What a Brazilian driver license translation actually is, and when you need one
A Brazilian driver license translation is an official document that converts your Brazilian CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação) into English so U.S. state DMVs and law enforcement can read it. You do not need a translation to drive legally in most U.S. states — your original Brazilian license is valid for a set period (usually 12 months from entry) — but you will need one if you want to exchange it for a U.S. license, rent a car from most major companies, or provide proof of a valid license to police or insurance companies.
The translation must be done by a certified translator, not by you or a friend. The DMV in the state where you are transferring your license will tell you whether they require the translation to be notarized, apostilled, or both. Some states accept any certified translation; others require it to come from a specific organization or to carry an apostille (a certificate that verifies the translator's credentials under international law).
Key Takeaways
- Your original Brazilian CNH is legal to use for 12 months from the date you enter the U.S., so a translation is not required to drive during that time.
- A certified translator must produce the translation — you cannot translate it yourself — and the cost ranges from $50 to $200 depending on the translator and whether an apostille is needed.
- Contact your state DMV before paying for a translation to confirm whether they require an apostille, notarization, or both, because requirements vary by state.
- An apostille is a separate document issued by your state's Secretary of State office and takes 1 to 3 weeks to arrive; plan ahead if your DMV requires one.
- Some states allow you to exchange your Brazilian license without a translation if you pass a written test; check your state's specific rules before ordering the translation.
How to find and hire a certified translator
A certified translator is someone who has passed a formal exam or holds credentials from a recognized translation organization and is authorized to certify that their translation is accurate. The National Association of Judiciary Interpreters and Translators (NAJIT) and the American Translators Association (ATA) maintain directories of certified members. You can search both websites by state and language pair (Portuguese to English).
If you cannot find a local certified translator, many will work remotely and accept documents by email or mail. Ask the translator upfront whether they will provide a notarized certification (a statement signed in front of a notary public that the translation is accurate) or a straightforward certified statement on their letterhead. Also ask whether they can provide an apostille or whether you will need to obtain one separately from your state's Secretary of State office. Some translators include apostille services; others do not.
Costs vary widely. A basic certified translation of a driver license typically costs $50 to $150. If you need an apostille added, expect to pay an additional $15 to $50 depending on whether the translator handles it or you obtain it yourself. Rush services (translation in 24 to 48 hours) usually cost more.
State-by-state DMV requirements for the translation
Each state DMV has different rules about what form the translation must take. Some states accept a straightforward certified translation on the translator's letterhead. Others require the translator's certification to be notarized. Still others require an apostille, which is a separate step that happens after the translation is complete.
Before you order the translation, contact your state DMV and ask: "What form must a Brazilian driver license translation take to be accepted for a license exchange?" Write down the exact answer. Common answers include:
- Certified translation only: The translator signs a statement certifying the translation is accurate. No notary or apostille needed. States that typically accept this: Florida, Texas, California.
- Certified and notarized: The translator's certification is signed in front of a notary public. No apostille needed. States that typically require this: New York, Illinois, Ohio.
- Certified with apostille: The translator provides a certified translation, and you obtain an apostille from your state's Secretary of State office. States that typically require this: Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia.
If your state DMV does not specify, ask whether they accept translations from the American Translators Association or NAJIT. If they do, you can tell the translator to use that standard, which usually means a certified statement on letterhead without notarization or apostille.
How to get an apostille if your state requires one
An apostille is a certificate issued by your state's Secretary of State office that verifies the translator's signature and credentials. It is required by some states and some countries as proof that the person who signed the translation is who they say they are. You do not need an apostille to drive in the U.S., but some states require one before they will accept a translation for a license exchange.
To obtain an apostille, you will need the original translated document (the one the translator signed). You then send it to your state's Secretary of State office, along with a request form and a fee (usually $5 to $25). The office will examine the translator's signature, verify it against their records if available, and attach an apostille certificate to the document. The whole process takes 1 to 3 weeks by mail, though some states offer expedited service for an extra fee.
You do not need to be a resident of the state where the translator is located to get an apostille. You can send the translated document to any state's Secretary of State office, though it makes sense to use the state where the translator works. Contact the Secretary of State office in that state for their specific mailing address, request form, and current fees.
What happens if you exchange your license without a translation
Some states allow you to exchange a Brazilian driver license for a U.S. license without a translation if you pass the written knowledge test and vision test. This route is faster and cheaper than obtaining a translation, but it requires you to pass the test in English, which is not an option in all states.
States that typically allow this include Florida, Texas, and California, though rules change. Contact your state DMV and ask: "Can I exchange my Brazilian CNH for a [state] license by passing the written test, or do I need a certified translation?" If your state allows the test route and you are comfortable taking it in English, this is often simpler than ordering a translation.
If you choose the translation route instead, you will usually not have to take the written test, though you will still need to pass the vision test and provide proof of residency and identity.
Timeline and costs at a glance
| Step | Time Required | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Find and hire certified translator | 1 to 3 days | None (research only) | Search NAJIT or ATA directories; confirm they work with your state's requirements |
| Translator completes translation | 3 to 7 days (standard); 1 to 2 days (rush) | $50 to $150 | Provide clear photos or scans of both sides of your CNH |
| Obtain apostille (if required) | 1 to 3 weeks (standard); 1 to 5 days (expedited) | $5 to $50 | Mail translated document to state Secretary of State office; some offer online submission |
| Submit to DMV for license exchange | Varies by state | License exchange fee (typically $50 to $200) | Bring translation, original CNH, proof of residency, and identity documents |
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not translate the document yourself or ask a friend to do it, even if they are fluent in both languages. DMVs will not accept a translation unless it comes from someone certified to provide one. Do not assume all certified translators meet your state's requirements — some states require specific credentials or organizations. Always contact your DMV first and ask what form the translation must take before you pay for it.
Do not order an apostille before confirming your state requires one. Many people pay for an apostille unnecessarily because they assume all states require it. If your state does not require an apostille, you are paying for a document you do not need. Finally, do not wait until the last minute to order a translation if you need an apostille. The Secretary of State office can take 3 weeks or longer, and if you miss a important date for a license exchange or renewal, you may have to start over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Brazilian license to drive in the U.S. without a translation?
Yes, for the first 12 months from the date you enter the U.S. Your original Brazilian CNH is valid during that time. You do not need a translation to drive legally. However, if you want to exchange it for a U.S. license or if law enforcement asks for a translated version, you will need one.
How long does it take to get a Brazilian license translated?
A standard translation takes 3 to 7 days. If you need an apostille, add 1 to 3 weeks for the Secretary of State office to process it. Rush translation services can deliver in 24 to 48 hours, but they cost more. Plan for at least 2 to 3 weeks total if your state requires an apostille.
What if the translator I hire is not certified by NAJIT or ATA?
Some certified translators hold credentials from other organizations or are certified by individual states. Contact your DMV and ask whether they accept translations from translators outside NAJIT or ATA. If your DMV says yes, you can use that translator. If they say no, stick with NAJIT or ATA members.
Do I need an apostille if I am just renting a car?
No. Car rental companies typically accept a certified translation without an apostille. However, some may have their own requirements, so call ahead and ask. An apostille is usually only required by state DMVs for license exchanges.
What if my Brazilian license is expired?
An expired Brazilian license can still be translated and used to exchange for a U.S. license in most states, though some states may require you to renew your Brazilian license first. Contact your state DMV and ask whether they accept expired foreign licenses for exchange. If not, you may need to renew your CNH through the Brazilian consulate before proceeding.