If you’ve recently moved to Brazil and hold a foreign driver’s license, you might be wondering how long you can legally drive — and what to do once that period ends.
The rule is clear: foreigners can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days using their original license together with a valid passport or national ID and, when required, an International Driving Permit (IDP).
After that, anyone planning to stay longer must convert the foreign license into a Brazilian one (CNH).
Important: Only for Convention Countries
The 180-day allowance applies only if your country is part of an international driving convention recognized by Brazil.
Your license must also:
- Be valid and legible in Latin letters, or
- Be accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If your country is not part of a recognized convention, or if your license is not written in Latin characters, you cannot drive in Brazil even temporarily — you must apply directly for a CNH conversion.
Who Can Apply for License Conversion
If you hold a valid driver’s license issued abroad and are legally residing in Brazil (as a temporary or permanent resident), you can request the conversion.
Brazil has reciprocity agreements with many countries — including Germany, France, Portugal, Spain, the United States, and several others — which usually exempt applicants from taking new driving tests.
The Process
Procedures may vary slightly by state, but the main steps are:
- Sworn translation of your foreign driver’s license in Brazil.
- Proof of residence and immigration status (such as your CRNM or visa).
- Medical and psychological exams, required for all drivers in Brazil.
- Submission to the state DETRAN, which will issue your new Brazilian license once everything is approved.
The process usually takes a few weeks after all documents are in order.
Where to Apply
You must apply in the state where you reside. For reference:
- Belo Horizonte (DETRAN-MG)
- Rio de Janeiro (DETRAN-RJ)
- Brasília (DETRAN-DF) – process via Senatran’s portal and local units
- São Paulo (DETRAN-SP) – see the São Paulo government portal for updated requirements
For national guidance, visit the Brazilian Ministry of Transport and Senatran website.
Professional Assistance
At BFA Direito Migratório, we assist foreigners in Brazil through the full license conversion process — from translation and documentation to local DETRAN submission.
Whether you’re in Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, or São Paulo, or anywhere in Brazil, our team can guide you through each step with personalized legal support.
🔗 Click here to contact our team and start your driver’s license conversion process in Brazil.
