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World Driving Permit

🇧🇷 Do you need an IDP to drive in Brazil?

IDP required· the 1968 Vienna Convention· Last reviewed 13 Jun 2026

Key facts

IDP validity
Up to 3 years, or until your licence expires
Driving side
Right-hand
Minimum driving age
18+ years

Short answer

Yes — to drive in Brazil you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Brazil recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required.

Driving in Brazil: the rule explained

Brazil requires an IDP for foreign visitors wishing to drive. The IDP is valid for 180 days from arrival. After 180 days, conversion to a Brazilian CNH is required. A certified Portuguese translation may substitute the IDP at some rental counters.

Renting a car in Brazil

Brazilian rental companies (Localiza, Unidas, Movida) typically accept IDPs at airport desks. Some also accept certified Portuguese translations.

What to carry when driving in Brazil

  • Original driving license (physical card)
  • Passport with valid visa/entry stamp
  • Translation companion or certified translation of your license
  • Proof of insurance covering the destination
  • 1968 IDP from your home country's authorized issuer (valid 180 days from arrival)
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Translation companion

A certified, multi-language translation of your licence to carry alongside it. It is not an IDP and does not replace one.

Brazil: frequently asked questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Brazil?
Yes — to drive in Brazil you generally need an International Driving Permit (IDP), carried together with your original national driving licence. Brazil recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention, so yours must come from your own country's authorised issuer under that convention. A certified translation of your licence smooths rental-desk and police checks, but it does not replace the IDP where one is required. Brazil requires an IDP for foreign visitors wishing to drive. The IDP is valid for 180 days from arrival. After 180 days, conversion to a Brazilian CNH is required. A certified Portuguese translation may substitute the IDP at some rental counters.
Is a translated driving licence accepted in Brazil?
A certified translation companion helps officials and car-rental desks in Brazil read your licence, but where Brazil requires an IDP it must be one issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Always carry your original national licence with it.
What do I need to rent a car in Brazil?
Brazilian rental companies (Localiza, Unidas, Movida) typically accept IDPs at airport desks. Some also accept certified Portuguese translations.
Which IDP convention does Brazil use?
Brazil recognises IDPs issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Make sure your IDP is issued by your own country's authorised issuer under the matching convention.
How long is an International Driving Permit valid in Brazil?
Because Brazil follows the 1968 Vienna Convention, an IDP is valid for up to three years, or until your national licence expires — whichever comes first. The permit is only valid alongside your original national licence, and it cannot be renewed — you apply for a new one from your home country's authorised issuer when it lapses.
What is the minimum age to drive in Brazil?
Visitors generally need to be at least 18 to drive in Brazil; car-rental companies often set a higher minimum age and add a young-driver surcharge. Always confirm the age terms with your specific rental provider.

Official sources

Need a real, government-recognised IDP? How to get an IDP from an authorised issuer.

Driving to Brazil from your country

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