How can I exchange my Dutch driving licence in Portugal?

Exchanging your driving licence

You can exchange your Dutch driving licence for a Portuguese one at the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (information in Portuguese). This must be done according to the European rules. You can only have 1 European driving licence. You don’t need to retake your driving test.

Exchanged driving licence?

If your original driving licence was issued by a country that is not part of the European Union (EU) and you then exchanged it for a Dutch driving licence, you may not always be able to exchange your Dutch driving licence in another EU country. The Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transporte can tell you whether you can exchange your Dutch driving licence for a Portuguese licence in this case. If this is not possible, you will need to take your driving test again.

Lost your driving licence?

Have you lost your driving licence? Then you will need a certificate of authenticity (echtheidsverklaring) from the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW) (information in Dutch) if you wish to apply for a Portuguese driving licence. The certificate shows whether your driving licence is listed in the Central Driving Licences Register. Visit the website of the RDW for information on how to apply for a certificate of authenticity. There is a fee for this service. Once you have paid you will receive the certificate of authenticity by post at your address. The certificate is in English. You do not need to have it translated or legalised.