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Automatic Renewal of the Digital CNH Has Already Saved R$ 226 Million in Fees. See Who Is Eligible and How to Activate Now.
The digital CNH underwent a significant change in 2026 and has already had a direct impact on Brazilian drivers’ wallets. Since January, drivers deemed to be good drivers have been able to perform the automatic renewal of the CNH at no cost, directly through the official government application.
According to the Ministry of Transport, the measure has benefited approximately 340,000 drivers, resulting in an estimated savings of R$ 226 million in fees, exams, and administrative procedures.
The initiative is valid nationwide, occurs digitally, and aims to encourage compliance with traffic laws.
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The novelty applies exclusively to the digital version of the CNH and covers only drivers without infractions or points recorded in the last 12 months.
Additionally, the benefit does not apply to drivers aged 70 or older, nor to those with medical restrictions that shorten the validity of the document.
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Automatic Renewal of the CNH Changes Drivers’ Routine
With the new rule, drivers who meet specific criteria no longer face lines, in-person appointments, and recurring costs.
The automatic renewal occurs integrated with government systems and is completed without the need for exams, as long as the driver’s history is regular.
Additionally, the measure has reduced bureaucracy and accelerated administrative processes, making the digital CNH the main gateway to services related to licensing.
Therefore, the government bets on technology as a tool to modernize traffic and reward good behaviors.
Profile of Drivers Benefited by Free Renewal
Among the drivers who utilized the automatic renewal of the CNH, most are licensed to drive cars. Official data shows the following distribution:
52% of the renewals occurred in the B category, designated for those who only drive cars;
45% were in the AB category, which allows driving both cars and motorcycles;
3% correspond to the A category, exclusive for motorcycles.
Meanwhile, the Southeast Region leads the number of automatic renewals in the country, concentrating a large portion of the beneficiaries.
States with the Most Automatically Renewed CNHs
The data reveals a strong adherence in major urban centers. Check out the top 10 states with the highest number of renewed CNHs:
- São Paulo – 86,770
- Minas Gerais – 35,771
- Rio de Janeiro – 29,343
- Paraná – 22,119
- Rio Grande do Sul – 18,239
- Bahia – 15,226
- Santa Catarina – 13,230
- Pernambuco – 12,927
- Goiás – 12,213
- Ceará – 11,798
These numbers reinforce how the digital CNH has gained prominence, especially in regions with a higher volume of active drivers.
Digital CNH Grows and Expands Access to Services
Another relevant piece of data released by the ministry shows that the CNH application in Brazil already has 40.2 million users.
This total represents 43.78% of the drivers licensed by the end of 2025, highlighting the rapid digitization of the system.
Additionally, about 30,000 driving permits were converted into permanent CNHs, while 2.7 million first-time license applications were recorded just in the first half of January 2026.
During this same period, 1 million certificates were issued for candidates who completed the online course, previously restricted to driving schools.
Who Is Eligible for Automatic Renewal of the CNH
The benefit is directed to the so-called “good driver”. To participate, the driver must meet three basic criteria:
Have no points on the CNH in the last 12 months;
Have no recorded traffic violations in the same period;
Be registered in the National Positive Registry of Drivers (RNPC).
To join the RNPC, the process is simple and done via mobile phone, directly in the CNH Brazil application.
Physical CNH Remains Paid and Is Not Automatic
Despite the digital convenience, the physical CNH is not issued for free. If the driver wishes to have the printed document, it will be necessary to request it separately, through the application or in person at the state Detran.
Values vary according to the federative unit. In São Paulo, the fee is R$ 122.17. In Alagoas, it reaches R$ 144.12, while in Acre the cost is R$ 89.75.
Limitations of the Automatic Renewal of the CNH
Not all drivers can access the automatic renewal, even without fines. Under current rules, drivers over 50 years old can use the benefit only once.
Drivers aged 70 or older are excluded from the measure.
Additionally, drivers with shortened validity due to medical recommendations, in cases of progressive diseases, also do not have the right to automatic renewal.
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