Can I drive in Brazil with a US license?
🇺🇸 United States körkort · 🇧🇷 Brazil · Uppdaterad 17 Jun 2026
Direkt svar
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 översikt
- 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
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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.
Vad du ska förbereda
- 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
Vanliga frågor
Do I need an IDP to drive in Brazil with a US license?
How long can I drive in Brazil as a visitor?
Can the World Driving Permit be used in Brazil?
Stats- och myndighetskällor
Se även vår vägledning om auktoriserad utfärdare för var du kan få ett riktigt IDP när din resa kräver ett.