You know that feeling when you leave the house and, halfway there, you remember that you forgot your wallet? It used to happen to me all the time!
I always had to turn around or hope not to be pulled over. But after I discovered that you can have your digital driver's license on your cell phone, my life became much more practical.
If you still only carry a physical version of your driver's license, let me tell you: you can have everything on your cell phone, in an official and secure way.
And best of all, you don't have to carry paperwork everywhere.
Today I'm going to show you the apps that make this process easier and what my experience was like using each of them.
How did I get my digital driver's license?
The first thing you need to know is that, if your CNH has that QR Code on the back, you can activate the digital version quickly.
At first, I thought it would be a boring process, full of bureaucracy, but it was very smooth.
Basically, I downloaded the official app, registered with my details and scanned the QR Code on my wallet.
Then, the application itself asked me to validate my identity with facial recognition (it sounds like something out of a movie, but it's really simple).
Within minutes, my driver's license was on my phone!
Now, whenever I need to show my document, I just open the app and that's it. No risk of forgetting my wallet at home or losing my driver's license somewhere.
After some research, I ended up testing three apps that make this process easier. Each one has its advantages and I'll tell you about my experience with them.
Digital Transit Card (CDT)
This is the official government app and it was the first one I tested. Since it is made by Denatran itself, it is super safe and recognized everywhere.
In addition to the CNH, it also allows you to download the car document (CRLV), which is great for those who drive.
- My experience: Registration was easy and activation was quick. After validating my identity, my driver's license was already on my phone. The app also sends alerts when my license is about to expire, which is a great help!
- Negative point: Sometimes the app crashes and needs to be closed and opened again, but nothing that gets in the way too much.
Digital DMV
The DMV in some states has its own app, and I tested the one in my state to see what it was like.
In addition, it also allows you to access your digital CNH and you can also check fines, schedule services and see your license score.
- My experience: Since I was already registered with Detran, access was very quick. The app is very useful for those who want to resolve other issues besides their driver's license.
- Negative point: Not all states offer this service in the app, so it's worth checking first to see if yours has this function.
Gov.br
If you already use the Gov.br app to access government services, it also allows you to view your digital CNH.
It works as a document centralizer and can be very useful.
- My experience: Since I already had an account with Gov.br, it was super easy to access my driver's license there. I just had to activate access and that was it.
- Negative point: It is not as easy to use as the CDT, as the app has several other functions and can be confusing for those who just want a driver's license.
Which app is more worthwhile?
If you want the most direct and reliable route, I recommend the Carteira Digital de Trânsito (CDT).
This is what worked best for me and is the most complete, since it also has the car's documents.
Detran Digital can be useful if you want an app that also allows you to check other information about your state. But you need to check if your Detran offers this service.
Gov.br is interesting if you already use this app for other things, but it is not as practical as the others for those who just want a driver's license.
Is it worth having a digital CNH?
Without a doubt! I've gotten used to having everything on my phone, so it makes perfect sense to have a digital driver's license as well.
I never again had that panic of leaving home without the document, and I can still consult everything quickly whenever I need to.
If you haven't activated yours yet, I recommend testing it! Then tell me which app worked best for you.
I bet once you start using it, you won't want to know about the physical version anymore! Oh, and they're all available for Android and iOS.