Anúncios
Losing or damaging your SUS card can be stressful, but getting a second copy is simpler than most people think. The Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) is Brazil’s public health system, and your card is essential for accessing free medical services across the country.
Whether you need a replacement due to loss, theft, or damage, this complete guide walks you through every step of the process. From required documents to where to go and what to expect, you will find everything you need to get your new SUS card quickly and without unnecessary complications.
Tudo sobre the SUS card (cartão SUS)
The SUS card, officially known as the Cartão Nacional de Saúde (CNS), is a document that identifies every Brazilian citizen within the public health system. It stores your unique registration number, which is used across all SUS facilities nationwide.
What is the SUS card and why do you need it?
The SUS card is more than just a piece of plastic — it is your gateway to Brazil’s entire public health network. Without it, you may face delays or even be denied access to certain services at clinics, hospitals, and health centers.
The card contains a 15-digit number called the CNS number, which is linked to your personal health records. This number allows healthcare professionals to access your medical history, prescriptions, and referrals quickly and accurately.
Having an active and valid SUS card ensures that you can receive consultations, exams, medications from Farmácia Popular, vaccines, specialist referrals, and emergency care with no cost involved. It is a fundamental document for anyone living in Brazil.
| Service | Requires SUS card? |
|---|---|
| Medical consultations (UBS) | Yes |
| Emergency care (UPA/hospital) | Recommended |
| Farmácia Popular medications | Yes |
| Specialist referrals | Yes |
| Vaccination | Yes |
Who is eligible for a SUS card?
Every person residing in Brazil is entitled to a SUS card, regardless of nationality or immigration status. This includes Brazilian citizens, legal residents, refugees, and even tourists who need emergency care.
Children, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and pregnant women are all eligible and often prioritized at registration points. There is no income requirement or employment status needed — the SUS card is universal and free of charge for everyone.
What information does the SUS card contain?
Your SUS card includes key identifying information that connects you to the national health database. Understanding what is on the card helps you recognize its importance and know what to protect.
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- 15-digit CNS number
- Mother’s full name
- Issuing state and municipality
| Card field | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CNS number | Identifies you in the national SUS database |
| Full name | Matches your official documents |
| Date of birth | Confirms patient identity |
| Municipality | Links you to your local health unit |
Guia completo: how to get a 2nd copy of your SUS card
Getting a second copy (2ª via) of your SUS card in Brazil is a straightforward process, but it requires knowing exactly where to go, what documents to bring, and whether you qualify for online or in-person services. This guide covers every detail so you can act confidently.
Step 1: Locate your nearest UBS (basic health unit)
The most common and reliable way to request a second copy of your SUS card is by visiting a UBS (Unidade Básica de Saúde), also known as a posto de saúde. These units are spread throughout every city and town in Brazil and are the primary points of SUS registration and card issuance.
To find the nearest UBS, you can use the official Ministry of Health website or simply ask at your local city hall (prefeitura). Most neighborhoods have at least one UBS within walking distance, and they typically operate from Monday to Friday during business hours.
Bring your documents with you on your first visit. Staff at the UBS will look up your existing CNS registration and issue the replacement card, usually on the same day or within a few business days, depending on the unit’s workload.
Step 2: Gather the required documents
Before heading to the UBS or any health secretariat, make sure you have all necessary documents ready. Having complete paperwork significantly speeds up the replacement process and avoids unnecessary return trips.
- Original RG (Brazilian identity document) or CPF
- Proof of residence (utility bill, rental contract, etc.)
- Birth certificate (for children under 18)
- Previous SUS card number (if available)
- For foreigners: passport or official residence permit (RNE/CRNM)
If you do not have your previous CNS number, do not worry. The UBS staff can locate your record using your full name, date of birth, and mother’s name. The system cross-references these details with the national database to retrieve your unique identifier.
Step 3: Check if online options are available in your city
Some Brazilian municipalities offer digital services for SUS card requests and replacements. The availability of online registration varies significantly depending on the city’s health secretariat and technological infrastructure.
In cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Curitiba, residents may be able to request a second copy or view their CNS number through the official city health portal or apps. The ConecteSUS app, developed by the federal Ministry of Health, also allows citizens to access their CNS number digitally without needing a physical card.
To use ConecteSUS, simply download the app on Android or iOS, create an account using your CPF, and log in to view your SUS information. This digital version is increasingly accepted at health units and pharmacies as a valid alternative to the physical card.
Step 4: Request the card at the health secretariat
If your local UBS does not issue physical cards directly, you may be redirected to the municipal or state health secretariat (Secretaria Municipal de Saúde or Secretaria Estadual de Saúde). These offices handle administrative SUS functions, including card printing and registration updates.
When visiting the secretariat, explain clearly that you are requesting a 2ª via (second copy) due to loss, theft, or damage. Present your identification documents, and a staff member will verify your registration, print the new card, and hand it to you — all at no cost.
Step 5: Update your information if needed
If your personal information has changed since you first received your SUS card — such as your address, name change after marriage, or any correction — this is the perfect moment to update your records. You can do this at the same UBS or secretariat appointment without needing a separate visit.
Keeping your SUS registration updated ensures that your health records are accurate and that any prescriptions, referrals, or vaccination history are properly linked to your current profile. Incorrect information in the system can sometimes cause delays when accessing services.
Step 6: Register for the first time (if you never had a SUS card)
If you have never been registered in the SUS system and are seeking a card for the first time, the process is essentially the same as requesting a replacement. Visit your nearest UBS with your identification documents and proof of residence, and request a new registration.
Staff will enter your information into the national CADSUS database, assign you a unique CNS number, and issue your card. First-time registrations are equally free and open to all residents of Brazil, regardless of age, nationality, or socioeconomic status.
Frequently asked questions about the SUS card
Below are the most common questions people have when requesting a second copy of their SUS card in Brazil.
- 1. Is there any fee to get a second copy of the SUS card?
No. The SUS card is completely free of charge, including replacement copies. Any request for payment is illegal and should be reported to the health secretariat. - 2. How long does it take to receive the replacement card?
In most cases, the replacement is issued on the same day at the UBS. In some municipalities, it may take a few business days if the card needs to be printed at a central facility. - 3. Can I use the ConecteSUS app instead of a physical card?
Yes. The ConecteSUS app provides a digital version of your CNS number, which is widely accepted at SUS facilities, pharmacies, and health centers across Brazil. - 4. What if I have never had a SUS card before?
You can register for the first time at any UBS. Bring your RG or CPF and proof of residence. The process is identical to requesting a replacement and is free for everyone. - 5. Can a foreigner get a SUS card in Brazil?
Yes. Foreign nationals legally residing in Brazil are entitled to a SUS card. You will need to present your passport and official residence permit (RNE or CRNM) at the UBS.
