Updated April 2026 · 6 min read

How to get a Brazilian driver's license as a foreigner (2026)

Convert your foreign license or get a new Brazilian CNH. Step-by-step process, costs, and what foreigners need to know.

You need a CPF before anything else

The Brazilian driver's license (CNH - Carteira Nacional de Habilitacao) requires a CPF to apply. No CPF, no license. This is the first step regardless of whether you are converting an existing license or starting from scratch.

Converting your foreign license

If you have a valid license from your home country, you can convert it to a Brazilian CNH without taking the full driving test. The process goes through DETRAN (Departamento Estadual de Transito), which is the state traffic department.

What you need: - Valid CPF - Valid foreign driver's license (not expired) - Sworn translation of your license (traducao juramentada), find certified translators at JUCERJA or your state's Junta Comercial - Medical and psychological exams (exame medico and exame psicotecnico), around R$150-250 total - Passport with valid visa - Proof of Brazilian address

The conversion costs approximately R$200-400 depending on your state. Processing takes 2-6 weeks.

Important: Your foreign license must be valid. If it expired, you will need to do the full process including theory and practical exams.

Starting from scratch

If you do not have a foreign license to convert, you go through the standard Brazilian process:

1. Register at a CFC (Centro de Formacao de Condutores), a licensed driving school 2. Pass the medical and psychological exams 3. Complete 45 hours of theory classes 4. Pass the theory exam at DETRAN 5. Complete 20-25 hours of practical driving lessons 6. Pass the practical driving exam

Total cost: R$2,000-3,500 depending on the city and school. The process takes 3-6 months.

DETRAN offices in major cities: DETRAN-SP, DETRAN-RJ, DETRAN-SC.

International driving permit vs Brazilian CNH

An International Driving Permit (IDP) lets you drive in Brazil for up to 180 days after entry. After that, you legally need a Brazilian CNH.

Practically speaking, many foreigners drive on their IDP for longer without issues. But if you are involved in an accident or stopped by police after 180 days, not having a CNH can create serious legal problems.

If you plan to stay in Brazil long-term, convert your license. It is one of those bureaucratic tasks that pays for itself in peace of mind.