Mexico’s Biometric CURP Mandatory by 2026

Mexico City — In a sweeping national reform, the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that the biometric CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) will become the single most important identity document in Mexico—replacing most traditional IDs for both public and private procedures. The reform was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación and takes full effect in February 2026.

What Is the Biometric CURP?

Unlike the existing CURP—which is simply an alphanumeric code used to identify Mexican citizens and residents—the new biometric CURP is a secure, tamper-resistant document incorporating personal biometric data. It’s designed to centralize identity verification nationwide and reduce fraud, identity theft, and bureaucratic duplication.

The biometric CURP will include:

• Fingerprints
• Digital photograph
• Electronic signature
• Iris scan/registration

These additions make the biometric CURP not just a registration number, but a full-fledged national ID. According to Mexico’s Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB), it will eventually replace the need for presenting a separate voter ID (INE) or other identification in most transactions.

What You’ll Need It For

Starting in February 2026, the biometric CURP will be required for a long list of activities in both the public and private sectors, including:

• School enrollment (from elementary to university)
• Registration with IMSS and ISSSTE public health systems
• Property transactions (e.g., INFONAVIT loans, notary services)
• Applications for scholarships, welfare programs, or pensions
• Passport applications and renewals
• Opening bank accounts or insurance policies
• Immigration procedures
• Accessing government programs such as Bienestar
• Signing legal contracts and obtaining business or driving licenses

Even basic services—like accessing utilities, housing subsidies, or hospital care in some public institutions—may require it.

What Happens If You Don’t Have It?

If you haven’t obtained the biometric CURP by February 2026, you may be unable to:

• Apply for a job
• Receive government aid
• Register a child in school
• Access health services
• Complete property transactions
• Open or maintain a bank account
• Renew official IDs or passports

Private companies, particularly banks and insurers, are also expected to adopt it as a sole authentication method.

Pilot Programs and Where It’s Already Rolling Out

Although the full implementation is slated for 2026, pilot programs are already underway in parts of Veracruz, Mexico City, and the State of Mexico. The rollout began in 2023, and additional states will be added throughout 2025.

Active pilot zones include:

• Veracruz: Xalapa, Poza Rica, Misantla, Tantima, Coatzacoalcos
• CDMX and Estado de México: Select government modules

More states are expected to join by year’s end, with mobile and rural outreach units planned for remote communities.

How to Apply

The biometric CURP will be free of charge and issued by federal Civil Registry offices and SEGOB modules. You’ll need:

• A valid government-issued ID (INE, passport, or military card)
• Your current CURP certificate
• An active email address for tracking
• Your birth certificate may be requested for additional verification

Appointments are expected to be made available through a centralized online platform later this year, alongside mobile enrollment units for rural areas.

Why This Matters

This move is part of a broader digital modernization effort to improve security, reduce fraud, and simplify access to public services. According to SEGOB, more than 145 million CURP numbers have been issued since the system’s creation in 1996—but many are outdated, duplicated, or tied to incomplete records. The biometric CURP is intended to clean up the registry and create a secure, unified identity system.

Mexico is not alone: similar digital ID reforms are being adopted in countries like India (Aadhaar), Estonia (e-ID), and Colombia, where governments use biometrics to simplify access to healthcare, education, banking, and voting.