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World Driving Permit

Can I drive in Brazil with a US license?

🇺🇸 Permis United States · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Mis à jour le 17 Jun 2026

Réponse directe

Yes, with the right paperwork. US visitors can drive in Brazil for up to 180 days using a valid US license together with an official Portuguese translation or an International Driving Permit, plus a passport showing your entry stamp. The US license alone is not enough; carry the translation or IDP at all times.

En un coup d'œil

IDP required?
An IDP or official Portuguese translation is required alongside your license
Translation useful?
Yes — an official Portuguese translation satisfies the requirement
Where to get the IDP
AAA or AATA in the US before travel
Rental desks
Expect your US license plus an IDP or translation and passport
Max driving period
Up to 180 days from your date of entry
Parcours de décision du voyage

Transformez ce guide en un plan de voyage clair

Utilisez le guide comme contexte, puis confirmez votre permis exact, votre destination, vos dates, et votre véhicule avant d'acheter quoi que ce soit.

3 sources officielles

1 · Vérifier la règle

Permis United States et destination Brazil préremplis.

2 · Utiliser une voie d'IDP autorisée

Si le vérificateur indique qu'un IDP est requis, obtenez-le auprès de l'émetteur autorisé du pays de votre permis. Nous ne vendons pas d'IDP.

3 · Ajouter un complément de traduction

Utilisez le pack de traduction lorsque les comptoirs de location, les assureurs, ou les points de contrôle doivent lire votre permis. Ce n'est pas un permis.

What the rules say

Brazil lets foreign visitors drive for up to 180 days from entry on a valid foreign license, but it must be accompanied by an official translation into Portuguese or an International Driving Permit. Because the US implements the 1949 Geneva framework, a US IDP works as that translation. You must also carry your passport showing the entry stamp. After 180 days a Brazilian license (CNH) is required.

Translation or IDP

You have two valid routes. The first is a US-issued IDP from AAA or AATA, which translates your license and is recognised alongside it. The second is an official, certified Portuguese translation of your US license. Either must be carried together with your original physical license; neither replaces it. Choose based on which is easier to arrange before your trip, and keep both the original license and the translation on you.

Driving in Brazil

Brazil drives on the right. Roads vary widely in quality, urban traffic is heavy, and police checkpoints are common, where officers may ask for your license, translation or IDP, and passport. Carry the originals, not copies. Avoid driving at night on rural highways where conditions and security can deteriorate. Keep doors locked in cities and use tolled expressways where available for safer routes.

Ce qu'il faut préparer

  • Carry your valid physical US driver's license at all times
  • Bring an IDP or an official certified Portuguese translation
  • Carry your passport showing the entry stamp
  • Note the 180-day limit from your date of entry
  • Present originals, not copies, at checkpoints
  • Confirm rental requirements before booking

Vérifiez votre parcours exact

Commence avec la destination de ce guide déjà renseignée.

Besoin de faire traduire votre permis ?

Complément de traduction clairement étiqueté — jamais un faux permis.

Questions fréquemment posées

Do I need an IDP to drive in Brazil with a US license?
You need either an IDP or an official Portuguese translation carried alongside your valid US license, plus your passport. The US license by itself is not enough. Either document must accompany, not replace, your original license, and you can drive for up to 180 days from entry.
How long can I drive in Brazil as a visitor?
Up to 180 days from your date of entry, using your valid US license with an IDP or official Portuguese translation and your passport. After 180 days you must obtain a Brazilian license (CNH) to keep driving legally.
Can the World Driving Permit be used in Brazil?
The World Driving Permit is a certified translation companion you carry alongside your original US license. Brazil accepts an official translation or an IDP with your license, so a certified translation can help, but WDP is not an official IDP and never replaces your US license or a government-issued permit.

Sources gouvernementales et officielles

Voir aussi nos conseils sur l'émetteur autorisé pour savoir où obtenir un vrai IDP lorsque votre voyage en exige un.

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