Portuguese drivers with driving licences in categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B and BE may be prevented from driving if they have not renewed their licence within the deadline. The article warns that those who reach one of the renewal ages during October must confirm if their licence is valid.
The renewal rules vary according to the date the licence was obtained. Those who obtained it before 2 January 2013 must renew at 50, 60, 65 and 70 years old, with mandatory renewal then every two years. For licences obtained between 2013 and 2016, the first renewal is on the date indicated on the licence, followed by renewals every 15 years until age 60, with new renewals at 60, 65 and 70 years old. Licences obtained from 30 July 2016 have their first renewal, generally, 15 years after obtaining the licence.
From age 60, drivers in Group I need an electronic medical certificate to proceed with renewal. The document is electronically transmitted by the health professional and is associated with the process.
The renewal request can be submitted six months before the validity expiry date. After that date, the licence becomes expired and the driver loses the right to drive legally. Anyone who lets the deadline pass for longer periods may face additional consequences, including the possibility of having to take special exams to recover the title.
