Before you start

Valid foreign driving licence
CPF and CRNM
Sworn translation of the licence
Proof of address

Step-by-step

1
Note your conversion deadline
The clock starts when you establish residence. Driving on an unconverted foreign licence past the window risks penalties and can affect insurance.
OnlineWho: You
2
Get a sworn translation
Brazil requires translation by a tradutor público juramentado. An ordinary translation is not accepted.
In personWho: You
3
Apply through DETRAN-SP
Submit your licence, translation, CPF, CRNM and proof of address through the state traffic department's process.
OnlineWho: You
4
Complete medical and psychological examinations
Brazil requires both a medical fitness exam and a psychological assessment for licensing. These are done at accredited clinics and are a standard part of the process, not a sign of any concern.
In personWho: You
5
Receive your CNH
Issued without a practical test for most foreign licence holders, provided the categories correspond.
In personWho: You

Documents you’ll need

Foreign driving licence
Sworn Portuguese translation
CPF
CRNM
Proof of address
Medical and psychological exam results

Things most newcomers don’t know

The psychological exam is mandatory and catches everyone off guard.

Brazil requires a psychological assessment as well as a medical one for licensing. It's routine and quick, but nobody expects it, and it's a scheduling step people fail to budget for.

Source: CONTRAN licensing requirements

Driving in São Paulo is optional in a way it isn't elsewhere in Brazil.

The metro and ride-hailing cover the city well, traffic is punishing, and parking is expensive. Many residents convert the licence purely for trips outside the city and never drive in it.

Source: community-reported

The rodízio restricts driving by plate number.

São Paulo bans cars from the expanded centre on one weekday per week based on the last digit of the plate, during peak hours. If you buy a car, this shapes which plate you want and how you plan your week.

Source: São Paulo municipal rodízio scheme

The translation must be by a sworn public translator.

As with several countries here, a professional but unsworn translation is rejected. Check the translator is registered as a tradutor público juramentado before paying.

Source: Brazilian document requirements