What is a CNPJ, and is it changing?
The CNPJ is the national registration number of a company, an EI or an MEI. It has 14 characters, and since 31 July 2026 new ones may contain letters in the first 12 positions. Existing CNPJs do not change.
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Detailed Explanation
## The CNPJ
Issued by the Receita Federal when a business registers, through REDESIM for a company or the Portal do Empreendedor for an MEI.
## The change
Since 31 July 2026 new CNPJs may contain letters in their first 12 positions. The last two check digits stay numeric. Existing CNPJs do not change and both formats coexist, so software must not assume a CNPJ is digits only.
## Other numbers
- CPF: 11 digits, for individuals.
- Inscrição Estadual: the state registration for ICMS.
- Inscrição Municipal: the city registration for ISS.
## What Finn does
AccountsOS accepts alphanumeric CNPJs. It has no Brazilian registry lookup, so you enter your CNPJ yourself.
Source: https://www.gov.br/receitafederal/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/acoes-e-programas/programas-e-atividades/cnpj-alfanumerico
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rejecting a CNPJ because it contains letters
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my CNPJ change?
No. Only new registrations may get letters.
How long is a CPF?
11 digits.
Practical Tips
- Check that your other systems accept letters in a CNPJ
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