Driver's license

@Kurterino

I searched for "estrangeiro" on my state's DETRAN site and got a how-to listing. Here's that page (for Paraiba):

https://paraibadigital.pb.gov.br/008911 … 006dbc34cd

You should be able to find something similar for your state.

mberigan

09/07/25 Is there anyone here who managed to get a BR driver’s license based on the license from his home country (converted his license to a Brazilian license)? If so, what is the procedure? - @Kurterino

I did.  It differs a bit by state, so you'll need to check the exact requirements of the state where you're a resident.

In Amazonas, the requirements were:

  -- CRNM

  -- CPF

  -- Proof of residence (utility bill, etc.)

  -- Sworn Translations of both sides of my foreign license (Illinois, in my case)

  -- Medical Test (conversation with a doctor at DETRAN's contracted clinic, plus an eye test)

  -- "Psychological" Test (mostly sign, signal, and pattern recognition, timed)

  -- My choice of taking the written test or sitting through an ungraded, five session driver safety course.  I did the course.

  -- Pay the fee.

I was not required to take a road test.

So far I've renewed twice, and only needed to repeat the Medical Test -- and pay the fee -- each time.

@Kurterino

As far as I know every foreigner who obtains permanent residence can convert what they already have on their driving license, without a further driving test, if under 70. You will need a psych test, a sight test and a physical however...

if under 70. You will need a psych test, a sight test and a physical however...

- @Peter Itamaraca

And if you're over 70?

09/08/25 And if you're over 70? - @alan279

Same.  Over 70 a driver has to renew more frequently, every three years.

@abthree

Could I pass the psych test?

09/08/25 Could I pass the psych test? - @alan279

Probably -- it's a pretty easy test.

@Kurterino

In Espírito Santo State here’s the current 2025 procedure to convert your foreign drivers license.

This information is from their website(DETRAN ES), but there is also information there about how to apply online which is OUTDATED!  You must go to a Ciretran office to start the process.

What you will need:

Identity Document - RNE or CRNM,  provided by the Federal Police, original;

Foreign DRIVER LICENSE with date of ISSUE at least 1 year old before applying in Brazil. (Your license must have been valid for at least a year.)

Translation of the foreign license made by a sworn public translator from the State of Espirito Santo, accredited to JUCEES (https://www.jucees.es.gov.br/servicos/r … nterpretes).

CPF, original;

Passport with entry stamp in Brazil over  6 (six) months ago, original;

Proof of residence, original;

——————-Guidelines:———————

Bring all the originals to the nearest Ciretran office near your home.

Scan everything and convert the scans to pdf files. Have them on your phone so you can send them to the attendant processing your application or have them on a thumb drive. This speeds up the process. Their scanner might be busy or broken. FYI - They use Whatsapp.

After the presentation of the documentation at the Ciretran office and opening your case into the RENACH Coordination system , you the applicant will carry out the biometric collection and pay the DMV fee. They will take your foreign license, but you can pick it up after you get your CNH. After this they will tell you which clinic to go to for completion of the medical questionnaire, eye test and psicotécnico test. This first part of the process is by far the quickest and easiest part of the process. At your clinic appointment they will collect their fee and verify your biometrics again. Once you pass the exams they will contact you to via email to download your license. A few days after that The Brazilian CNH will be delivered via post office to the registered address that you provided.  The clinic part takes about 3 hours.

Payment:

DETRAN fees:

Foreign CNH Registration, paid at bank branches: R$ 471.75

Value of exams, paid directly at the clinic:

Medical/ophthalmological examination: R$ 122.66

Psychotechnical exam: R$ 146.24