How to Exchange Your Portuguese Driving Licence for a UK One
If you’ve recently moved to the United Kingdom from Portugal, you’ll quickly discover that driving is often the most convenient way to explore your new neighbourhood, travel to work, or take a weekend road‑trip across the British countryside. The good news? Portugal is on the UK’s list of “designated countries,” which means you can swap your Portuguese licence for a UK licence without having to take a practical driving test.
Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step guide, a handy checklist of everything you’ll need, cost tables, and answers to the most common questions. By the end of this post you’ll know exactly what to do, how much it will cost, and how long the whole process usually takes.
1. Why You Can Exchange Directly
| Country | Status in the UK | Requirement for Exchange |
|---|---|---|
| Portugal | Designated Country (EU/EEA) | No theory or practical test required, just documentation and fee. |
| Spain, France, Germany, etc. | Designated | Same as Portugal. |
| Non‑designated (e.g., USA, Japan) | Not designated | Must pass UK theory and/or practical test. |
Portugal’s status as a designated EU/EEA country means the UK recognises the standards of Portuguese driver training and testing. Consequently, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) will accept a straight licence swap as long as the licence is still valid and you meet residency requirements.
2. Are You Eligible?
Before you start filling out forms, run through this quick eligibility checklist:
- Residency – You must be a resident of Great Britain (England, Scotland or Wales). Northern Ireland follows a separate system (NI Driving Licence).
- Age – You must be at least 17 years old (or 16 for mopeds).
- Valid Portuguese Licence – The licence must be current, not expired, and not suspended or revoked.
- No Disqualifications – You cannot have any current disqualifications or bans on driving in the UK.
- Proof of Identity & Address – You’ll need a UK address (e.g., utility bill, tenancy agreement).
If any of the above points give you trouble, you may need to apply for a Provisional Licence and complete the full UK testing process.
3. Required Documents – The Complete List
| Document | What It Looks Like | How to Submit |
|---|---|---|
| Completed D1 Application Form | A 5‑page form (available online or at Post Office). | Mail or post in‑person to DVLA. |
| Current Portuguese Licence | Original licence (front and back). | Include with your D1 form. |
| Passport or National ID Card | Valid travel document. | Photocopy (or scanned copy if applying online). |
| Proof of UK Residence | Utility bill, council tax bill, tenancy agreement, or bank statement (dated ≤ 3 months). | Original or certified copy. |
| Passport‑type Photograph | Recent, 45 mm × 35 mm, plain background, no glasses. | Attach to D1 form (or upload if applying online). |
| Declaration of No Disqualifications | Signed statement on the D1 form. | Included automatically. |
| Fee Payment | £43 (standard) or £53 (if you need a faster service). | Credit/debit card (online) or cheque/money order (post). |
Tip: Keep a copy of everything you send for your own records. The DVLA never returns original documents, but they will keep a copy on file.
4. Step‑by‑Step Procedure
Step 1 – Gather Your Documents
Print the D1 form, arrange your passport‑type photo, and scan/copy the supporting evidence. Double‑check that your Portuguese licence is still valid (expiration date should be at least six months away, otherwise you’ll need to renew it first).
Step 2 – Complete the D1 Form
The D1 form is divided into three sections:
| Section | What to Fill In | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 – Personal Details | Name, address, date of birth, NI number (if you have one). | Forgetting to include your National Insurance number (optional but speeds things up). |
| 2 – Licence Details | Country, licence number, issue/expiry dates. | Swapping the “date of issue” and “expiry” fields. |
| 3 – Declaration | Sign and date. | Leaving it unsigned – your application will be rejected. |
Step 3 – Pay the Fee
- Online: Use the DVLA’s “Apply for a licence” portal. You’ll need a debit/credit card, and the payment is processed instantly.
- Post: Include a cheque or postal order payable to “DVLA”. Remember to write the amount clearly and sign the cheque.
Step 4 – Send Your Application
- By Post: Place everything (D1 form, photos, copies, fee) in an envelope and send it to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BN
United Kingdom
- In‑person (optional): Some Post Offices still accept D1 applications and will forward them for you. This can be useful if you want a receipt of posting.
Step 5 – Wait for Processing
- Standard service: 2–3 weeks.
- Fast track (additional £10): 5–7 working days.
You’ll receive your new UK licence by post, and the DVLA will keep the Portuguese licence on record (you may be asked to return it later).
