Frequently Asked Questions about CIN
Frequently Asked Questions about CIN
National Identity Card – Everything you need to know
Find answers to the most common questions about the National Identity Card (CIN). Click on the questions to see the answers or browse the categories.
General Information
The CIN (National Identity Card) is the new identification document that replaces the old RG. It was created to unify the citizen's identification number throughout the national territory, using the CPF as the unique number.
This new document is being gradually implemented in all Brazilian states and has advanced security features that make it difficult to forge.
The main difference is that the CIN uses the CPF as a unique identification number, eliminating the numbering disparity between different states. Other differences include:
- Greater security, with QR Code and MRZ code (the same used in passports)
- Availability in digital format via the Gov.br app
- Single national standard, recognized throughout the country
- Possibility of including other documents in the CIN (CNH, Voter Registration Card, etc.)
- Validity defined according to age group
There is no need to exchange them immediately. Old IDs will remain valid until February 28, 2032. The replacement will be gradual and you can do it whenever it is convenient, within this period.
However, it is recommended to make the exchange when possible, as CIN offers more security and facilities, such as the digital version.
Yes, currently all Brazilian states and the Federal District are issuing the National Identity Card (CIN).
However, the availability of appointments and the time for issuing them may vary according to each state. It is recommended that you consult the responsible body in your state to check how the scheduling process is going.
Issuance and Scheduling
Scheduling for issuing the CIN is done through the official websites of the responsible bodies in each state, generally linked to the Public Security Department or Identification Institute.
In general, the steps are:
- Access the official website of the issuing body in your state
- Look for the CIN scheduling or issuance section
- Fill out the form with your personal details
- Choose date, time and location of available service
- Confirm the appointment and save the protocol
Some states also offer scheduling by phone or app.
The time to receive the CIN varies depending on the state. In general, the time to deliver the physical document can be:
- Between 5 to 30 business days for the paper version
- Between 15 to 45 days for the polycarbonate version (where available)
The digital version is usually available on the Gov.br app as soon as the physical document is issued and delivered. Some states may offer express delivery for an additional fee.
Yes, you can request the CIN in any state, regardless of your place of birth or where you obtained your previous ID.
Since the new document uses the CPF as a unique number, there is no longer a need to issue the document in the state of origin. Simply present the necessary documentation to the issuing agency in the state where you are located.
In most states, it is possible to schedule an appointment online through the official websites of the issuing agencies. This is the recommended method, as it avoids queues and guarantees service on the chosen day and time.
However, in-person attendance is always necessary to collect biometric data (photo, fingerprint and signature), even with prior appointment.
Some states also offer the option of scheduling by phone or at self-service kiosks located at specific stations.
Required Documents
To request the first copy of the CIN, you must:
- Birth or Marriage Certificate (original)
- CPF (must be registered with the Federal Revenue Service)
- Recent proof of residence (last 3 months)
Your photograph, fingerprint and signature will be collected at the time of service. Some states may require additional documents, so it is recommended to consult the official website of the issuing agency in your state.
To request a second copy of the CIN, you must:
- Birth or Marriage Certificate (original)
- Regularized CPF
- Recent proof of residence
- Proof of payment of the fee (in states where it is charged)
- In case of theft or robbery, the Police Report (for possible fee exemption)
The photograph, fingerprint and signature will be collected again at the time of service.
In most states, it is no longer necessary to bring 3×4 photos. The photograph is captured digitally at the time of service.
However, a few states may still require 3×4 photos with a white background, as is the case in Tocantins. It is important to check the specific requirements of your state in advance.
Yes, it is mandatory that the CPF is regularized with the Federal Revenue Service for the issuance of the CIN, as it will be the unique number of the document.
If your CPF is irregular, you must regularize it before applying for the CIN. Regularization can be done:
- From the Federal Revenue website
- Through the CPF Digital application
- At Federal Revenue service units
- At Post Offices, Banco do Brasil or Caixa Econômica Federal (fees may apply)
Validity
The validity of the CIN varies according to the age group of the holder:
- From 0 to 12 years old: validity of 5 years
- From 12 to 60 years old: validity of 10 years
- From 60 years old: indefinite validity
These validity rules are national and apply to all Brazilian states.
The old ID will remain valid until February 28, 2032. After this date, only the National Identity Card (CIN) will be accepted as an official identification document.
However, it is recommended to make the replacement before this deadline to enjoy the benefits and security of the new document.
Yes, when the CIN expires, it is necessary to request a renewal, following the same procedure as the first copy. The renewal is free, as is the first copy.
It is important to note that:
- For children and adolescents under 12 years of age, renewal must be done every 5 years
- For people between 12 and 60 years old, renewal must be done every 10 years
- For people aged 60 or over, the document is valid indefinitely and does not require renewal.
Digital Version
The digital version of the CIN can be accessed through the Gov.br application, following these steps:
- Download the Gov.br app from your mobile phone's app store (available for Android and iOS)
- Log in with your Gov.br account (you must have a silver or gold level account)
- On the home screen, tap on the “Document Wallet” option
- Tap the “+” button and select “ID Card”
- Follow the on-screen instructions to add your CIN
Important: the digital version will only be available after the physical version of the CIN has been issued and it will only be visible in the app when you receive the physical document.
