Brazil introduces the Carteira de Identidade Nacional, replacing the RG

Since January 2024 Brazil has been issuing the Carteira de Identidade Nacional (CIN), a new national identity card that replaces the historic RG. Created by Decree 10.977/2022 and Law 14.534/2023, the CIN uses the citizen’s CPF as a single, unified identifier across the country, allowing real‑time data sharing among government agencies and adding biometric verification, QR code and MRZ features that make it up to ten times harder to forge than the old document.

The transition follows a ten‑year schedule: states began issuing the CIN in 2022, the old RG remains valid until 28 February 2032, and after 1 March 2032 only the CIN will be accepted for civil, financial and travel purposes. Citizens without existing biometrics must obtain the new card by January 2027, while those with biometric data in the electoral register, driver’s licence or passport have until January 2028. The card is free for first‑time issuance and renewals; replacement copies cost a modest fee that varies by state. A digital version is available through the Gov.br app, allowing users to store additional documents such as driver’s licences and voter registration.

Authorities stress that while no fines are imposed for delayed replacement, failure to hold a valid CIN after the deadline will prevent access to services, banking, travel and social‑benefit applications.