Step 6 – Update Your Insurance
Once your UK licence arrives, inform your car insurance provider. Many insurers offer a “new licence” discount, especially if you’ve moved from abroad.
5. What Happens to Your Portuguese Licence?
The DVLA does not automatically cancel your Portuguese licence. It remains valid in Portugal and other EU countries. However, you should:
- Check Portuguese law – Some EU nations require you to surrender the original licence after exchanging it.
- Notify the Portuguese Institute of Mobility (IMT) if you plan to keep driving there.
Keeping both licences can be useful if you travel frequently between the UK and Portugal, but be aware of any tax or insurance implications.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I exchange my Portuguese licence if it’s expired? | No. The licence must be valid at the time of exchange. Renew it in Portugal first, then apply. |
| Do I need a UK address to apply? | Yes. The DVLA requires proof of residence in Great Britain. A temporary address (e.g., a hotel) is not acceptable. |
| What if I have a medical condition? | You must declare any medical condition on the D1 form. The DVLA may request a medical report before issuing the licence. |
| Can I apply online instead of mailing a form? | Yes, through the DVLA’s “Apply for a licence” service. You’ll still need to upload a digital photo and provide scanned copies of supporting documents. |
| Will my UK licence have the same categories as my Portuguese one? | Generally yes. The DVLA will copy the categories (A, B, C, etc.) from your Portuguese licence. If you hold a category that the UK does not recognise (e.g., certain heavy‑vehicle licences), you may need a separate assessment. |
| What if I lose my Portuguese licence after swapping? | You can apply for a replacement with the Portuguese authorities (IMT) and still keep your UK licence. |
| Do I have to pay road tax again? | Road tax (Vehicle Excise Duty) is linked to the vehicle, not the licence. Once you register a vehicle in the UK, you’ll pay VED as usual. |
| Is there a deadline for swapping after moving to the UK? | You must exchange or obtain a provisional licence within 12 months of becoming a UK resident. After that, you’ll need to pass the full UK test. |
| Can I exchange a Portuguese provisional licence? | No. Only a full (valid) licence can be swapped. You’ll need to apply for a UK provisional licence and then pass the tests. |
7. Quick‑Reference Checklist (Printable)
[ ] Completed D1 form (5 pages)
[ ] Passport‑type photo (45mm x 35mm)
[ ] Valid Portuguese licence (original)
[ ] Passport or national ID (photocopy)
[ ] Proof of UK address (utility bill ≤ 3 months)
[ ] £43 fee (or £53 for fast track)
[ ] Signed declaration on D1
[ ] Envelopes & postage
Print this list, tick each box as you gather the item, and you’ll avoid the common “missing document” delays.
8. Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
| Pitfall | How to Prevent It |
|---|---|
| Submitting an expired licence | Verify the expiry date before you travel; renew early if needed. |
| Wrong photo specifications | Use a professional passport‑photo service or follow the DVLA’s online guidelines. |
| Mailing the fee as cash | The DVLA does not accept cash. Use a cheque, postal order, or online payment. |
| Forgetting to include your NI number | Even though it’s optional, entering it speeds up processing. |
| Using an outdated D1 form | Download the latest version from the DVLA website (forms are revised occasionally). |
| Applying after the 12‑month deadline | Mark your move‑in date on a calendar and set a reminder for the 11‑month mark. |
9. Timeline Overview
| Day | Action |
|---|---|
| 0 | Gather documents and fill out D1 form. |
| 1–2 | Pay fee and post application (or submit online). |
| 7 | (Fast‑track) Receive acknowledgment email. |
| 14–21 | (Standard) Receive UK driving licence by post. |
| 22+ | Update insurance, inform Portuguese authorities if needed. |
10. Bottom Line
Swapping a Portuguese driving licence for a UK one is a straightforward, paperwork‑heavy process, but it spares you the time and expense of retaking the UK theory and practical tests. By following the checklist, providing the correct documents, and paying the appropriate fee, you’ll be legally behind the wheel of a British car in just a few weeks.
Remember: Act within 12 months of establishing residency, keep copies of everything you send, and double‑check that each document meets the DVLA’s specifications. Once your new licence arrives, you’ll enjoy the freedom of driving across the UK while still holding a valid licence for Portugal—perfect for weekend trips to Lisbon, Porto, or the Algarve.
Safe travels, and welcome to the UK road network! 🚗💨