Brazil's business ID (CNPJ) adopts alphanumeric format

Starting July 1, 2024 Brazil's Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica (CNPJ) will issue new identifiers that combine letters and numbers. The change applies only to companies, branches, MEIs and other entities opened after that date; existing CNPJs remain unchanged. The 14‑character structure is kept, with the first eight characters (the root) and the next four (establishment) now alphanumeric, while the final two check digits stay numeric.

The alphanumeric format expands the pool of possible numbers to nearly one billion combinations, preventing the exhaustion forecast for the purely numeric system. The Receita Federal advises firms to update ERP, invoicing, banking and other software to recognize the new pattern, warning that outdated systems could block fiscal documents, bank account openings or supplier registrations. A free national CNPJ simulator is available for testing.

The reform does not alter tax obligations, but requires technical adaptation for all new registrants to ensure uninterrupted business operations.