Brazil has highways spreading all over the country. It is common to drive to work or travel. To legally drive a motor vehicle, drivers must hold a valid Brazilian National Driver’s License (CNH). It carries the permit holder’s personal information, ID number, and photograph, serving as an identity document in some cases. This permit is usually valid for 3-10 years. Driving with an expired driver’s license is as severe as driving without a license. Therefore, it is necessary to check driver’s license validity regularly and request a renewal in advance. In this passage, we are going to talk about how to renew a driver’s license, how much it costs, how long it takes, and how to renew abroad.
When Do I Need to Renew a National Driving License (CNH)?
Drivers are permitted to renew their driver’s license at any time if it is within its validity. Generally speaking, you need to renew it before it expires, and it varies due to your age.
- Drivers under 50 years old should renew their license every 10 years.
- Drivers between 50 and 69 years old should renew their license every 5 years.
- Drivers aged 70 years and above should renew their license every 3 years.
Documents for National Driver License Renewal
The ensure the driver’s license renewal goes smoothly, it is necessary to prepare the following documents in both original and photocopies.
- Valid identification documents with basic personal information, such as an identity card, the card issued by the Superior Professional Councils, Documents from the Civil, Military, and Federal Police, etc.
- Individual taxpayer registration (CPF)
- Proof of residence, such as utility bills, bank statements, or any other documents with the applicant’s name and address.
- Existing driver’s license
How to Renew a Brazilian Driver’s License Online
Brazilians used to renew their driver’s license in the physical DMV office. To simplify and accelerate the process, online services are currently available in 19 states, including Acre, Amazon, Bahia, Ceará, Federal District, Holy Spirit, Goias, Mato Grosso, Stop, Paraiba, Paraná, Pernambuco, Piaui, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Norte, Rondônia, Roraima, Sao Paulo, and Sergipe. It can be done on the DMV portal of each state or the Digital Transit Wallet (CDT) application. In this section, we will introduce the online driver license renewal step by step.
- Visit the DMV website or open the app. For example, Sao Paulo residents should go to the Sao Paulo DMV portal.
- Click on the three-dash icon in the top right corner and choose “CNH – Habilitation”.
- Click on the “Access service” button, which is beneath the “Online Renewal” section.
- Read the instructions and click the “do it online”.
- Log in or create a new account.
- It will remind you of the driver’s license validity and the deadline for renewal. Click on ” yes” for the question “Do you want to renew it now?”
- Check your personal information, license type, and address, and schedule an appointment for a medical examination. Type C, D, and E holders need to take an extra toxicological test up to 90 days before the medical test.
- Attend the appointment and pay for the renewal fees.
- Receive the printed license by post and the digital version in the Digital Transit Wallet application.
Driver’s License Renewal Fee and Time
The total cost varies from state to state. For example, the total cost of renewing a driver’s license in the State of Acre consists of the following fees.
| Types | Fees | How to pay |
| Medical examination fee | R$ 130 | Paid to the doctor directly |
| Psychological evaluation fees | R$ 160 | Paid the psychologist |
| Issuance of renewal fees | R$ 117.06 | Paid at the partner banks |
| Toxicological test fees | Depending on the company you choose | Paid at the laboratory |
It usually takes 14 days to deliver the CNH to you. It might be longer depending on where you are applying from and the shipping services. If you request a digital driver’s license, it will be issued within 3 days.
What Is the Deadline to Renew A Driver’s License?
It is suggested to renew a driver’s license before expiration, and 30 days in advance is acceptable. However, if it has expired, you are allowed to renew it within 30 days after the expiry date. During this period, drivers are exempt from prejudice. Otherwise, you will be punished.
How to Track Driver’s License Renewal Status
Waiting aimlessly for a renewed driver’s license is depressing. Applicants can learn about the progress of processing the application and delivery on the DMV website of their state of residence. We will take Mato Grosso as an example.
- Visit MG DMV and go to “CNH and Driving Permit (PPD) > License > Track the issuance of CNH or PPD”.
- Read the instructions and enter the necessary information, such as CPF/CNH, date of birth, place of birth, etc.
- Click on the “Consult” button. If your license is ready to be delivered, a tracking code will appear on the page.
- Copy the code and go to the Correios Object Tracking page, where you will learn about the delivery status.
What happens if I drive with An Expired Driving License?
It depends on how long it has been expired. Drivers in Brazil are still allowed to continue driving vehicles with a driving license expiring within 30 days after the expiry date. After this period, it is illegal to drive with an expired driver’s license. Drivers who are caught might be fined or even have their license and vehicle revoked.
Can I Renew CNH Overseas?
No. Brazilian driver’s license holders who are traveling or residing outside the country are not allowed to renew the CNH abroad, as the medical examination, psychological evaluation, and toxicological test must be done at a certified organization in person. Therefore, you must return to Brazil to renew your CNH.
Summary
Drivers driving with a driver’s license that has expired for more than 30 days will face severe penalties. It takes about 14 working days to receive the physical license. Therefore, you are supposed to renew your driver’s license as early as possible. It can be renewed up to 30 days before expiration. To save time and simplify the process, it is suggested to renew online and make an appointment for a medical examination. All you need is to present a valid ID, taxpayer registration, proof of residence, and the old license. Make sure you are physically in Brazil at the time of driver’s license renewal.
Dolores Xiao