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@mikehunter thanks for the info, had no idea. I wonder if it would be accepted for travelling internationally or how widely these apps are used for id purposes in brazil?

By the way, for apple id, yes it is a bit if a hassle but not as bad as it seems: You can create an account for brazil, no card needed just select giftcard or something like that. And you need to only use it once to download the app and then you can log back in to your original apple id.

The app will stay on your phone and be functional.

Hey @rocade, thanks for the tip - looks like I’m going to have to wait for my new card to use however since it needs the QR code from the back of the card, and my temporary paperword doesn’t have it - even though the image online has everything else already done.  I would think however that this should work to enter Brasil - maybe also with the airlines. 

@mikehunter What is the official name of the app?  Thanks

@sfcastro Here is the link: 

My protocol and my prior card both had a QR code you can scan it it takes you to a cite that pre-populates the card info. You just enter your DOB and out pops all the info about your residency.

    Well, I found that Brasil has a digital CRNM for foreigners.  I can’t speak to android but for the iPhone, it’s basically impossible to install - because you have to have your AppleID set up to be Brasilian. 
My AppleID is US based and I have a number of subscriptions.  If I change my account to Brasil I lose all my subscriptions.  Now, I’ve been told I can create another AppleID and base it in Brasil, so I would have to log in and out between accounts every time I wanted to use the digital CRNM.  I suppose that wouldn’t be too bad, but just seems like an unnecessary hassle. 

Why on earth would Brasil make a digital CRNM for foreigners and only restrict it to be used by Brasilian based accounts.  The whole reason you have a CRNM is that you are a foreigner.  Chances are you’re already going to have a whole history of purchases, etc. with your existing mobile phone.  Me thinks this is just an Apple issue, where they want you to pay with a Brasilian bank account or credit card or some such nonsense - but the CRNM app is free, so who knows.

If anyone else has any other ideas on how to easily get this working, I’d like to hear it, but for me  at least it isn’t worth the hassle of having and maintaining 2 AppleIDs. 

LOL… that was my rant for today!
   

    -@mikehunter

VIVO (the telecom operator) does the same…you need a BR Apple ID to download their app to see how much money or data you have left on your account. After everything I’ve read, I don’t want the hassle of different Apple IDs, instead I stick with TIM (their app is available to foreigners, just like Claro’s)

It’s really dumb, since lots of tourists use BR SIM  cards…thankfully you can send them a text to the number 8000, with just  SALDO as the message,  and if their system is working, you’ll get a text in return with all the necessary information. But don’t count on it, if you don’t get an answer after a couple of tries, try again the next day.

Here is a link to the PF website that explains it in more detail:

I was able to hack around the limitations by getting some advice from Apple Support.

1. Create a Brazilian email account, I used gmail.
2. Create a Brazilian AppleID using the email in step 1.
3. Logout of your USA AppleID
4. Login to your Brazil AppleID
5. Install the CRNM app
6. Logout of Brazil AppleID
7. Login to USA AppleID

Then follow the instructions to authenticate and get your Digital CRNM.  You are required to take a Selfie which is analyzed to make sure it matches what is on your physical CRNM.  Once that is complete, you will be able to view the Digital CRNM.

I'll try using it with the Airline and with the PF and see what happens.  According to the documentation, they are suppose to accept it.  We'll see.

My take is that not having the "PHYSICAL DOCUMENT" has made my life a living hell.  I was declined again  for a stupid American Airlines Black M/C at Santander (I am select and make over 12,500 renda, and due to my situation, that is a net since I don't pay taxes-I have a Brazilian cross border attorney who has said that is my situation).  because I didn't have the PHYSCL DOCUMENT.  I don't think Santander or a potential renting agency (such as the dominant one Quinto Andar) will accept a digital CRNM. 

