Brazil Launches CNH do Brasil App to Revolutionize Driver’s License Process with Major Cost Cuts
Brazil launches the CNH do Brasil app, modernizing and significantly reducing costs in the driver’s license acquisition process for millions of Brazilians.
- • The CNH do Brasil app replaces the previous Digital Transit License app with expanded functionalities.
- • The driver’s license process becomes more accessible with free online theoretical courses and fewer mandatory practical hours.
- • Mandatory driving school attendance is removed, allowing training with accredited independent instructors.
- • Licensing costs, including medical exams, are reduced by up to 80%, aiming to include 20 million unlicensed drivers.
- • President Lula highlights social inclusion and citizen rights as core goals of the initiative.
Key details
On December 9, 2025, the Brazilian federal government launched CNH do Brasil, a comprehensive app aimed at transforming the process of acquiring a driver’s license. This initiative, developed by Serpro for the Ministry of Transport and the National Traffic Secretariat (Senatran), promises to reduce licensing costs by up to 80% and increase accessibility for millions of Brazilians.
The CNH do Brasil app replaces the former Digital Transit License app (Carteira Digital de Trânsito), introducing a complete overhaul with new functionalities. Users can now initiate the entire driver's license application journey directly via the app or the Ministry of Transport's website. The app includes free access to an online theoretical course available in multiple formats such as videos and podcasts, covering traffic laws, defensive driving, first aid, and environmental protection.
A significant regulatory shift reduces mandatory practical driving lessons from 20 hours to only 2 hours, offering candidates flexibility to choose additional training if desired. Importantly, the new regulations remove the mandatory requirement to attend formal driving schools; candidates may train with accredited independent instructors authorized by Detran. This change targets Brazil’s staggering 20 million unlicensed drivers and an additional 30 million eligible but unlicensed individuals, largely due to historically high costs that can reach R$ 5,000.
Candidates begin the process with a theoretical exam comprising 30 multiple-choice questions, requiring at least 20 correct answers to advance. After passing, they proceed to practical training and testing, culminating in a one-year provisional license issued digitally through the app, possessing equal legal validity to traditional printed documents.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva emphasized that this initiative is a policy of social inclusion and citizenship, stating, "We are not just announcing a cost reduction; we are offering the less privileged the right to be respected as full citizens." Transport Minister Renan Filho highlighted further cost savings, including a 40% reduction in medical and psychological examination fees and automatic renewal for drivers without infractions.
The official launch event at the Palácio do Planalto featured the signing of a provisional measure to amend the Brazilian Traffic Code, consolidating the transformation from the previous system. Serpro’s technological solution centralizes services, digital documents, and driver information within one accessible platform, modernizing licensing and promoting digital inclusion nationwide.
The CNH do Brasil app is currently available for download on Google Play and the App Store, with existing users of the former Digital Transit License app advised to update for automatic migration to the new system. Early responses indicate widespread public interest, with many Brazilians beginning their licensing process shortly after launch, signaling a landmark shift in Brazil’s approach to driver education and licensing.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.