How to issue your ID online: see what has changed

Issuing your ID online: the digitalization of public services in Brazil has transformed the way we interact with bureaucracy.

Among these changes, the possibility of issuing an ID card online stands out as a milestone in modernization, especially with the introduction of the National Identity Card (CIN).

But what really changed in this process?

Continue reading and find out:

Issue your ID online

With the unification of the CPF as an identification number and the integration of technologies such as QR codes, the process is more accessible, but requires understanding to be taken full advantage of.

Why is issuing an ID card online so important?

In a continental country like Brazil, where travel to public offices can be costly and time-consuming, digitalization reduces geographical and economic barriers.

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Additionally, CIN’s enhanced security with anti-fraud features responds to a growing need for personal data protection.

However, the transition to digital is not without obstacles, such as the need for technological infrastructure and the adaptation of different states.

Let's dive into the details, with practical examples, an enlightening analogy and data that contextualize this evolution.

The evolution of the Identity Card: from paper to digital

The National Identity Card (CIN) represents a leap forward in relation to the old General Register (RG).

Previously, each state issued IDs with different numbers, creating a fragmented system that facilitated fraud and duplication.

Now, the CPF became the unique identifier, centralizing data in a national database managed by Gov.br.

This unification, implemented from 2022, reflects a global trend towards digital integration, but also requires citizens to adapt to new platforms and processes.

Issuing an ID card online, in this context, does not just mean convenience, but a redefinition of digital citizenship.

The Gov.br app, for example, allows you to access the digital CIN after issuing the physical version, which must be requested in person at offices such as Poupatempo.

Digitization, therefore, is a complement to the physical process, not a total replacement.

This ensures that even citizens without constant internet access can obtain the document, while those connected enjoy greater convenience.

Furthermore, CIN incorporates advanced technologies, such as the QR code, which allows you to verify the authenticity of the document in real time, even offline.

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This innovation is a game changer, especially in a scenario where scams involving false documents are frequent.

According to Serasa Experian, in 2023, around 3.5 million Brazilians suffered identity fraud attempts, highlighting the importance of more robust systems such as CIN.

How to issue an ID card online: a practical guide

Although it is not yet possible to issue a full ID card online, the process has been significantly simplified.

To obtain the CIN, the citizen must schedule an in-person appointment at an issuing agency, such as Poupatempo in São Paulo or the Integrated Service Units (UAIs) in Minas Gerais.

Scheduling, however, can be done online, which reduces queues and unnecessary travel.

After physical issue, the digital version is automatically made available in the app Gov.br, in the “Document Portfolio” tab.

Example 1: Mariana, from Campinas (SP)
Mariana, a 20-year-old university student, needed to renew her ID for an internship.

He accessed the Poupatempo website, scheduled an appointment in 10 minutes and went to the office with his birth certificate and CPF.

Within 15 days, he received the CIN at home and downloaded the digital version from Gov.br, using it to open a bank account without carrying the physical document. This case illustrates how online and offline integration speeds up the process.

To make things easier, Gov.br requires a Silver or Gold level registration, which can be obtained through facial validation or bank login.

This requirement, although necessary for security, can be a hindrance for those who are not familiar with technology.

Therefore, it is essential that the government invests in digital literacy campaigns, ensuring that technological inclusion accompanies the modernization of services.

Steps to issue your ID online	Description	Platform/Website
Online scheduling	Access the website of the issuing body in your state (e.g. Poupatempo, MG App) and choose a time.	www.poupatempo.sp.gov.br, www.mg.gov.br
In-person attendance	Bring your birth or marriage certificate and CPF to the scheduled appointment.	Local stations (e.g. Poupatempo, UAIs)
Access to digital CIN	After physical issuance, download the Gov.br app and access the “Document Portfolio” tab.	Gov.br App (Android/iOS)

Benefits and challenges of digitalization

The possibility of issuing an ID card online, even partially, brings undeniable benefits.

