Brazil CNH (Carteira Nacional de Habilitação) photos must be 30×40mm — the standard "3×4" format. This is the same size as the RG identity card photo, and different from the Brazilian passport, which requires 50×70mm. A natural smile is allowed. Glasses are not permitted.
The CNH is Brazil's national driver's licence, issued by DETRAN (Departamento Estadual de Trânsito) in each state. It sits alongside the RG and CTPS as one of the key Brazilian domestic documents — all of which use the 3×4 format. The Brazil document overview covers all of them in one place.
Brazil CNH Driving Licence Photo Specifications
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print size | 30×40mm (3×4cm) |
| Digital size | 354×472 pixels |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Background | White |
| Glasses | Not allowed |
| Smile | Allowed |
| Expression | Natural |
Get a compliant passport photo online
CNH vs Brazilian Passport: Know the Difference
| Document | Photo Size | Smile? | Glasses? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brazilian Passport | 50×70mm | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| CNH (Driver's Licence) | 30×40mm | Allowed | Not allowed |
The passport is strict: no smile, no glasses, 50×70mm. The CNH allows smiling but not glasses, and uses the smaller 3×4 format. Don't use a passport photo for a CNH application. The size is wrong and the format won't match what DETRAN expects.
How the CNH Licensing Process Works in Brazil
The CNH is issued at the end of a multi-step licensing process administered by DETRAN in the state where you're registered.
The full process for a first-time CNH:
- Register with your local DETRAN (in person or online depending on the state)
- Pass a medical examination (exame médico) — vision, hearing, physical
- Pass a psychological examination (exame psicológico)
- Complete theoretical driving classes (aulas teóricas) at a registered driving school (autoescola)
- Pass the written theory test (exame teórico)
- Complete practical driving lessons (aulas práticas) on a test track and then in traffic
- Pass the practical driving test (exame prático)
- Submit documents including the 3×4 photo
- Receive your CNH (first-time licences are valid for 1 year in Brazil; standard renewal is 5 years for drivers under 50, less for older drivers)
The photo is submitted with your final documentation package, after passing all tests. DETRAN typically captures a digital photo at the counter in some states, while others require a printed 3×4 photo to be submitted with the application paperwork. Check your state's DETRAN portal for the current process.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Issued by | DETRAN (state-level) |
| Photo size | 30×40mm (3×4cm) |
| First issuance validity | 1 year (probationary period) |
| Standard validity | 5 years (under 50); 3 years (50-69); 1 year (70+) |
| Fee | Varies by state (approximately BRL 200–400 for full first licence) |
State Variations in the CNH Process
The CNH process is federally standardized at the test level (SENATRAN/DENATRAN sets national standards), but each state's DETRAN administers it with local variations.
São Paulo (DETRAN-SP): Highly digital. Much of the registration and scheduling can be done through the DETRAN-SP portal. The final photo is often captured digitally at the counter.
Rio de Janeiro (DETRAN-RJ): Similar structure. Autoescola options are abundant in the metropolitan area. Wait times at DETRAN service points for the practical test vary.
Minas Gerais (DETRAN-MG): Online portal allows scheduling of all examinations. Photo submission requirements are specified on the portal.
Smaller states: Processes are more in-person-dependent. Fewer autoescolas and DETRAN service points means longer wait times between steps.
The practical implication: look up your specific state's DETRAN before assuming a printed photo is needed. Some states have moved to digital capture; others still want a physical print.
Renewing the CNH: Photo and Exam Requirements
CNH renewals follow a similar process — medical and psychological exams are required, plus payment of the renewal fee. The photo is updated at renewal. If your state requires a physical photo at renewal, the same 3×4 spec applies.
Renewal windows open 30 days before expiry. Driving on an expired CNH carries significant fines in Brazil (approximately BRL 880, classified as a serious infraction).
CNH and RG Use the Same 3×4 Photo Size
The CNH uses the same 3×4 (30×40mm) format as the RG identity card. This is no coincidence — the 3×4 format is the standard for Brazilian domestic documents across the board.
If you're applying for both at the same time, or if you have leftover 3×4 prints from your RG application, they'll work for the CNH too — provided the photo is recent and your appearance hasn't changed significantly. "Recent" in practice means within the last year, though DETRAN requirements vary.
Take a sheet of 3×4 prints (typically 6 per sheet from a studio) and you'll have enough for both documents.
Photo Tips for Brazil CNH Applications
White background is non-negotiable. Light grey, cream, and off-white backgrounds will trigger a rejection. If you're using a photo booth, check that the booth is set to a white background before shooting.
Even lighting, no shadows. The 3×4 format is small, but a shadow across the lower half of the face or visible on the wall behind you will show up in the print.
Wearing glasses. Glasses are not permitted in CNH photos. Remove all eyewear, including clear prescription lenses, before the photo session.
Expression. A natural smile is fine. It should look like your everyday face — how you look when you're talking to someone, slightly animated, eyes open naturally. Not a strained grin, not a dead stare.
For digital verification, the passportsize-photo.online checker can confirm background colour, lighting, and image dimensions against the 3×4 standard before you print. Getting the photo right before you're at the DETRAN counter saves time you can't easily get back — the practical test scheduling in most states has significant wait times, and you don't want a photo issue delaying the final step. If you're also applying for a Brazilian passport, note that passport photos are 50×70mm — a completely different format that requires a separate session.
Expression and Appearance Rules for CNH Photos
- Natural expression — a relaxed, natural smile is accepted; no forced grin
- Eyes open — both eyes fully visible, looking directly at the camera
- No glasses — all types banned, including clear prescription lenses
- Hair away from face — forehead and both eyes clearly visible
- Head coverings — not permitted unless for religious reasons; full face must remain visible
- Clean, even lighting — no shadows on face or white background
- Recent photo — taken within the last 6 months
Brazilian Document Photo Comparison
| Document | Size | Background | Glasses | Smile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNH (Driving Licence) | 30×40mm | White | Not allowed | Allowed |
| RG (Identity Card) | 30×40mm | White | Not allowed | Allowed |
| Brazilian Passport | 50×70mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| CTPS (Work Card) | 30×40mm | White | Not allowed | Not allowed |
The CNH and RG share the same 30×40mm "3×4" format and are interchangeable if taken recently. The passport requires a much larger 50×70mm photo. No Brazilian document permits glasses.
Quick Checklist for Brazil CNH Photos
- Size: 30×40mm (3×4cm)
- Background: white
- Expression: natural (smile permitted)
- No glasses (any type)
- Photo taken within 6 months
- DETRAN appointment scheduled
