Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Brazil

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Exchanging a Foreign Driving Licence in Brazil

The Brazilian driving license is called a Carteira Nacional de Habilitação.

Licence holders may only drive the category of vehicle for which their licence is valid. 

Some foreigners in Brazil may exchange their licence for a temporary Brazilian one, some may exchange their licence for a full Brazilian driving licence, while yet others may not exchange their licence and will need to take a full driving test (theory and practical) in order to get a Brazilian driving licence.

Non Brazilian nationals arriving in Brazil can drive for up to six months on most full licences from other countries. It is recommended to carry an official translation of the original foreign driving licence at all times when driving in Brazil. Individuals staying longer will need to apply for a temporary driver’s licence for foreigners (Licenca especial para estrangeiros) which is valid for six months.

Foreign Licences Eligible For Exchange

Full foreign driving licences from countries that Brazil has signed and ratified agreements or international conventions allow an individual to obtain a full Brazilian licence without taking the complete test. Full driving licences from countries within the EU, the United States of America, South Africa and Australia are considered acceptable.

Individuals with no licence or a licence from a country that is not recognised will have to go through the full process, including a four-part test, to obtain a driving licence.

• For more information, see the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Getting a Brazilian Driving Licence

Despachante

Despachante is the term used throughout Brazil for a professional who works in the area of vehicle documentation and registration on behalf of a vehicle owner.

Among other things, a despachante can apply for new or lost driving licenses, register vehicles and oversee the transfer of a vehicle from one person to another.

It is highly recommended to use the services of a despachante when dealing with vehicle documentation administration in Brazil.

Applying for a Temporary License (licenca especial para estrangeiros)

Foreigners who have temporary work or tourist visas and foreign temporary or full driving licenses can apply for a Brazilian temporary license at the Brazilian State Transport Department (Departamento Estadual de Trânsito - DETRAN).

• DETRAN São Paulo
  At: Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral 1301, 4th Floor, 04094-901 Ibirapuera, São Paulo
  Open: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00
  Website
• To find a local DETRAN office: Click here and select the state of residence

The license must be applied for by the individual in person or a Despachante representing the individual. The following documents will be required:

• Photocopy or original of passport with visa confirming legality of entry into Brazil
• Original temporary or full driving license (valid or out of date) translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator (may not be necessary)
• Photocopy and original of proof of residence at an address in Brazil

These documents must be presented at the Setor de Atendimento ao Estrangeiro (Service Area for Foreigners) of the local DETRAN office and the applicant will need to pay a tax. It is recommended to show an original temporary or full driving licence to DETRAN before commencing the process for confirmation that the document actually needs to be translated.

If the temporary license is invalid or close to becoming invalid, the foreigner may be required to take the psychological and medical exams required by DETRAN. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.

• To locate a medical clinic recommended by DETRAN in São Paulo: Click here
• For further information from DETRAN on the procedure of obtaining a driving licence: Click here (in Portuguese)

Having completed the above steps, a temporary licence (licence especial para estrangeiros) will be issued immediately. This is valid for six months and can be renewed as necessary. There may be some differences in procedure in different states of Brazil.

Applying for a Full Brazilian Driving License

A full Brazilian driving licence can only be given to a foreigner who is legally resident in Brazil and who meets the Brazilian State Transport Department requirements. The licence must be applied for by the individual in person or a Despachante representing the individual. The following documents will be required:

• Original and copy of the Foreigner's identity card (Cédula de Identidade para Estrangeiro - CIE which contains the Registro National De Estrangeiro - RNE the identity number for non-nationals)
• Original and copy of the Individual Taxpayer’s Card (Cadastro de Pessoa Física - CPF)
• Copies and originals of proof of address from the previous three months (utility bill, bank statements)
• Original temporary or full driving licence

These documents must be presented at the Setor de Atendimento ao Estrangeiro (Service Area for Foreigners) of the local DETRAN office.

• DETRAN São Paulo
  At: Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral 1301, 4th Floor, 04094-901 Ibirapuera São Paulo
  Open: Monday to Friday 08:00-17:00
  Website
• To find a local DETRAN office: Click here and select the state of residence

The applicant my be required to take medical and psychological exams; this is decided by DETRAN on a case by case basis (for example if the original foreign driving license is close to expiring).

Related Information

• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Getting a Brazilian Driving Licence
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Driving in Brazil
• Brazilian State Transport Department - São Paulo