Brazilian consular ID card (CMC): the free consulate document
The Consular Registration Card (Carteira de MatrÃcula Consular, CMC) is an ID document created for Brazilians living in the United States, and it is free, according to the Washington consulate.
When issuing it, the consulate also creates a record with emergency contacts in both countries, which is not shared with local authorities.
What it is and what it is not
The CMC shows, in English, name, photo, signature, US address, nationality, date and place of birth, sex and height.
But it is not an official US document: Washington recommends checking first whether the place where you will show it accepts it.
It does not replace a driver's license or a passport, and it does not prove immigration status.
Where to apply
Washington issues the CMC only to residents of its jurisdiction and sends everyone else to the consulate responsible for theirs. For under-18s, both parents sign the authorization on the form before a notary public.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cost | free |
| Proof of residence | utility bill, lease or US driver's license |
| Not accepted | bank statement |
- Signed CMC form
- 2×2 photo, white background
- Two original Brazilian documents, one with a photo
- Proof of residence
The documents
Washington asks for the signed form, a 2x2 photo on a white background, two original Brazilian documents (at least one with a photo) and proof of residence at the address declared. A bank statement does not count as proof.
No proof of residence in your name
Washington accepts a water, power or gas bill from the last month, a current lease or a US driver's license. Anyone with none of those can present another person's proof of residence, together with that person's statement that you live at the same address.
What does not count is a bank statement or any document in which you declare the address yourself.
Under 18
To issue a CMC for a minor, both parents sign the second page of the form before a notary public and show their original ID documents, according to Washington.
Washington has suspended issuance
The Washington CMC page opens with a notice: issuance is temporarily suspended because of technical problems. The rules above are the ones the consulate publishes for when the service resumes. If you live in Washington's jurisdiction, check the page before gathering your documents.
How Chicago handles the request
In Chicago, the request starts only on e-Consular: you upload the images, wait for the validation email and only then go to the consulate or mail the originals. By mail, Chicago accepts USPS envelopes only, with tracking and a stamped return envelope; FedEx, UPS and DHL are not accepted.
For applicants over 18, Chicago asks for an RG issued less than 10 years ago or a valid biometric passport; anyone with neither shows an ID (a CNH under 10 years old or the work booklet) plus a Brazilian certificate.
Proof of residence can be a recent utility bill, a lease, last year's tax return receipt, a school letter or the consulate's residence statement. Questions go to carteira.chicago@itamaraty.gov.br.
According to Chicago, depending on the city, county or state, the CMC may be accepted for access to libraries, schools and hospitals.
A bank statement does not count as proof of residence.Details verified on 4 October 2026.
consuladosbrasil.us is an independent guide to Brazil's consular offices in the United States. We are not the Embassy, any Consulate General, or Itamaraty.
We do not book or sell appointments: consular appointments are free. Details are checked regularly and can change without notice.