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Driving licence renewal in Brazil

Written from published rules on 27 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Departamento Estadual de Trânsito (DETRAN) - State Department of Traffic.

Renewing a Brazilian driving license generally involves scheduling an appointment, undergoing medical and psychological examinations, and then completing the renewal process, which may include a theoretical or practical re-evaluation depending on the circumstances.

Your timing

It is advisable for individuals to begin the renewal process several months before their current license expires, as appointment availability for medical and psychological examinations can vary, and processing times at the traffic department may take several weeks.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential waiting periods for medical appointments, processing times at DETRAN, and the delivery of the new license.

The process

  1. 1Verify the status of the driving license and any pending issues (fines, suspensions) with the responsible DETRAN.
  2. 2Schedule medical and psychological examinations at accredited clinics. Some states offer online scheduling.
  3. 3Undergo the required medical evaluation to assess physical fitness and the psychological evaluation to assess mental fitness for driving.
  4. 4Pay the renewal fees, which typically include fees for the medical/psychological exams and the DETRAN renewal fee.
  5. 5Submit the necessary documentation, often online or at a DETRAN service point, and receive instructions for the new license's delivery or pickup.
  6. 6In some cases, depending on the license category or duration since expiration, a theoretical or practical re-evaluation course and test may be required.

What to bring

  • Original and copy of the current Brazilian driving license (CNH)
  • Original and copy of an identification document (e.g., RG - Registro Geral)
  • Original and copy of proof of residence (e.g., utility bill issued within the last 3 months)
  • CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas - Individual Taxpayer Registry) document or number
  • Proof of payment for fees (medical/psychological exams and DETRAN fee)

Who handles it

Departamento Estadual de Trânsito (DETRAN) - State Department of Traffic

https://www.detran.sp.gov.br/wps/portal/portaldetran/cidadao/habilitacao/fichaservico/RenovacaoCNH

The cost for renewal includes separate fees for the medical examination, the psychological examination (if required), and the DETRAN administrative fee for issuing the new license. These fees vary by state and can be confirmed on the specific DETRAN's website.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Outstanding fines or administrative issues linked to the license can prevent renewal until resolved.
  • The requirements for medical and psychological evaluations are strict; failure to pass them will prevent renewal.
  • If the license has been expired for an extended period (e.g., over 5 years), additional re-evaluation tests may be mandated.
  • Fees and specific procedures can vary significantly between different state DETRANS, so it is crucial to consult the DETRAN of the issuing state.

Sources

Other documents in Brazil

Driving licence renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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