Brazilian Passport - Issuing Process

Issuing Process

Passport applications are now made exclusively through the Internet, on the Federal Police Department's Web site. One fills the necessary information in an on-line form and must print the application form and the bank document for paying the required fee. If the new-model passport is going be issued (the site will inform if it is available at the chosen city and post), an appointment must be previously scheduled; this is also done on-line.

At the scheduled time (or at any time during the passport issuing post's working hours, for the old model), the applicant goes to the chosen Federal Police post with the required documents (no photograph needed for the new model, since the photo is taken digitally on the spot) and the passport will be ready at most six working days later (usually less). There is no fast-track system under ordinary circumstances.

The applicant's physical presence at the post is required for both applying for and picking up the passport, even if the old-model version will be issued. Special cases where the applicant is unable to go in person for relevant reasons (such as health issues) must be arranged with the authorities on a case-by-case basis.

As of May 2010, the passport issuing fee is R$ 156.07 (BRL) for the new model, and R$ 89.71 for the old model. The fee can be paid at any Brazilian bank, including Internet and home banking, with a document that is issued during the on-line application process and can be printed for payment. The fee is doubled if there is a previously issued passport and it is not produced when applying for a new one, but in practice this is rarely enforced.

Normally required documents for adult persons are listed below. Actual requirements are subject to change and there are special cases. Applicants should always check the Federal Police Web site for the latest information. Special requirements apply for minors (under 18 years of age).

For all applicants:

• state-issued ID card or other officially recognised form of identification;
• voter registration certificate, with proof of having voted in the latest elections or legally justified the absence (voting is compulsory in Brazil);
• Federal Revenue Secretariat (income tax) registration certificate (known as "CPF", will be waived if the number already appears on the ID document, which is common);
• receipt of payment of the passport fee;
• application form printed from the on-line page.

If applicable:

• military service, conscription or waiver certificate (for males 18 through 45 years old);
• previous passport, if any (regardless of validity);
• two 5 × 7-cm photographs (for the old-model passport only);
• marriage certificate;
• judicial name change authorisation or sentence;
• naturalisation certificate.