Yes, the digital version of the CIN has exactly the same legal validity as the physical version. It can be used in any situation that requires the presentation of an identity document, such as in banks, stores, airports, among others.
The digital document contains a QR Code that can be scanned to confirm the authenticity of the information. However, it is always recommended to have the physical document in some specific situations, such as international travel or in places without internet access.
Yes, to access the digital version of the CIN in the Gov.br app, you must have an account with a silver or gold security level. These levels guarantee greater security in user identification.
To upgrade your account level:
- Silver level: can be obtained through facial validation using the CNH database, data validation via internet banking, or validation using a digital certificate compatible with ICP-Brasil
- Gold level: can be obtained through facial validation with Electoral Justice databases or with CIN itself
Interestingly, the CIN itself can be used to upgrade your Gov.br account to gold level, creating a virtuous cycle of digital security.
Polycarbonate format
The polycarbonate CIN is a version of the National Identity Card made of more resistant plastic material (similar to the material used in credit cards and driver's licenses), instead of traditional paper money.
The polycarbonate format offers greater durability, resistance to water and physical damage, in addition to having additional security elements that make counterfeiting even more difficult.
No, not all states currently offer the CIN in polycarbonate format. The availability of this version varies by state.
Some states that already offer the polycarbonate option include:
- Ceara
- Bahia
- Holy Spirit
- Goias
- Minas Gerais
- Rio de Janeiro
- Rio Grande do Sul
- Santa Catarina
- São Paulo
- Between others
It is important to check on the official website of the issuing body in your state whether this option is available.
The cost of the polycarbonate CIN varies depending on the state. In some states, even the first polycarbonate copy is paid, unlike the paper version, which is free.
Examples of values (May/2025):
- Ceará: R$ 72.35 (includes first copy)
- Espírito Santo: R$ 76.55 (for second copy)
- Rio de Janeiro: additional value on top of the standard rate
Values may be updated periodically, so it is important to check the official website of the issuing body in your state to check the current value.
Exemptions and Fees
Yes, the first copy of the CIN on paper is free in all states of Brazil, as established by Federal Law 7,116/83.
However, in some states, if the citizen opts for the polycarbonate version (plastic card), there may be a fee charged even for the first copy. This fee varies from state to state.
The cost of a second copy of the CIN varies according to the state. Some examples (prices from May/2025):
- Alagoas: R$ 36.03
- Bahia: R$ 48.35
- Ceara: R$ 72.35
- Holy Spirit: R$ 76.55
- Minas Gerais: R$ 110.62
- Pernambuco: R$ 28.57
- Rio de Janeiro: R$ 51.18
- Rio Grande do Sul: R$ 95.03
- Santa Catarina: R$ 46.89
It is important to consult the official website of the issuing body in your state to check the current value and payment methods.
Generally, the following are entitled to exemption from the fee for a second copy of the CIN:
- Seniors aged 65 and over (in all states)
- Victims of theft or robbery who present the Police Report
- Low-income people with a declaration of poverty or registered with CadÚnico
- People with disabilities (in some states)
- Unemployed for more than 3 months, with proof (in some states, such as São Paulo)
- Victims of natural disasters (in specific situations)
Exemption rules may vary by state. It is recommended that you check the official website of your state's issuing agency for specific exemption conditions.
Other Questions
Yes, children and newborns can and should have a CIN. There is no minimum age for the document to be issued.
For children aged 0 to 12, the CIN is valid for 5 years, with the aim of updating the photo as the child grows.
To issue a child's CIN, one of the parents or legal guardians must be present during the service, carrying their own identification document and the child's original birth certificate.
The CIN can be used as a travel document only for Mercosur countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia and Chile). Brazilians can travel to these destinations by presenting only the CIN, without the need for a passport.
For travel to other countries, a passport is still required.
Important: for international travel, it is recommended to take the physical version of the CIN, and not just the digital one, to avoid problems with lack of connectivity or system compatibility.
CIN presents the following information:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Nationality and place of birth
- CPF (which becomes the unique identification number)
- Sex
- Mother's and father's name
- Date of issue and expiration
- Photo
- Fingerprint
- Signature
- QR Code for authenticity verification
- MRZ (Machine Readable Zone) code – the same standard used in passports
The CIN may also include optional additional information such as: blood type and Rh factor, driver's license information, voter registration card, among other documents that the citizen wishes to include.
If you lose your CIN, follow these steps:
- File a police report of loss or misplacement, which can be done online in many states
- Keep the police report number, as it may be necessary to request an exemption from the fee for issuing a second copy.
- Access the website of the issuing agency in your state to schedule the issuance of a second copy
- Attend on the scheduled day and time with the necessary documentation
- While you wait for the new physical copy, use the digital version via the Gov.br app (if available)
Remember that in case of loss or theft, you may be entitled to exemption from the duplicate fee in most states, as long as you present the Police Report.
