'Requirements to get Drivers License in Brazil?' Expat

John (200.172.107.39) -

What are the requirements for non residents of Brazil to get a drivers license in Brazil?

Comment #1 chuck timmons (64.69.106.65) -

Does my usa licease survise in this case.

Comment #2 Beatrice Franco (66.229.28.49) -

Would like to know how to get a drivers license in brazil.

thank u

Comment #3 Central Expat from São Paulo - Brazil (Contact Member) -

If your Local Driver's License is valid, you will need first to get it translated (by an official translator in Brazil), fill up a form, attach a notarized copy of your passaport, and pay a fee of about USD 60, 00 (requested for the Traffic Department). If your local Driver's License is over dued, you might have to go through some tests and exams. These procedures are valid for the most major cities in Brazil, but in some states you can use or International Driver's License freely.

Comment #4 Sammy (63.176.159.213) -

Do you to have a license to drive a mo-ped on the streets in Brazil?

Comment #5 Matthew Burns (189.120.40.13) -

I currently reside in Brazil and have a temporary Brazilian CNH (Driver's License). I have just received my RNE (Foreigner's ID) document and wish to apply for a permanent CNH. What should I do?

Comment #6 Sam (63.176.159.163) -

I also would like to know if you have to have a special permit or license to drive a mo-ped. I plan on going to Brazil for vacation and want to either rent a car or maybe a moped, which one would be better. If I can get around just as good on a moped and its cheaper to rent one, than that would be great, so please let me know.

Comment #7 Nicole do Recreio (189.60.222.101) -

An American license is legally valid in Brazil for 6months. If you go to your local DMV you'll see Brazil in the list of countries with which we have reciprocity. Unfortunately, because its English you either need to get it translated and registered with the police in Brazil or simply go down to AAA with two photos, fill out the form and pay $15 for an International Driver's license. Once you have that you can rent a car with no problems (other than it being pretty expensive). If you're going to be in a large city, I recommended sticking to public transportation. It is pretty reliable and easy to manage.

Comment #8 Kimmy (63.176.159.171) -

Getting a driver’s license in Brazil, like most anything that involves dealing with the government, is complicated. So complicated that there is always news reports of scandals in the driver’s license divisions. But, once you have it, you can drive like you damn well please. :-)

To the right is a photo of a BR Driver’s License.

Try to visit this link for the process of acquiring a driver's license in Brazil.

• expatbrazil.wordpress.com/2008/09/23/lib-getting-your-driver...

Comment #9 Maite (63.176.159.174) -

Driving in Brazil can be pretty hazardose, believe me! You can do it if you really want, but think it over. Bats out of hell busses, "Voladoras", flying witches that rule the road. Then you have the motorcycles, the vehicles of the poor, that are right behind. No educated state-side driving here. Beware!

Comment #10 Wellington (72.198.200.26) -

I'm Brazilian citizen but i have been living in U.S for a long time...

Now i'm going to Brazil for vacations and i'd like to know if i can use my american driver's license there, once i don't have a Brazilian driver's license....

thanks

Comment #11 Jamie (63.176.159.108) -

A valid driving licence (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação - CNH) is compulsory for anyone driving any type of motor vehicle on the roads in Brazil. The licence must be carried on all journeys and must be presented on demand by law enforcement officials.

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.

• brazil.angloinfo.com/countries/brazil/drivlicence.asp

Comment #12 Chuck (63.176.159.44) -

So you have to exchange your current license for a temporary Brazilian license, but is it for good? Or will they return your license once the agreement expires. Or better yet, i am wondering on how to apply for a permanent driver license in there without exchanging my current driver's license.

But i think if you have an international driver's license it will serve its purpose in any part of the globe.

Comment #13 Eve (63.176.159.150) - 11/24/09 16:26

I think in most places one should be able to use their license at least for the first three months, in some instances six, even with an international license I believe that one can only use it for about a year or so, then, once still in the country after the year, they would need to acquire some local form of identification, with which to provide to the authorities and what not, in case of an altercation.

Comment #14 Eve (63.176.159.85) - 12/20/09 13:40

Do I have the stipulations correct? I am not very much sure.

Comment #15 adam (63.176.159.76) - 01/06/10 19:15

I am not a driver, but I believe that a person does have about three months on their license when traveling. Depending upon where it is that one were to go, however.

Comment #16 Ivy (63.176.159.142) - 01/28/10 21:25

Hi to all. I am to move in Brazil maybe early next year and I would like to know more about how to be able to get a drivers license in the place. Please kindly post here some useful link that I can use to learn more about how to get a drivers license in Brazil. Well thank you in advance guys and i really hope to hear from all of you.

Comment #17 Showie (77.42.0.18) - 02/21/10 21:30

Hi there guys, lots of people are getting more and more interested in moving to Brazil. Well, this is no surprise at all since Brazil is indeed a great country. And regarding those questions about obtaining the Brazil driver's license, I have here a link that you can use to learn more about it. Hope that this would help out. Have a great day ahead everyone, here is the link:

• getting a Brazil driver's license

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