Apply for an international driving permit

An international driving permit allows you to drive vehicles in the same category as your driving licence in countries outside the European Union and the European Economic Area that recognise this document.

The permit is mandatory in some foreign countries, particularly outside Europe and when driving rental vehicles.

Service channels

Learn where you can carry out the service and what are the advantages of each channel

Who can apply for an international driving permit?

People who hold a valid driving licence issued in Portugal, a European Union (EU) country or a European Economic Area (EEA) country can apply for an international driving permit.

The international permit allows you to drive, outside the EU and the EEA, vehicles in the same category as your driving licence in countries that have signed the International Road Traffic Conventions.

The permit:

  • Is only valid outside Portugal
  • Has a maximum validity period of 1 year
  • Must always be accompanied by the driving licence on which it is based

Before using an international driving permit to drive in a foreign country, you should always check with the authorities of that country under what conditions it can be used.

What are the documents and requirements to apply for an international driving permit?

To apply for the permit, you must take with you:

  • The original valid driving licence
  • An identification document
  • Your Tax Identification Number (NIF - Número de Identificação Fiscal)
  • A recent colour passport-sized photograph with a plain, light-coloured background

When completing the form, write “Licença Internacional de Condução” (international driving permit) on the “Outra” (other) line in the “Pretensão” (request) field.

What is the price to apply for an international driving permit?

An international driving permit costs EUR 30.

What is the deadline to apply for an international driving permit?

An international driving permit is valid for 1 year from the date of issue. If the driving licence on the basis of which the IDP is issued has a shorter period of validity, this will also be the period of validity of the IDP.