Australian Embassy
Portugal
Embassy address: Avenida da Liberdade, 200 - 2nd floor, Lisbon - Telephone: 21 310 1500 - Fax: 21 310 1555 - austemb.lisbon@dfat.gov.au
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Australian Drivers Licence Requirements
Use of Australian driver’s licences within Portugal
Holders of Australian driving licences are able to drive in Portugal for a period of up to six months without an International Driving Licence. Should a holder wish to drive beyond the six month period, they are required to exchange their licences for a Portuguese licence. Otherwise, the holder may be subjected to heavy penalties (eg. approx. Eur 300).
Exchanging Australian Driver’s Licence to Portuguese
The Embassy is able to issue declarations for persons holding a valid Australian Drivers Licence upon the presentation of their original driver licence, as well as a certificate issued by the relevant Road Traffic Authority in their particular State or Territory.
Persons requiring such a declaration now need to directly approach the appropriate Road Traffic Authority in the particular State or Territory, requesting that a declaration be issued confirming that the person is the holder of a valid drivers licence in that particular State or Territory, as well as confirming the type and class of licence, when it was first issued and when it expires.
Please verify the contact details of the respective entity responsible for the renewal of Australian driving licences under Renewal of Australian driving licence.
Once you have received the declaration from Australia, you will need to present your original Drivers Licence, the certificate issued by the relevant Road Traffic Authority (copies or facsimiles are not accepted), as well a copy of your Australian Passport or your Portuguese B.I.
There is a consular fee for the issue of the declaration. Please verify the Consular Fees under ‘Preparing a declaration (inc. letters of introduction – e.g. For Visas). The fee can be paid at the Embassy in person if you are making a personal request, OR by “Vale de Correio PAGAR AO DOMICÍLIO” – sent from Post Offices in Portugal. In the text of the “Vale de Correio PAGAR AO DOMICÍLIO” slip, you should state it is for a driver's licence declaration and give your full name. The receipt given to you by the Post Office should be sent with your application to the Embassy.
CHEQUES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
The Embassy will then be able to issue you with a declaration for presentation to the Portuguese Direcção Geral de Viação.
Should you require to have your Australian documents translated in Portuguese, the Embassy does not provide translation services. However, it is able to provide a list of translators. Please check our List of Translators and Interpreters.
Use of foreign driving licences within Australia
The common policy of all licensing authorities in Australia is that where a person is a temporary visitor to Australia the visitor is permitted to drive if the visitor holds a current licence to drive a motor vehicle which has been issued in English.
If the licence issued in the country of permanent residence is not issued in English, the visitor will also need to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) at all times while driving. A visitor will then be permitted to drive a vehicle of the type or class to which the licence is applicable.
If you hold a current Portuguese driving licence and require to drive in Australia while on holidays, please contact the Automóvel Club de Portugal (ACP) (in Portuguese) to enquire on how to obtain an International driving licence.
Renewal of Driver's Licence
The Australian Consulates do not renew driver's licences. You will need to contact the relevant State Government Licence issuing Authority in Australia to obtain the necessary forms to renew your licence while residing overseas, which may need to be witnessed by a Consular Officer. If this is required by the Licensing Authority, you will need to attend our offices in person, bringing along the form, and whatever other documents the Licensing Authority requires by way of proof of identity.