IPO in Portugal — the Portuguese MOT Explained
The IPO (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória) is Portugal's mandatory periodic vehicle inspection — the local equivalent of the British MOT, German TÜV or Spanish ITV. Here are the official 2026 fees, the schedule and the documents. One thing expats often miss: an IPO is not a pre-purchase inspection — it checks legal minimums, not the car's real condition.
2026 inspection fees
| Periodic inspection — passenger cars | €37.47 |
| Re-inspection (re-test) | €9.40 |
| Motorcycles, trikes and quads | €18.87 |
| Extraordinary inspection | €130.80 |
| Plate assignment / matriculation (type B, imports) | €93.52 |
VAT included, in force since 1 January 2026.
When your car is due
Passenger cars: first IPO 4 years after first registration, then every 2 years until the car is 8 years old, then every year. Bring the registration document (DUA). If the car fails, you have 30 days to fix it and pass the €9.40 re-test. Driving without a valid IPO carries a €250–€1,250 fine and your insurer can refuse an accident claim.
A passed IPO ≠ a good car
The IPO is a ~10-minute safety check: brakes, lights, emissions, play in the suspension. It does not measure paint, read the ECU, detect clocked mileage or repaired crash damage. A car can hold a fresh IPO and still be a terrible buy — that is exactly what a pre-purchase inspection is for: 145 checkpoints, paint gauge, OBD diagnostics and a test drive.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the car inspection cost in Portugal in 2026?
The periodic inspection (IPO) for a passenger car costs €37.47 with VAT, since 1 January 2026. A re-test costs €9.40; motorcycles pay €18.87.
Is there an MOT / TÜV / ITV in Portugal?
Yes — it is called the IPO (Inspeção Periódica Obrigatória). It works like the British MOT, German TÜV or Spanish ITV: a mandatory periodic safety inspection at licensed centres.
How often does a car need the IPO?
Passenger cars: first inspection 4 years after first registration, then every 2 years until age 8, then annually.
What do I need to bring?
The car's registration document (DUA). Check tyre pressures and lights beforehand — they are among the most common fail reasons.
Does a valid IPO mean the car is fine to buy?
No. The IPO confirms legal safety minimums on inspection day — nothing about paint, repaired accidents, real mileage or the state of the engine and gearbox. For a purchase decision you need a pre-purchase inspection.
Buying a used car in Portugal?
We inspect the car before you pay — anywhere in Portugal, PDF report on the spot, in English.
