Digital National Identity Card
National Identity Card
The new unified identification document for all Brazilians
What is the National Identity Card?
The National Identity Card (CIN) is Brazil's new civil identification document, which uses the CPF number as a unique record for all citizens. It replaces the traditional General Registry (RG), which had different numbers in each state.
Established by Law No. 14,534/2023, the CIN brings greater standardization, security and simplification to the civil identification system in the country, preventing fraud and facilitating access to public and private services.
CIN is available at physical format (paper or polycarbonate cardboard) and digital format (through the gov.br application), both with the same legal value throughout the national territory.
Importance of CIN
Fraud prevention
It unifies the identification system with a single number (CPF), making it difficult to create false documents and reducing fraud in public and private services.
Simplification
It makes it easier to identify citizens, who can now use just one number for all services, eliminating the need to memorize different records.
National validity
The document is valid throughout the national territory, simplifying processes and recognition in different states and institutions.
Digital version
Availability in digital format through the gov.br app, facilitating access and eliminating the need to carry the physical document in many situations.
CIN Features
Biometrics
It has biometric features such as fingerprint and facial recognition to increase security.
QR Code
It has a QR Code that allows verification of the authenticity of the document and quick access to information.
Security elements
It contains several security elements against counterfeiting, such as watermarks, special inks and microtexts.
Document integration
Allows for the optional inclusion of other documents such as voter registration card, national driver's license and SUS card.
Available formats
Available in physical format (paper or polycarbonate card) and digital format via the gov.br app.
Accessibility
Includes accessibility elements such as MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) code and Braille information for the visually impaired.
CIN Validity
The validity period of the National Identity Card varies according to the citizen's age, following a logic that considers the frequency of changes in physical characteristics at different stages of life:
| Age range | Expiration date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 12 years incomplete | 5 years | Rapid changes in physiognomy during childhood growth |
| 12 to 60 years old | 10 years | Greater stability of physical characteristics during adolescence and adulthood |
| From 60 years old | Indefinite validity | Ease for seniors who would have difficulty renewing their document periodically |
Important: The old RG models will remain valid until February 28, 2032. After this date, only the National Identity Card will be accepted as a civil identification document in Brazil.
Documents Required for Issuance
For First Copy
- Birth certificate (for single people) or marriage certificate (for married, separated or divorced people) original or certified copy
- CPF regularized with the Federal Revenue Service
- Recent proof of residence (up to 3 months)
- In some states, a recent 3×4 photo (white background and no accessories) may be requested.
Important note: For minors under 16 years of age, the presence of a legal guardian (father, mother or tutor) with an original identity document is mandatory.
For Second Copy
- The same documents as the first copy
- Proof of payment of the fee (amount varies by state)
- In case of robbery or theft, it is recommended to present the Police Report (this may give the right to exemption from the fee)
Groups entitled to exemption from the fee for a second copy:
- Seniors aged 65 and over
- Low-income people (with a declaration of poverty)
- Victims of robbery or theft (with police report)
- People with disabilities (in some states)
Scheduling Process
The scheduling for issuing the National Identity Card may vary according to the state, but generally follows the steps below:
Online scheduling
- Access the portal of the Public Security Department or the responsible body in your state
- Look for the “Scheduling” or “National Identity Card” section
- Choose date, time and place of service
- Fill in your personal details
In-person service
- Please arrive at the chosen location on the scheduled date and time.
- Present the required original documents
- Carrying out biometric collection (digital photo and fingerprint)
- Digital signature of the document
Receipt of the document
- Collect the physical document at the indicated location (between 7 and 30 days, depending on the state)
- In some states, it is possible to receive it at home by post.
- After physical issue, access the digital version through the gov.br app
Attention!
If you do not show up at the scheduled time, you will need to reschedule. Most states have a tolerance limit for lateness (usually 15 to 30 minutes).
Digital Format in the Gov.br App
About the digital version
After issuing the physical CIN, the citizen will be able to access the digital version of the document through the official federal government application, Gov.br.
The digital version has the same legal value as the physical version and can be used for identification in different situations, making it unnecessary to constantly carry the physical document.
Advantages of the digital version:
- Always available on mobile
- Eliminates the risk of loss or theft of the physical document
- Immediate verification of authenticity via QR Code
- Integration with other digital documents in the same application
How to access the digital CIN
-
1
Download the Gov.br app
Available for free in the Android and iOS app stores.
-
2
Register or Login
Create a Gov.br account or log in if you already have one. It is recommended to have a Silver or Gold level account for full access.
-
3
Access “Document Portfolio”
On the application’s home screen, click on the “Document Wallet” option or similar icon.
-
4
Add your ID Card
Click on the “+” button, choose “Identity Card” and follow the instructions to add the CIN to the application.
Important: To access the digital CIN, the physical version must have already been issued. After that, the digital document will automatically be available for download on the Gov.br app.
Important Considerations
Deployment schedule
The CIN is being gradually implemented in all Brazilian states. Check if your state is already issuing the new document.
Exchange of old ID
There is no need for immediate exchange. Old ID models are valid until February 28, 2032.
First copy free of charge
The issuance of the first copy of the CIN is free of charge in all Brazilian states, as established by Law 7,116/83.
Polycarbonate format
Some states offer the CIN option in polycarbonate (plastic) card format, which may have an additional cost even for the first copy.
Minors
Children and adolescents can obtain a CIN. For children under 16, the presence of a legal guardian is mandatory at the time of service.
Regularized CPF
It is essential that the CPF is regularized with the Federal Revenue Service before requesting the CIN, as it will be the unique identification number.
Integration with other documents
It is possible to include information from other documents such as voter registration card, work card and driver's license in the CIN, optionally.
Use on trips to Mercosur
The CIN is accepted as a travel document for Mercosur countries, eliminating the need for a passport in these cases.
Consult your state portal
For specific information on how to apply for a National Identity Card in your state, delivery times, prices for a second copy and service points, consult the official website of the state government or the Department of Public Security.
