Mexico’s Cell Phone Registration: Dates and Requirements

Mexico — The mandatory registration of mobile phone lines in Mexico will formally begin on January 9, 2026, with a 120-business-day deadline, making the final date to complete the process June 29, 2026.

Authorities have warned that once this period expires, lines not linked to a fully identified owner will be suspended, remaining enabled only for emergency calls and citizen services.

Registration Applies to All Companies

According to guidelines approved by the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT), registration will be mandatory for all mobile phone companies in the country, without distinction between operators.

The measure aims to combat crimes such as fraud, extortion, and identity theft, which are often committed using unidentified numbers. In this context, El Economista highlighted that the public policy seeks to reinforce digital security and the traceability of mobile communications.

How Will Cell Phone Registration Be Conducted in Mexico?

Users must go to their telephone provider or complete the process remotely, depending on the options enabled by each company.

Step 1: Verify If Your Line Must Be Registered

Registration is mandatory for all mobile lines, without exception:

• Prepaid
• Rate plan
• Physical SIM
• eSIM

It applies to both individuals and legal entities (companies).

Step 2: Gather Necessary Documents

Individuals

• Valid official identification (INE or passport)
• CURP

Legal Entities (Companies)

• RFC
• Documentation of the legal representative (according to operator)

Step 3: Choose Registration Method

Option A: In-Person Registration

• Go to a Customer Service Center of your operator (Telcel, AT&T, Movistar, among others).
• Present official identification and CURP.
• The provider must display the privacy notice, in accordance with personal data protection law.
• Identity and CURP will be validated with the National Population Registry.

If validation is successful:

• The line will be linked to the owner.
• A folio with date and time will be generated.
• All services will be enabled.

Option B: Online Registration (Remote)

• Enter the digital platform of your operator.
• Accept the privacy notice and terms of use.
• Upload a valid official identification.
• Complete a liveness test (selfie or video).
• The system will validate your CURP.

If the process is approved:

• The line will be registered.
• You will receive a confirmation folio.

Important: Each line will have up to three validation attempts. If the process fails, it must be completed in person.

Step 4: Confirm Your Line Is Registered

• Keep the folio.
• Verify that calls, messages, and data work without restrictions.
• Check the status in your operator’s app or portal.

What Happens with New Lines?

Authorities clarified that those who acquire new physical SIM cards or eSIMs will only be able to make emergency calls until completing the linking process.

Service suspension does not imply permanent loss of the number, which can be reactivated once registration is completed.

Challenges of the New Cell Phone Registration

With the implementation of this measure, the government seeks to establish stricter control over the use of mobile lines in the country. Specialists warn that the main challenge will be guaranteeing the protection of personal data and avoiding impacts on users who fail to complete the process within the established deadline.