Driving in Brazil: International Driving Document requirements for visitors
Start Express ApplicationVisitors to Brazil need a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document alongside their valid foreign driving licence to drive legally. Brazil is a Vienna-only country — a 1949 Geneva Convention International Driving Document will not be accepted. Brazil drives on the right. Urban speed limit is typically 40–60 km/h, expressways commonly 80–110 km/h. Blood alcohol limit is 0.06%.
Brazil at a glance
- Permit type
- Vienna Convention International Driving Document
- Side of road
- Right (same as mainland Europe, US, China)
- How long it is valid
- Up to 3 years
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.06%
- Emergency number
- 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire)
How to get your permit for Brazil
You do the first step; a dedicated expert does the rest.
Tell us your destination
Brazil + your nationality. ~30 seconds.
We confirm what you need
A 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Document for Brazil — picked for you, so you don't have to decide.
We handle the paperwork
Your dedicated expert checks your documents, prepares the application, and files it correctly with the authorized agency.
Review by a real person
A dedicated expert reviews your submission — not a bot.
Track every step
Live dashboard + email/SMS updates from submission until your International Driving Document is in hand.
Brazil driving rules at a glance
- Side of road
- Right (same as mainland Europe, US, China)
- Minimum driving age
- 18
- Speed limit — urban
- 40–60 km/h (confirm with local authority)
- Speed limit — rural
- 80–110 km/h on federal highways (confirm with local authority)
- Speed limit — expressway
- 80–110 km/h (confirm with local authority)
- Blood alcohol limit
- 0.06%
- Seatbelts
- Mandatory for all passengers (front and rear)
- Helmet
- Mandatory for all motorcycle and scooter riders
- Mobile phone
- Illegal to use while driving unless hands-free
- Emergency number
- 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire)
- Right turn on red
- Permitted where posted — yield to traffic
- Headlights
- Required at night and on rural highways
Documents required to drive in Brazil
What police and rental counters expect you to carry, every time you drive.
- Valid foreign driving licenceMust be valid and cover the vehicle class you plan to drive
- 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving DocumentMust be carried alongside your foreign licence
- PassportRequired for identification at all times
- Valid Brazilian visa or visa exemptionCheck current entry requirements before travel
- Vehicle registration documentsProvided by rental company
- DPVAT compulsory insuranceMandatory in Brazil — rental cars include this
When you need a permit in Brazil
How the requirement plays out, case by case.
Renting a car
Yes — all rental companies require it — Localiza, Movida, Unidas, Hertz, Avis all ask for it
Driving a private vehicle
Yes — police may request it at checkpoints — Brazilian traffic police conduct random checks
Short tourist visit (up to 1 year)
Yes — carry alongside your foreign licence — Permit must remain valid for the whole stay
Staying longer than 1 year
No — you need a Brazilian driving licence — Convert through DETRAN after 1 year of residence
Frequently asked questions
Driving in Brazil with a foreign licence, answered.
Last verified Reviewed by Expedify Compliance Review
About this service
Expedify is a private application-assistance service, not a government agency or an authorised issuer. International Driving Documents are issued by the authorised body in your licence country; our agency fee covers preparation, review, and tracking of your application, and is separate from the issuer's own fee. The information on this page is general guidance, not legal advice — acceptance rules are set by each destination country and can change. Always confirm requirements with the official issuer or the authorities of the country you're visiting.