# What is a CNPJ, and is it changing?

Last updated: 25 October 2026
Country: Brazil
Category: business

**Quick answer:** 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.

## 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

## Related questions

- [Which tax regime does a Brazilian company use: MEI, Simples Nacional, Lucro Presumido or Lucro Real?](https://accounts-os.com/br/questions/which-tax-regime-should-my-brazilian-company-use)