Preparing Your Brazilian Driving Licence Photo
Get ready for your Carteira Nacional de Habilitação (CNH) photo by learning how the official process works and what to expect.
How the CNH Photo Is Captured
The CNH is issued by state and Federal District traffic authorities. The cited sources describe biometric collection as part of the process, but do not establish that every photo is taken directly by an authority or accredited provider[1][2].
The sources describe biometric collection as part of CNH processing, but do not establish who takes the photo[1][2]. Check your state or Federal District traffic authority's instructions.
Follow your traffic authority's instructions about the photo and any materials to bring.
Understanding the Photo Size
The sources reviewed do not specify a physical photo size for the CNH[1][2]. The 35x45 mm size is a studio convention, not an official CNH requirement.
Ask your local traffic authority whether it requires any separate photo materials. The sources reviewed do not specify a common size for them.
If you print copies at home for your own personal records, checking the physical dimensions with a ruler helps make sure the printouts match standard proportions. A common mistake is printing photos at the wrong scale because of printer settings that shrink or stretch the image.
Using the Tool on This Page
You can use the tool above to crop a practice photo to 35x45 mm and place it on a 4x6-inch print sheet. This size is a studio convention, not an official CNH requirement.
The tool can prepare a personal copy, but the sources do not establish that a copy is accepted for a CNH application.
Using the browser tool is straightforward. Upload your image, adjust the crop box to frame your face correctly, and download the finished template for your personal use.
Head Height and File Specifications
The sources reviewed do not specify a head-height rule or a minimum file size for the CNH photo[1][2].
The sources also do not give file-size or pixel limits for this document[1][2].
Check your state or Federal District traffic authority for current appointment instructions.
Age Rules and Driver Requirements
The CNH is a driving licence, so infant photo rules do not apply.
The cited sources do not describe infant photo exemptions or child-specific framing rules for the CNH[1][2]. Follow your traffic authority's instructions for biometric registration.
Taking a Practice Photo at Home
If you want a practice photo for personal use, choose a plain background, face even light, and ask someone else to take the picture to reduce selfie distortion.
For a practice photo, keep the camera at eye level and stand about one to one and a half meters away. These are suggestions for practice, not requirements stated in the cited sources.
Good lighting is important for a clear practice photo. Face a window with soft natural light or use two lamps placed at equal angles to avoid harsh shadows on your face or behind your head. Avoid wearing bulky hats or heavy sunglasses that obscure your facial features during your practice session.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to bring a printed photo for my CNH?
What size is used if I need a photo copy?
Can infants get a CNH photo?
No, infant rules are not applicable because the CNH is issued exclusively to qualified drivers through biometric registration[2].