First, cost reduction: avoiding frequent trips to public offices saves time and money, especially in rural areas.

Second, practicality: the digital CIN can be presented in everyday situations, such as hotel check-ins or bank validations, without the risk of losing the physical document.

Finally, security: the QR code and integration with Gov.br make forgery difficult, protecting citizens.

However, the challenges are equally significant.

Dependence on smartphones and the internet excludes part of the population, especially the elderly and residents of areas with limited connectivity.

Furthermore, variation in procedures between states creates confusion.

For example, São Paulo allows the issuance of a second copy of a digital ID card through the RG Digital SP app, while other states still require in-person attendance for any changes.

This lack of standardization can frustrate expectations of a fully online process.

Example 2: John, from a rural town in Goiás
João, a 45-year-old farmer, tried to issue the digital CIN after receiving the physical document.

Without stable internet access, he had to travel 50 km to the nearest town to use the Wi-Fi at a public library.

The process, although successful, required additional effort, highlighting the need for hybrid solutions that encompass disconnected areas.

Analogy: the digital ID as a bridge to the future

Think of issuing an ID card online as building a bridge.

In the past, crossing the “river” of bureaucracy required long walks along winding paths, queues, paperwork and travel.

The digital CIN is a modern bridge that shortens distances and makes crossing easier.

However, for everyone to reach the other side, it is necessary to ensure that the bridge is accessible, with ramps for those with difficulties and clear signage for the less experienced.

Just as a poorly designed bridge can exclude, a poorly implemented digital system risks leaving citizens behind.

This analogy reinforces the importance of balancing innovation with inclusion.

Technology should be a tool for emancipation, not an obstacle.

State and federal governments need to invest in infrastructure, such as public Wi-Fi points and self-service kiosks, so that the digital ID bridge is truly universal.

Furthermore, the CIN bridge connects not only the citizen to the document, but also to the public services ecosystem.

With the integration of Gov.br, the digital ID opens doors to social benefit inquiries, medical appointments and even electronic voting in the future. This holistic vision is what makes digitalization so promising.

Frequently asked questions about issuing an ID card online

Question	Response
Can I issue the first copy of my ID card completely online?	No, the first copy of the CIN requires in-person attendance for biometric and photo collection. However, scheduling can be done online.
Does the CIN immediately replace the old RG?	No, the old RG is valid until 2032 for those under 60 years of age. The CIN is only mandatory in cases of renewal or new issuance.
Do I need to pay to issue the CIN?	The first copy is free. The second copy has a variable cost depending on the state (e.g.: R$ 41.42 in SP, R$ 110.62 in MG for loss).
What do I do if I don't have a smartphone?	The physical CIN is valid and can be used normally. Stations such as Poupatempo offer support to access the digital version, if desired.
Is the digital ID safe against fraud?	Yes, the QR code and ICP-Brasil certification guarantee authenticity, but it is crucial to protect your Gov.br password.

The future of digital identification in Brazil

The transition to CIN and the possibility of issuing the ID card online are just the beginning of a revolution in digital identification.

Projects like Gov.br aim to centralize all public services on a single platform, transforming the cell phone into a “citizenship card”.

This may include, in the future, the fully online issuance of documents, with advanced facial biometrics and real-time validation, eliminating the need for in-person attendance.

However, the success of this transformation depends on three pillars: infrastructure, digital education and trust.

Without investments in connectivity, millions of Brazilians will remain disconnected.

Without training programs, technology will be a privilege for the few.

And without transparency in data management, distrust can undermine adoption.

Countries like Estonia, a reference in digital government, show that it is possible to achieve this balance, but Brazil needs to speed up.

Ultimately, issuing an ID card online is more than a service: it is an invitation to rethink the relationship between citizens and the State.

How can we make this process even more inclusive?

The answer lies in collaboration between government, society and private initiative, building a future where digital identity is a right, not a challenge.