Brazil Enables Digital Driver’s Licenses and One‑Time Automatic Renewal for Drivers 50‑69

A June 5 2026 amendment (Law No. 15.428) to Brazil’s Traffic Code now allows the driver’s license (CNH) to be issued and carried solely in digital form. The electronic CNH has the same legal weight as the paper version, can be verified via QR code or traffic‑authority systems, and may be used offline if previously downloaded. Traffic agents may not demand the physical document when the digital version is properly presented.

The same law introduces a one‑time automatic renewal option for drivers aged 50 to 69 who are enrolled in the Positive Driver Registry, have no points in the past 12 months, and hold a regular, non‑suspended licence. Drivers 70 years or older are excluded. License validity remains up to 10 years for those under 50, up to 5 years for the 50‑69 group (with the single automatic renewal), and 3 years for those 70 and over. Physical licences remain useful if a phone is unavailable or inoperable.