en 
An analysis of the Portal da Queixa (Complaints Portal) in terms of complaints addressed to the Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) revealed a large increase in the number of complaints against this public entity.
According to a press release by Portal da Queixa, between 1 January and 30 September, 2021, the Portal da Queixa registered a total of 3,776 complaints addressed to the IMT. A growth of 179 percent compared to the same period of the previous year, where there were only 1,354 complaints.
Difficulties in getting a driving license - exchange of a foreign driving license, renewal, and issuance - corresponded to the majority of complaints reported, 62 percent. Of these 62 percent, 47 percent of the complaints are exclusively related to the exchange of a foreign driver's license.
Problems related to vehicles (approvals, registrations, documents, inspections) represent 12 percent of the total complaints filed this year. Other reasons for complaints were the lack of quality in the IMT’s service and the difficulty in scheduling exams.
According to the same note, Dario Assunção, one of the people who made a complaint to the portal, said: "I received an email about the process of changing my foreign driver's license, an email requesting the sending of documents to the IMT, and giving permission for biometric data on the IMT website, which I did; however, I received no response. I have a document that works as a provisional letter, but not all policies are aware that this document is valid. I don’t know what to do."
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To add yo the misery, there are a number of small agencies setting up that promise a quicker process to obtain an exchanged licence. They charge up to 500 Euro and then try and tell you there is a computer problem. It’s a scam, phishing for information and making a tidy sum on the side.
By Ian from Lisbon on 13 Oct 2021, 06:32
They are also refusing to add C1 categories to the card license after they were confirmed and added to the application confirmation/circulation letter
By Peter from Algarve on 13 Oct 2021, 17:13
I email IMT (faro) on the 7/8/21. As yet I have not had a reply. I went to docLAGOS
in Lagos and received my replacement license in 10 days. It did cost €45.
By M F Shaw from Algarve on 13 Oct 2021, 17:17
My temporary license expired in March !
Ridiculous!
What a disaster
By Alan Hardy from Algarve on 13 Oct 2021, 17:21
We have also had emails requesting we send all our documents and make a 30€ transfer but we can never get ahold of anyone. Seems like a giant scam. They also require ridiculous seals and notary services for confirming your driving record. It’s unbelievable the amount of work effort and uncertainty just to prove you have been driving for 30 years. It’s a joke.
By J Joyce from Lisbon on 13 Oct 2021, 19:06
I am in the same position. The whole process is failing and no one ever responds to emails. I can’t complete the process because I can’t get a health number because no one responds to the email address to get the health number which means I can’t get the medical certificate to exchange the drivers license . It’s a mess!
By Maurice G from Lisbon on 13 Oct 2021, 19:41
I am a victim as well. I submitted my English Driving licences to change into Portuguese licences. But 20 months already gone still waiting....! Whereas, it should be max 3 months. Irresponsible lazy worker in the government service is a shame for the whole country.
By J Kazi from UK on 13 Oct 2021, 20:36
Why oh why do they insist on making you send in your licence before they are ready for the exchange? So much of the problem would be ameliorated if IMT would let people keep their unexpired licences until they are ready to send out the new one.
By PJ from Algarve on 13 Oct 2021, 20:40
Portugal - the "magnificent" land which markets itself as the "best" place to live is only a mirage. Nothing works and the government only increases its devious ways of grabbing more money from citizens and residents.
By K from Algarve on 13 Oct 2021, 22:37
We submitted our information last November and besides an acknowledgment email we have received no other communication. We have sent follow up emails and nothing. It is very frustrating but the Portuguese Authorities do not seem to care and are using the millions from the EU to try and save TAP and not spend it in other areas.
By Rachelle McLean from Lisbon on 14 Oct 2021, 10:57
I do not understand why it is necessary to exchange a valid European (NL, D, F, Es, It, etcetera) drivers license to a Portuguese one and change with allowed Categories.
By Mac from Other on 14 Oct 2021, 15:08
Imt faro must be THE WORST bureaucratic nightmare experience ever !!!! 3 times lost my paperwork ..2 years waiting...they hold my uk licence ..therefore no driving anywhere outside of portugal ...lost lots of money due to them and work ...they give 2 hoots , they simply shrug their shoulders and look at you like your irrelevant. This cannot be legal they hold my uk licence for so long without finally giving me the portuguese one.!?
It is outrageous and i have lived in 3rd world countries where bureaucrocy was much better !
By Anita Fuller from Algarve on 28 Oct 2022, 12:55