Automotive
Buy a Car in Brazil: Legal and Registration Guide
Secure a vehicle in Brazil by navigating the specific legal requirements for non-residents. This guide covers CPF registration, ownership transfer at the Cartório, and Detran inspections.
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Legal Prerequisites and Documentation
Obtain a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)
This tax ID is mandatory for any asset purchase in Brazil. Visit a Receita Federal office or a Banco do Brasil branch with your passport to apply for a temporary or permanent number.
Secure a valid CRNM or RNE card
The Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório is your official ID as a resident. If you are on a tourist visa, you can still buy a car with a CPF, but registering it requires a fixed Brazilian address.
Gather proof of Brazilian residence
Use a utility bill (electricity, water, or internet) issued within the last 90 days in your name. If the bill is in a landlord's name, you need a notarized declaration of residence signed by them.
Electricity or water bill
Notarized residence declaration
Translate your foreign driver's license
Hire a 'tradutor juramentado' (sworn translator) to translate your home country license. You can drive on a foreign license for up to 180 days after entry, provided you carry the translation and your passport.
Vehicle Selection and Inspection
Verify the FIPE Table price
The Tabela FIPE is the national benchmark for used car prices. Use it to ensure you aren't overpaying; most deals happen within 5-10% of this value depending on the state.
Request the RENAVAM number
The Registro Nacional de Veículos Automotores is the car's unique ID. Input this number on the local state Detran website to check for unpaid fines, taxes, or environmental blocks.
Order a 'Perícia Cautelar' (Technical Inspection)
Pay for a private inspection service to check for structural damage, flood history, and chassis tampering. This costs roughly R$200-R$400 and is the only way to guarantee the car isn't a write-off.
Check for Mercosul license plates
Newer cars use the blue-banded Mercosul plates. If the car has the old gray plates, you must pay to upgrade them during the transfer process, which adds R$250-R$350 to your costs.
Negotiation and Payment
Open a Brazilian bank account
Transferring large sums from abroad to a seller is difficult and slow. Use a local account to execute a PIX or TED transfer for instant confirmation and legal proof of payment.
Verify the seller's identity
Match the name on the vehicle document (CRLV) exactly with the bank account holder's name. Never send money to a third party or 'intermediary' as this is a common scam in Brazil.
Confirm IPVA and Licensing status
The IPVA is an annual tax ranging from 1% to 4% of the car's value. Ensure the seller pays the current year's pro-rated amount before you finalize the deal.
Ownership Transfer (Cartório)
Obtain the ATPV-e (Digital Transfer Document)
For cars made after 2021, the seller must generate this digital intent-to-sell document via the Detran portal. Older cars use the physical 'DUT' (the back of the green CRV).
Visit a Cartório de Notas with the seller
Both parties must appear in person to sign the document. You must perform 'Reconhecimento de Firma por Autenticidade,' which requires a notary to witness your signature.
Confirm the 'Comunicação de Venda'
The notary usually sends a digital notice to Detran that the car has been sold. Ask for a printed copy of this communication to protect yourself from fines incurred by the seller before you register.
Registration and Final Fees
Schedule the 'Vistoria' (Detran Inspection)
Take the car to a Detran-accredited inspection post (ECV) within 30 days of the sale. They will verify the engine number and safety items; failure to do this within 30 days results in a fine and points on your license.
Pay the Transfer Tax (Taxa de Transferência)
Generate the 'DARE' or 'DUDA' payment slip from the Detran website. The fee varies by state but is typically between R$200 and R$500.
Download the digital CRLV-e
Brazil no longer issues paper car documents. Once the transfer is processed, access the 'Carteira Digital de Trânsito' app to view and share your electronic registration.
Purchase private insurance
Mandatory DPVAT insurance only covers personal injury to third parties. Private insurance is highly recommended in major cities due to high theft rates; expect to pay 3-7% of the car's value annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a car in Brazil on a tourist visa?
Yes, you can legally purchase and own a car with just a passport and a CPF. However, you must provide a valid Brazilian residential address for the registration documents and the annual IPVA tax billing. If you do not have a permanent address, you may need a notarized declaration from a resident host.
What is the 30-day transfer rule in Brazil?
Once the transfer document (ATPV-e or CRV) is signed and notarized, the buyer has exactly 30 calendar days to complete the registration in their name at Detran. If you miss this deadline, you will face a 'grave' category fine (roughly R$195) and the vehicle may be blocked from licensing until the fine is paid.
How much does it cost to maintain a car in Brazil?
Beyond fuel, expect to pay the annual IPVA (1-4% of vehicle value), the annual licensing fee (approx. R$150), and private insurance. In states like São Paulo, cars must also pass an annual emissions test to renew their licensing.
Do I need a Brazilian driver's license to buy a car?
No, you do not need a license to own the vehicle, only to drive it. You can use your home country's license for up to 180 days after your last arrival in Brazil, provided you carry a sworn Portuguese translation. After 180 days, you must apply for a Brazilian CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação).