IMT is particular about vehicle categories. If your licence uses a different category system from the EU standard, I make sure the translation clearly states which categories are covered so IMT can map them correctly.

All translations are certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law. You receive a document ready for submission to IMT or any other Portuguese authority.

Informal translation for personal understanding

If you simply need to understand what’s on a Portuguese driving document in English – for your own reference, or to share with a family member or employer back home – I can provide an informal English translation. This isn’t legally certified, but it’s a clear, accurate rendering of the document in plain English.

The apostille

Unlike civil certificates (birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records), driving licences do not typically need an apostille for the IMT exchange process. The certified translation alone is usually sufficient. However, check with your local IMT office, as requirements can occasionally vary.

What you need to provide

Send me a clear scan or photograph of both sides of your driving licence. Make sure all text, categories, and any codes are legible.

Pricing and turnaround

A driving licence translation including lawyer certification starts from €60. This is a straightforward, single-document translation.

Standard turnaround is 2 to 3 working days. Priority turnaround is available if you have an upcoming IMT appointment.

Why work with me

I’m Duda. I handle the entire document process so you don’t have to navigate it yourself. I tell you exactly what you need, coordinate the certified translation through a Portuguese lawyer (as required by Portuguese law), review everything for accuracy, and deliver a document ready for submission.

For British nationals, I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator and interpreter. My Portuguese-to-English translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

I trained as a lawyer in Brazil, I work in compliance and anti-money laundering, and I’ve personally navigated the IMT process in Portugal. I know what Portuguese authorities expect because I’ve been through the process myself.

Frequently asked questions

Do EU driving licences need translating? No. If you hold a valid driving licence from an EU or EEA country, it’s recognised in Portugal without translation. You only need a translation if your licence is from a non-EU country.

Do I need to exchange my UK licence now that the UK has left the EU? Yes. Since Brexit, UK driving licences are treated as non-EU licences in Portugal. If you’re a resident, you need to exchange your UK licence for a Portuguese one through IMT. A certified translation is part of that process. See the British expats page for more UK-specific guidance.

Can I just use an International Driving Permit instead? An International Driving Permit (IDP) is valid for short visits, but it’s not a substitute for exchanging your licence if you’re a resident. Once you’re living in Portugal, you’re expected to hold a Portuguese licence.

What happens at the IMT appointment? You submit your translated licence, your original licence, proof of residency, and other supporting documents. IMT processes the exchange and issues a Portuguese licence. The original foreign licence is typically surrendered.

Who certifies the translation? All translations for Portuguese authorities are certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law. I handle the coordination so you receive a single document ready for submission.

Get a quote in minutes

Send me a photo of both sides of your driving licence on WhatsApp and I’ll reply with a price and timeline.

Message Duda on WhatsApp →

Prefer email? eduardanejaimc@gmail.com

Or use the contact form → and I’ll get back to you within a few hours.