Brazil government urges citizens to use digital National ID

The federal government has begun sending official WhatsApp messages and notifications through Caixa PostalGOV.BR to Brazilians who have already received the new Carteira de Identidade Nacional (CIN) but have not yet activated its digital version. The digital ID, available in the Gov.br mobile app, can be used for travel, event entry and access to public services, and the messages warn users to watch for scams.

More than 56 million physical CINs have been issued since the decree that makes the CPF the single national identifier, replacing the old RG. The new card includes QR‑code verification, a Machine‑Readable Zone and can store additional records such as voter registration, driver’s licence and health data. The legacy RG will remain valid until 28 February 2032 for documents in good condition, allowing a gradual transition.