Brazil Issues Its First Alphanumeric CNPJ

What Is the Alphanumeric CNPJ?

Brazil's Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) has issued the country's first alphanumeric CNPJ — a new business registration number that combines letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9) while keeping the same 14-character length. The first number in this format was assigned to a branch of Banco do Brasil S.A., registered as 00.000.000/E08G-12.

Why Did Brazil Change the CNPJ Format?

The current all-numeric system is approaching its combination limit as the number of companies and branches registered in Brazil continues to grow. By introducing letters, the Receita Federal dramatically increases the pool of available identifiers, securing the system's long-term viability without causing significant technical disruption.

How Is the New Number Structured?

The 14-character format is divided into three parts:

• First 8 characters: root identifier — alphanumeric (letters + numbers)
• Next 4 characters: branch/establishment order — also alphanumeric
• Last 2 characters: verification digits — still numeric only

Who Receives an Alphanumeric CNPJ?

Only new registrations made from July 2025 onward are affected — newly created companies, branches, rural producers, condominiums and independent professionals. The rollout is gradual and progressive, so not every CNPJ issued after July will immediately contain letters.

Do Existing Businesses Need to Do Anything?

No. Companies and professionals already registered keep their current numeric CNPJ, which remains fully valid. Instrução Normativa RFB nº 2.229 explicitly states that existing registrations are not affected and no additional steps are required from taxpayers.

Is There Any Cost?

The Receita Federal has confirmed there is no cost to businesses resulting from this change.