Mexico’s Biometric CURP Is Optional, Govt Confirms

Mexico City, Mexico — The implementation of the biometric CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) will not be mandatory for Mexican citizens, confirmed the Secretariat of the Interior (Segob) through Arturo Arce Vargas, head of the National Population Registry (Renapo). The new document, which will include a photograph, fingerprints, and iris scans, will be available starting October 16 and will be processed voluntarily and free of charge.

Biometric CURP Will Not Replace Existing Documents

Additionally, Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez emphasized that the new CURP will not replace the INE (National Electoral Institute) voter ID card, nor will it be required as the sole form of identification. While government agencies must accept it as a valid ID, its use remains at the discretion of citizens.

Currently, 97% of Mexicans already possess a traditional CURP. The innovation lies in the inclusion of biometric data, which will only be collected with explicit consent. The government also announced the installation of 145 physical processing centers nationwide and the option to complete the procedure online via the "Llave MX" platform.

Government Aims to Strengthen Records and Missing Persons Search

This measure is part of a broader strategy to strengthen identity verification from birth and improve mechanisms for locating missing persons. By October 15, 2025, the government must publish the new Regulations for the Search Law and update the Homologated Search Protocol (PHB), incorporating security and protection criteria for affected families.

President Claudia Sheinbaum reiterated that there will be no obligation to provide biometric data. "We certainly believe it is important, especially to support victims of violence and missing persons, but it will be each individual’s decision," she concluded.