Alphanumeric CNPJ: understand what changes with the new format

New CNPJ will require updates and adjustments in companies' systems

Starting in July 2026, the National Register of Corporate Taxpayers (CNPJ) will adopt an alphanumeric format. This change, established by Regulatory Instruction No. 2,229/2024 and guided by Joint Technical Note No. 2025.001, aims to address the limitation of available identifier numbers.

Here’s how this update will impact your business:

1. What is the alphanumeric CNPJ?

It is the new model for registering legal entities in the country. Currently, the CNPJ consists only of numbers. However, with the increase in the number of companies in Brazil, the possible combinations reached their limit, which made it necessary to include letters. The new CNPJ will consist of 14 characters, with 12 alphanumeric positions (numbers and letters) and 2 check digits. This change will significantly expand the possibilities for new registrations, solving the problem of number exhaustion.

2. My company already has a CNPJ. Will this registration change?

For companies that are already registered, nothing will change. They will continue with their current CNPJ, which will remain valid. The change will only affect new registrations.

3. In light of this change, what does my company need to do?

As the new CNPJ registrations will be alphanumeric, this will require updating management systems and invoice issuance systems. Many platforms that currently only accept numbers will need to be adapted to handle the new characters.

dditionally, it will be necessary to review billing software and integration with state and municipal tax systems to ensure compliance with the new format.

4. Will the current CNPJ registration procedure be changed?

The registration process will remain unchanged. The transition to the alphanumeric format will only affect the composition of the CNPJ. Companies will follow the same steps and requirements for registration. All systems related to obtaining the identifier will be adjusted to the National Network for the Simplification of Business and Company Registration and Legalization – REDESIM.

5. What are the tax implications of the change?

The introduction of the alphanumeric CNPJ will have an impact on company registration and tax management, as the new system will also directly integrate the tax regime at the time of registration, providing greater legal security and preventing fraud.

In addition, as previously announced, starting from July 6, 2026, electronic tax documents will allow the inclusion of the alphanumeric CNPJ. This includes items such as the Electronic Invoice (NF-e), the Consumer Electronic Invoice (NFC-e), the Electronic Transport Knowledge (CT-e), the Manifest of Electronic Tax Documents (MDF-e), among others.

Also read: Alphanumeric CNPJ will impact electronic tax documents starting in 2026

6. What is the relationship between the alphanumeric CNPJ and the Tax Reform?

The new alphanumeric CNPJ is part of the process of modernizing the tax system established through the Tax Reform on Consumption. This change facilitates the implementation of CBS (Contribution on Goods and Services) and IBS (Tax on Goods and Services), which aim to unify the taxes currently in effect.

The alphanumeric CNPJ contributes to this transformation by expanding the system's capacity, making it easier to separate personal and professional expenses, in addition to automating processes such as the recovery of tax credits.

Complementary Law No. 214/2025 establishes that the CNPJ will be the unique identification number for legal entities, and that the registration information will be integrated, synchronized, cooperated, and shared in a timely manner in a national data environment between the federal, state, and municipal tax administrations.

Specialized Assistance

DPC monitors regulatory updates to provide support to businesses of various sizes and sectors in Brazil. To receive this assistance and ensure your business’s compliance, contact our team at: dpc@dpc.com.br.