What is CNH in Brazil? The Complete Guide for Foreigners

CNH vs CRNM: What’s the difference?

In Brazil, the CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação) and the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) serve very different purposes. 

The CHH is Brazil's national driving licence, issued by the state traffic department (DETRAN). It allows the holder to drive legally in Brazil. In some cases, it is used as an identification document for checking into hotels, verifying identity for domestic flights and other regular daily activities. 

The CRNM, on the other hand, is a residence card issued to foreigners residing in Brazil by the Federal Police. It's an official document that registers your residency status in accordance with Brazil's immigration laws. 

Unlike the CHN, the CRNM is used when identity and legal residence verification are required. This includes opening a bank account, registering for health services, enrolling in a school or university, signing a work contract, or renting an apartment. This document also carries your migration registry number (RNM) and visa category.

Generally, you need a CHN to drive a car in Brazil, while the CRNM is used as proof of your residency status. 

Can I drive in Brazil with a foreign licence?

You can drive in Brazil with a valid foreign driving licence for up to 180 days. But you must also have your passport and a sworn, Portuguese-translated version of your driving licence, or an International Driving Permit (IDP). After 180 days, you'll need to obtain a Brazilian driving licence (CNH). Here's an overview of some rules:

• The issuing country must be a member of the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic or have another equivalent agreement with Brazil to convert your foreign licence to a CNH. 
• The licence must be valid (not expired).
• Rental car agencies and insurance companies often insist on an IDP/translation for their policies or for ease of verification.
• If your home country isn't a signatory to the Vienna Convention and lacks reciprocity, you must obtain a CHN in Brazil.
• In some cases, you must pass specific tests: physical/medical, psychological,

Note: Each state’s DETRAN may apply or interpret rules for licence application a bit differently. Always confirm with the state before applying for a CHN. 

How to get a Brazilian CNH (national driver’s licence) as a foreigner

To obtain a Brazilian CNH as a foreign national, you must be a legal resident with a valid CRNM (formerly RNE), CPF (taxpayer identification number), and proof of address in Brazil. While the exact process and documents may vary depending on the state DETRAN, the steps below are the most common.

Verify eligibility and migration status 

The first step is to confirm whether you can convert your foreign licence or if you must apply for a Brazilian licence from scratch.

• If your licence was issued in a country that is a signatory to the Vienna Convention or has reciprocity agreements with Brazil, you may be able to convert it directly at the local DETRAN.
   
• If your licence is from a non-signatory country, you must complete the full Brazilian licensing process. The steps include medical and psychological exams, theory classes and tests, driving school lessons, and a practical road exam.

Contact local Detran

Once you’ve confirmed eligibility, the next step is to contact the DETRAN in your state. They will provide the exact list of required documents and instructions. Typically, you’ll need:

• Your valid foreign licence (with sworn translation if it’s not in Portuguese).
• Passport and visa or entry stamp.
• CRNM and CPF.
• Proof of residence.

Depending on your case, the traffic office may also direct you to enrol in a driving school (CFC).

Medical and psychological exam

After submitting your documents, DETRAN will direct you to take medical and psychological exams at accredited clinics.

• For conversion cases, only these exams may be required.
   
• For full licensing cases, you must also complete theory classes, pass a written exam, undergo practical lessons, and take a driving test before moving forward.

Convert/validate a foreign licence where applicable

If you qualify for a licence conversion, you will present your documents and translated licence at DETRAN. They will validate your eligibility and process the conversion, provided your foreign licence is valid (not expired and issued more than a year ago).

Pay fees and issuance of CNH

You’ll need to pay the required driving licence fees, which can include exam fees, translation/authentication costs, and issuance fees. Costs vary significantly by state. Once approved, your CNH is usually issued within a few weeks. In some cases, a temporary or provisional licence may be issued first before the permanent card is delivered.

Note: The process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your state, the DETRAN backlog, and whether you are converting a licence or starting fresh. Always confirm requirements, costs, and timelines directly with your state traffic office, as procedures differ across Brazil.

Required documents for CNH in Brazil

• CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório): Proof of legal residence status (formerly RNE).
• CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física): Brazilian taxpayer number.
• Valid foreign driving licence: It must be current and usually issued at least one year before the application.
• A sworn translation of the foreign licence is required if the licence is not in Portuguese.
• Passport with visa or entry stamp as proof of legal entry into Brazil.
• Proof of residence in Brazil, such as utility bills, a rental contract, or other accepted documents.
• Recent passport photos in the format specified by DETRAN (sometimes taken digitally at the office).
• Application forms / DETRAN protocol completed as provided by the local office.
• Payment proof of fees, including receipts for medical/psychological exams, translation/authentication, and issuance fees.

Note: Some states may also request additional paperwork (e.g., consular authentication of the licence, notarised copies, or proof of international reciprocity). Always check the official list at the DETRAN office in your state before applying.

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CNH categories, validity and 2025 updates

The CNH has five standard categories. The category you have determines the types of vehicles you are allowed to drive.

Validity periods & renewal rules

Since Law No. 14.071/2020, which came into effect in April 2021, there are updated rules regarding the validity period of a CNH, based on the driver's age.

Converting a foreign licence to a CNH in Brazil

Foreign drivers living in Brazil may be able to convert their existing driving licence into a Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH), instead of completing the full Brazilian driving school process. This option usually applies to holders of valid foreign licences who meet specific conditions.

When conversion is possible

• Conversion is generally allowed if there is a reciprocity agreement between Brazil and the issuing country (e.g. many EU states, some Latin American countries).
• Even without reciprocity, some state DETRANs (state traffic authorities) may process conversion requests at their discretion, provided all documentation is in order.
• If reciprocity does not exist, or if the foreign licence has expired, the driver may need to complete the standard CNH process.

International use of Brazilian CNH and IDP

A Brazilian Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) is valid for driving in some countries during short-term stays, thanks to bilateral agreements or regional reciprocity. These countries include Italy, Uruguay, the USA, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Morocco, Spain, and Cuba. 

However, in many countries, especially in Europe and North America, you might have to present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your CNH.

The IDP serves as an official translation of the CNH, thereby reducing the risk of issues with local authorities or car rental companies. While some destinations may accept the CNH alone for short visits, you must convert your licence or apply for a local permit for longer stays. 

Travelling to the UK from Brazil? Learn how to convert your foreign driving licence in the UK from our comprehensive guide. 

Do I need a sworn (juramentada) translation of my licence?

You need a sworn translation into Portuguese (Tradução Juramentada) when presenting your foreign driving licence or other documents in Brazil. This is because Brazilian authorities and courts only accept official translations made by sworn translators registered in Brazil. Here's what you should know: 

• If your licence is not issued in Portuguese, most DETRAN offices will require a sworn translation before processing your CNH application.
• Other documents, such as passports, birth certificates, and legal papers, may also require a sworn translation for use with government bodies, schools, or employers.
• Depending on the country of origin, your licence or document may also need to be apostilled (Hague Apostille Convention) or legalised by the Brazilian consulate before translation.

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