DRIVERS LICENSE

How does the issuance of driver's license work for refugees and foreigners:

Upon entering the country, the driver can drive with the driver's license from their country of origin (as long as it is within its validity period) for up to 180 days. To do so, in addition to the license, the driver must carry the passport or other identification document, as well as prove the date of entry into Brazil.

After 180 days of entering Brazil, the driver who is licensed abroad must apply for the issuance of the Brazilian driver's license. The application will not be accepted if the driver's license from the country of origin has expired.

There are two types of processes for obtaining the document:

Individuals who do not have a valid license in their country of origin

The process for issuing a driver's license is the same as for Brazilians, as long as they have a regular stay in the country. In this case, it is necessary to look for a driving school, take the classes, and pass the necessary exams.

Individuals who already have a valid license in their country of origin

First, the foreign driver who has been in the country for at least 180 days must go to the State Department of Transit (Detran) with the following documents:

1. CPF;
2. Driver's license from the country of origin (valid);
3. Proof of address in the driver's name or in someone else's name (including a declaration);
4. Sworn translation of the driver's license (for countries that do not adopt Portuguese);
5. National Registry of Foreigners, Foreigner Identification Card, Passport, or Work Permit (original and simple copy);

Then, it is necessary to complete the medical and psychological exams and pay the fees related to the issuance of the document. The fee amounts vary according to the state in which the driver's license is issued.

Additional Information

According to the Detran of São Paulo, exams are not required for the 104 countries that are part of the Vienna Convention or have the principle of reciprocity with Brazil.

The rules for renewal and suspension of the driver's license are the same for foreigners and Brazilians. Currently, the minimum age for renewing the document every three years is 65.