Brazil has introduced an updated version of its national ID card, known as the Carteira de Identidade. This marks a significant step toward streamlining identification in Brazil, as the card now includes an individual’s Brazilian taxpayer ID number (CPF) instead of their RG number.

RG numbers have caused problems in the past because they’re issued by each state. This means that a person can have one RG number from São Paulo, for example, and another RG number from Bahia. However, with the CPF replacing the RG on the new ID cards, each individual will now be identified by a single, unique number.

The new ID card isn’t the only document where the CPF will be used in place of the RG. Newly issued documents, such as birth certificates and driver’s licenses, will also only display the CPF number. This change is a result of Law 14.534, which was published in January. According to the law, the CPF will be the sole identification number for Brazilians.

The transition to the new ID card is expected to be completed by December 6, 2023, with government agencies and other entities required to adopt the CPF as the official ID number by early 2024. By January 2025, all public systems must be updated to accommodate this change.

The shift to using the CPF as the single identification number underscores the importance of the CPF number in Brazil. As we’ve highlighted in past articles, it’s used for nearly every official transaction - from buying a house to registering a marriage.