Driving
Your foreign driving licence in Brazil
You can drive on your home licence for your first 180 days in Brazil. To keep driving after that, exchange it for a Brazilian licence (CNH) at your state's DETRAN.
In short
A foreign driving licence lets you drive in Brazil for up to 180 days from entry, while it's valid. To keep driving, exchange it at your state's DETRAN: with a licence from a country Brazil recognises you take only the medical and psychological exams; from any other country you also take a driving test.
- Drive on it
- Up to 180 days from entry
- International permit
- If your country is party to the 1968 Vienna Convention
- Exchange
- At the DETRAN of the state where you live
- Exams
- Medical and psychological; a driving test too if your country isn't recognised
Who can exchange a licence
- People in regular stay in Brazil who want to keep driving after their first 180 days.
- With a licence from a country Brazil recognises: medical and psychological exams only, in the same category.
- With a licence from any other country: the same exams plus a driving test.
- With no licence at all: the full Brazilian process, like any new driver.
How it works
- For up to 180 days from the date you entered Brazil, drive on your home licence while it's valid.
- Carry the licence, an ID document and proof of your entry date, plus an International Driving Permit if your country is party to the 1968 Vienna Convention.
- Check whether your country is recognised. Senatran points to the UN's list of Vienna Convention parties and names Spain, Italy and Mozambique as countries with exchange agreements.
- To keep driving after 180 days, apply to exchange your licence at the DETRAN of the state where you live.
- Take the medical and psychological exams, and the driving test if your country isn't recognised. Your licence keeps its category.
Documents
- Your valid foreign driving licence
- An identity document
- Proof of the date you entered Brazil
- An International Driving Permit, when your country is party to the 1968 Vienna Convention
Each DETRAN publishes its own document list and fees, and some ask for a sworn translation of the licence. International agreements, such as Brazil's with Spain, can set their own rules.
Sort out your stay before you exchange
Exchanging a licence needs a regular stay in Brazil. If your visa or residence isn't settled yet, answer a few questions and see OAB-registered lawyers from Emigro's directory of independent lawyers who handle immigration cases.
Check your visa or residence options Or talk to a lawyer firstRather talk to an immigration lawyer first?
Send a short note to an independent immigration lawyer who uses Emigro. If they offer a paid call, you can pick a time on their calendar right away; otherwise they reply by email.
Official sources
Contran Resolution 1.020/2025, arts. 101 to 105 ↗
International driving permit and foreign licences, Senatran ↗
Brazilian Traffic Code (Lei 9.503/1997), art. 142 ↗
Parties to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, United Nations ↗
Brazil–Spain driving licence agreement (Decree 6.798/2009) ↗
Checked against official sources on October 25, 2026. Emigro gives preliminary guidance, not legal advice. Emigro is a private company, not affiliated with the Brazilian government, the Federal Police, Itamaraty, the Ministry of Justice or the Receita Federal. Emigro is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Lawyers listed are independent, registered with the OAB, and solely responsible for their advice.
Common questions
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Brazil?
Yes, if your licence comes from a country party to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Carry it with your licence, an ID document and proof of your entry date.
When do the 180 days on a foreign licence start?
On the date you entered Brazil, and only while your home licence is still valid.
Does my foreign licence need a sworn translation?
The federal rule doesn't require one, but some DETRANs ask for it. Check with the DETRAN of your state.
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