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The INSS Started Requiring Biometry for New Applications and Is Moving Toward Accepting Only the CIN from 2028. See Deadlines, Who Needs to Hurry, and Who Has Exceptions.
You might think that “document is document,” but the game has changed: the INSS is tying the granting and maintenance of benefits to a new identification standard. And those who don’t organize themselves may have a headache right when they apply for retirement, pensions, or assistance.
The good news is that there is a timeline, there is a transition phase, and the institute says they won’t block payments just like that. The bad news is that after 2026, the enforcement will get much stricter — and by 2028, it will almost be too late.
What Is the CIN and Why Is It Changing the “ID” As We Know It
The Federal Government launched the CIN, the new National Identity Card. In practice, it standardizes the identification of Brazilians throughout the country, with both physical and digital versions.
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The biggest change is straightforward: the old ID number stops being the core of the identity and the CPF becomes the unique national identifier. The new identity card also includes a QR Code, designed to facilitate verification and enhance data security.
Where the INSS Comes Into This Story
As the CIN becomes the standard of identification, the INSS has connected this modernization to how it confirms citizens’ identities when granting and maintaining benefits. The key piece here is biometry.
However, for now, it’s not “CIN or nothing.” There is a transition phase in which the institute still accepts biometry registered in other documents.
Currently, the INSS considers biometry present in the CNH and also in the Voter ID as temporary alternatives.
The logic is simple: as the country advances in issuing the CIN, the INSS does not want to halt service for those who already have valid biometry in official databases.
New Benefit Applications Already Require Biometry
The INSS works with well-defined stages to avoid a requirement being introduced “overnight.” The central point is that the requirement for the new identification card to be mandatory is set for 2028, but the process starts earlier.
From November 21, 2025, new benefit applications will already require biometry. In this initial phase, the INSS accepts biometry linked to the CIN, CNH, or Voter ID with biometric data.
Until April 30, 2026, some benefits can still be granted even without biometry, such as maternity leave, temporary incapacity benefits, and death pensions. This window acts as a buffer for cases where the urgency of the benefit is more pressing than biometric collection.
Starting May 1, 2026, the rule tightens: those who do not have biometry in any accepted document will have to issue the CIN to apply for any benefit.
The final turnaround is scheduled: from January 1, 2028, only the CIN will be accepted as identification with biometry for applications and also for maintaining benefits.
Does Everyone Have to Get the CIN Now? Calm Down
Even with the change, the INSS has reported that it will not automatically block payments for those who do not yet have the CIN. The idea is different: if there is a need for updating registration, the insured must be individually notified, with a deadline for regularization, using official channels.
In practice, those who need to be more alert during this transition are those planning to apply for retirement, pensions, or assistance after 2026, those who do not have biometry registered in the CNH or the Voter ID, and those who routinely undergo proof of life.
Who Falls Under the Exceptions and Why That Matters
The INSS recognizes that not everyone can adapt with the same ease. Therefore, there are important exceptions that deserve attention right now.
This group includes people over 80 years old, citizens with proven mobility difficulties, residents of hard-to-reach areas, migrants, refugees, and stateless individuals, as well as Brazilians living abroad.
Proof of Life and Registration Update: Where This Hits Real Life
Many people only remember about documents when benefits “go wrong.” However, the trend is for the INSS to increasingly cross-check official data to confirm identity and keep payments running smoothly. This directly relates to proof of life and registration updates in Meu INSS.
Generally speaking, proof of life has been treated with more automation and the use of government databases and partner entities, precisely to reduce unnecessary travel and improve security against fraud. Still, if the INSS requests an update, ignoring the notice can turn into a headache.
What to Do, in Practice, to Avoid Getting Tangled Up
If you already have valid biometry (in CIN, CNH, or Voter ID), the INSS itself recommends that, for now, “nothing changes” for new requests under the current rule.
But if you do not have biometry registered in any of these paths, it is wise to anticipate issuing the identity card in the CIN standard, because in 2026 it will become the mandatory shortcut to unlock requests.
The safest recommendation is to monitor your situation through the official channels of the INSS and keep your registration and contacts updated, as communications regarding regularization are made directly to the insured.
To issue the National Identity Card (CIN), it is necessary to schedule an in-person appointment at an issuing agency in your state (such as Poupatempo, SAC, DETRAN, or the Identification Institute) and present the required documents, primarily the CPF and birth or marriage certificate.
Step-by-Step Guide for Issuing the CIN
The new National Identity Card – CIN is a reliable, secure document available in both physical and digital formats and has a unique national number, the CPF.
Additionally, the CIN has standardization, flow of issuance, and official identification data throughout the country, thereby suspending the use of conflicting information in citizens’ identification.
Objectives The National Identity Card integrates citizens’ identification data securely and establishes a national flow in real-time for all identification agencies, reducing fraud and costs for society, building trust, and ensuring the integrity of identification data.
Everything is in compliance with the General Data Protection Law. Furthermore, the new card is a gateway to public services and social benefits, simplifying the lives of citizens.
The Issuing Process of the CIN Involves the Following Steps:
- Gather the necessary documentation:
- Regularized CPF. The CPF number is the only identification number of the CIN. If the citizen does not have a CPF, the identification institute can request registration from the Federal Revenue Service.
- Birth Certificate (for singles) or Marriage Certificate (for married, separated, divorced, or widowed) original or notarized copy, in physical or digital format.
- Proof of residence (may be requested in some locations).
- Schedule the appointment:
- The CIN is issued at the Identification Institutes in states or integrated service stations, such as Poupatempo (in São Paulo), SAC (in Bahia), Faça Fácil (in Espírito Santo), Tudo Fácil (in Rio Grande do Sul), or DETRAN (Rio de Janeiro)
- Service is conducted only by prior appointment.
- On the scheduled day and time, bring all the required original documents.
- After the manufacturing process, you will be informed about the date and location to collect the document.
Digital Version of the CIN: After retrieving the physical document, the CIN is also available in digital format on the Gov.br app.
Important Points:
- The first copy of the CIN is free throughout the national territory, including for those who already have the old ID.
- The old ID (previous model) is valid until February 28, 2032.
Have you already obtained the CIN or are you still using only the traditional ID? Share in the comments how the issuance is going in your city and share this article with someone who receives or is going to apply for INSS benefits in 2026.
Eu uso. Sim a .antiga.?
A matéria não explica onde fazer a CIN.
Onde posso resolver a biometria