New Driving Licence Model: What You Need to Know

A new driving licence model, promising an improved and more secure design in line with standards set at European level, was unveiled on 11 January at an event held at the National Printing House and Mint (INCM).

Production of the new driving licence model began in mid-January, bringing several changes from the version used until now.

Most notably, category T (agricultural vehicles) is now included on the new model, while the document’s security features have also been strengthened:

• the driver’s photograph is now reproduced twice, with a smaller image in the bottom-right corner together with its security number;
• a two-dimensional QR Code barcode has been added, allowing information to be read using suitable equipment;
• the security elements are visible under infrared and ultraviolet light.

Do I need to replace my driving licence with the new one?

No. Your current driving licence remains valid until it is due for renewal or revalidation.

Because of legislative changes, the expiry date displayed on your driving licence may not be correct, particularly if you obtained your licence before 2 January 2013. To find out when you must renew your driving licence, consult the document issued by the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT).

What is required to revalidate a driving licence?

When the time comes to renew or revalidate it, you will receive the new driving licence model.

An application to revalidate a driving licence can be made through IMT Online, at a Citizen Space, or via an IMT partner. If revalidation is completed in person, you must provide:

• your current driving licence;
• an identification document showing your usual residence, such as a Citizen Card;
• your tax identification number;
• an electronic medical certificate in the following cases:
  • drivers aged over 60 who drive vehicles in categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE, or agricultural vehicles in categories I, II and III;
  • drivers of vehicles in categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE;
  • drivers of category B or BE vehicles when driving ambulances, fire service vehicles, patient transport vehicles, school transport, collective child transport, or light hire vehicles used to carry passengers.
• a psychological assessment certificate, issued by a psychologist, in the following situations:
  • drivers aged 50 or over who drive vehicles in categories C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D and DE;
  • drivers of category B or BE vehicles when driving ambulances, fire service vehicles, patient transport vehicles, school transport, collective child transport, or light hire vehicles used to carry passengers.

If the driving licence revalidation is completed online, the following are required:

• your taxpayer number and Tax Portal password, or a Digital Mobile Key, to register with IMT Online;
• an electronic medical certificate, where applicable as outlined above, and/or a psychological certificate, where applicable as outlined above, which must be scanned.

How much does a duplicate driving licence cost?

Applying for a duplicate costs 30 euros for all drivers, except those aged 70 or over, for whom the fee is 15 euros. Applications submitted through the IMT Online portal receive a 10% discount.

What happens if I do not revalidate my driving licence within the legal deadlines?

A driving licence revalidation application must be made during the six months before its expiry date. If the expiry date passes and you continue to drive, you are committing a road traffic offence.

If more than two years, but no more than five years, pass after the revalidation deadline, you must take a special test consisting of a practical assessment. If the period exceeds five years, up to a maximum of 10 years, you must successfully complete a specific training course and take a special test with a practical assessment.

Covid-19

A final note for anyone whose driving licence expired from 13 March 2020, the date on which extraordinary measures to tackle the pandemic were introduced. Under Decree-Law No. 87-A/2020 of 15 October, the validity of driving licences was extended until 31 March 2021.

Source: IMT.