I have lost at least one underpriced dream 130 sq. meter apartment because I didn't have the PHYSICAL RNM (or so they said.).  I have BRL $100,000 in a Santander account so I could get out of the digital bank, and I scanned the PROTOCOL (which, since nobody accepts, why do they even bother printing them out?), including for within Brazil flights-good thing I brought my US passport to go form CGH-SDU.  I reapplied in late October, and from what I can guess, if I am lucky, I will have my RNM by August, more likely by October, being conservative. 

@rsrenfrew By law, in Brazil, everyone is required to accept the digital document.  Be advised, I'm not talking about a photo on your phone.  I'm talking about the official PF app.https://www.gov.br/pf/pt-br/assuntos/noticias/2023/06/policia-federal-lanca-carteira-digital-do-migrante

Has anyone else here had experience trying to get this? The QR code on mine refused to work, and it has been stuck in verification for a day now when manually entering the info...

@amelie2301

I also entered the information on the app manually and it took 3-4 days for it to be verified and once the verification was completed, I had access to the digital CRNM.

@amelie2301 Same as @sfcastro.  I had to add manually also, and it takes a few days for them to finish the validation. 

Interesting. I actually ended up reinstalling the app so I could try it again, and it just magically worked this time around. I put the info in again, it recognized my account, and then my card got instantly approved. I'm not sure if it was actually just a matter of waiting like you two had to do, or if the re-try did something, because it says my digital card was activated at the exact time I retried it.

    Interesting. I actually ended up reinstalling the app so I could try it again, and it just magically worked this time around. I put the info in again, it recognized my account, and then my card got instantly approved. I'm not sure if it was actually just a matter of waiting like you two had to do, or if the re-try did something, because it says my digital card was activated at the exact time I retried it.
   

    -@amelie2301

@amelie2301, can you please clarify the process and the schedule from PF appointment to final approval?  I think that I will be going through that process as my PF apt is coming up in a couple of weeks.

I am wondering how long I need to plan from PF apt to approval...

Thank you.

I've the app and the CRNM. Using the QR Code gives me an error, same if I add it manually. Did try it in Brasil and abroad. Nothing worked. Any hints for help? Tried even on iOS and Android!

@amelie2301

Where you in Brazil or abroad?

I also entered the information into the app manually and it took 3-4 days to verify.

2 July 2025

Responding to my own question as I have completed the PF apt to getting the CRNM document.  The answer is not easy but here is a broad sketch as it was explained to me.  There may have been changes since - this is Brazil.

If you are applying alone i.e. without family

a) At the PF appointment, the application is verified and biometrics taken.  After that appointment is successful, you will get your protocolo (receipt).  This protocolo is effectively the temporary CRNM until you get the actual card. 

b) The actual card typically takes 1 month (more or less).  Duration is affected by holidays, work stoppage, strikes, and federal workforce re-assignment - in other words - be patient.  This is where the protocolo is useful.

c) The actual card is made and you are notified (using the contact information that was placed in the application).

d) The actual card can only be picked up in person because there is an identity check.  In my case, I had my attorney pick up the card - but she has a Public Power of Attorney from me.

If you are applying and will be sponsoring your family at the same time, the process is a little more complicated.

e) Case 1:  If you can go to go to the PF appointment with your family within the 1 month from approval, then you can do a) to d) all at once and they will all get their protocolo and you are done.

f) Case 2: If you cannot bring your family, you still need to go to the PF appointment within the 1 month from approval.  This appointment will get you the protocolo as the sponsoring person. 

g)  You then schedule your family member PF appointments.  You can schedule family members one by one on different schedules.  However, it is preferred that all family members be present at the same time at the PF apt.  This has to do with having to verify documentation that the dependents are related to the sponsor.  It is easier to do when everyone is here rather than piece-meal.

h) In summary, if you want to sponsor your family using case 2, then the easier path is to do a) and then schedule your whole family visit at once.  Then after the PF, they will all get their protocolo and CRNMs will all be issued for them too following b), c), and d).

Closing the issue.