In a statement, the IMT explains that this "direct
communication" with the driver will be done by SMS, email, and through the postal
service. "This information service will be carried out, in the first
phase, for drivers with the light category (B)".
IMT explains that, "the information to be sent will be
adapted to the validity of each driver's driving license and will be carried
out progressively during the month of December".
To clarify questions from drivers, IMT have released useful
information about the service:
1. I received
notification by SMS and by postal service, what should I do?
"Proceed according to the instructions indicated in the
notice. In case of doubt, you can use the contact form available on the IMT
website at https://www.imt-ip.pt/sites/IMTT/Portugues/Contacte-nos/Paginas/Contacte-nos.aspx
or call the call center on +351 210 488
488."
2. I received the
notice by SMS, email or postal service, but I have already renewed my driving
licence, what should I do?
"If you have already renewed your driving licence, you
should ignore the communication received."
3. I received notice by SMS, email or postal service, but I
do not intend to renew my driving licence, what should I do?
"If you don't
want to renew your driving license, you don't have to do anything."
4. Does receiving the communication exempt the presentation
of a medical certificate?
"It depends on
the driver's age. For drivers aged 50 years or younger, it is not necessary to
issue a medical certificate. In cases where it is necessary, the medical
certificate is issued electronically and transmitted to the IMT."
5. What is the license
renewal process?
"The IMT sends a notice to the driver informing them about
the status of the driving license. The request for renewal of the driving
license can be made in the following ways:
- If not more than two years have elapsed since
the expiry date, you need to submit the revalidation request. To revalidate
your driving license, you must go to IMTOnline (www.imtonline.pt), Citizen's Shops, Citizen
Spaces or an IMT partners (see locations at www.eportugal.pt
);
- If more than two years and less than five years
have elapsed since the expiration date, revalidation is subject to passing a
practical driving test. To revalidate your driving license, you must go to an
IMT office.
- If more than five years and less than 10 years
have elapsed since the expiry date, revalidation is subject to attendance at
training courses to update knowledge and passing a practical test. To
revalidate your driving license, you must go to an IMT counter."
6. Does the communication sent by the IMT include a fee payment request?
"No, this is a merely informative service. Payment of fees for revalidation of the driving license only occurs following contact via imtonline, partners or the IMT counter."
More than 5,000 drivers were fined, until November 2, for expired driving licenses, according to Jornal de Notícias, which cites data from the National Highway Safety Authority.