National Social CNH: find out who is entitled to free driving and how to access the program through CadÚnico

The enactment of Law No. 15,153/2025 established the general guidelines for the implementation of the Social CNH throughout the national territory. The legislation amends the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) and authorizes the traffic agencies of the states and the Federal District to use funds collected from fines to fully fund the training of low-income drivers.

The objective of the measure is to promote social inclusion, expand urban mobility and generate opportunities in the labor market in sectors such as logistics, passenger transport, deliveries by apps and rural services.

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However, the entry into force of the new rule generated doubts and misinformation on the internet. Contrary to rumors circulating on social networks, registration with CadÚnico does not guarantee automatic and immediate right to a free CNH.

What is the National Social CNH and how does it work?

Law 15,153/2025 creates a national framework for an initiative that already operated in isolation in some states. With the sanction, the gratuity now has federal support, but the execution of the program continues to be decentralized.

This means that it is up to each state and the Federal District to publish their own notices, define budgets, structure the offer of vacancies and establish the service schedule through the respective Detrans.

Who is entitled to CNH Social?

To apply for a place in the program, the candidate must meet the following basic requirements:

• Age: be 18 years old or older;
• Social registration: be enrolled and with the data duly updated in the Unified Registry for Social Programs of the Federal Government (CadÚnico);
• Income: prove monthly family income within the limit set by the state of residence.

Attention: The update of CadÚnico data must be done in person at the Social Assistance Reference Center (CRAS) of the municipality where the candidate resides.

What costs are covered by the program?

CNH Social provides for a 100% exemption from costs at all stages of obtaining the document. The benefit covers:

1. Mandatory medical and psychological examinations;
2. Toxicological examination (for professional categories, when required);
3. Theoretical and practical classes in Driver Training Centers (driving schools);
4. Theoretical and practical test fees;
5. Retest rate in case of failure on the first attempt;
6. Issuance of the National Driver’s License.

The program includes both the first license (categories A and B) and the change or addition of category (C, D and E).

Understand why the issuance is NOT automatic

Although the law is in place, practical application depends on detailed government regulation and the launch of local selections. As the number of vacancies will be limited by the budget of each federation unit, there will be a selection process.

Most state programs adopt prioritization criteria to select beneficiaries, such as:

• Lower per capita family income;
• Greater number of family members;
• Beneficiaries of the Bolsa Família program;
• Higher level of education (such as complete elementary school);
• Order of registration in the notices.

What about the existing state programs?

The new national legislation does not cancel or replace the CNH Social projects already in operation. States that already have their own legislation and public notices — such as Pernambuco, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Goiás and the Federal District — continue to operate their selections normally.

How to prepare and track opportunities

In order not to fall into scams or miss deadlines, citizens must follow these guidelines:

1. Keep CadÚnico up to date: Go to the CRAS in your city and check if your family’s information is up to date.
2. Consult official sources: Follow the publications on the official portal of the DMV of your state.
3. Watch out for scams: The registration process is free. Do not make payments or provide information on unofficial websites.