The Government of Mexico has decided to update the identity document of its citizens. The Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) goes from its classic 18-character format to become a biometric document which incorporates fingerprints, facial photography, electronic signature and even iris scanning. The change is no small feat, since it affects the entire population. And that is precisely why there have also been certain doubts about its implementation.
What exactly is biometric CURP. The CURP is the personal identifier that the Mexican State assigns to each citizen and resident of the country. In its traditional version, it was simply an alphanumeric key printed on paper. This new biometric version maintains this, but now also includes a photograph of the holder, electronic signature, QR code with cryptographic authentication and, in most cases, iris registration. Management is carried out by the National Population Registry (RENAPO).
What is it for and what problem does it seek to solve. The Government of Claudia Sheinbaum has placed the fight against disappearances in Mexico as one of the main arguments to promote this new measure. By integrating biometric data into the ‘Single Identity Platform’, authorities will be able to carry out identity searches and validations on site, connecting the RENAPO bases with the National Forensic Data Bank and with records from institutions such as the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) or state intelligence bodies.
Beyond that, the document also seeks to combat identity theft, reduce the proliferation of falsified documents and simplify procedures such as opening bank accounts, accessing health services, applying for a passport or school registrations.
What data does it collect and how does the document look like? Citizens have to appear at the Civil Registry, and the process usually takes between 20 and 30 minutes. During that time, ten fingerprints, a scan of the iris of both eyes, a photo, and the applicant’s digital signature are taken. The document is issued in physical and digital format, and includes the usual personal data (name, date and place of birth, sex, nationality) along with the new biometric elements and a QR code that gives encrypted access to all that information. As the Government assures, the document is valid both nationally and internationally.
Who should process it and when. The decree establishes that the biometric CURP will be mandatory for all Mexican citizens and legal residents. However, its implementation is being gradual. The measure came into force last Octoberwith a pilot phase that involved Mexico City, the State of Mexico and Veracruz, and since then the expansion has reached other regions, including Jalisco, Nuevo León, Querétaro and Tlalnepantla.
According to RENAPO, from October 2025 145 modules operate throughout the country. Starting this month of February, this document will be requested for certain government and private services. Although the traditional CURP will continue to be valid during this transition period, public institutions and banks will progressively require the biometric version for new procedures or data updates.
What documents do you have to bring? The process is in person, free and is carried out only once. To attend the module, you must present:
- Original birth certificate or certified copy
- Valid official identification with photograph (INE, passport or professional ID; for minors, school ID)
- Validated traditional CURP
- Proof of address no older than three months
- personal email
According to the authorities, in the case of minors, they must be accompanied by their mother, father or legal guardian.
Where is it processed? The enabled modules include RENAPO offices, Civil Registry offices, the CURP Mobile service and itinerant modules installed in schools and community centers. The institution recommends managing the prior appointment through the official website from RENAPO.
Issues. Despite the official argument to implement the measure, the project has not been without criticism. The fact of being obliged to transfer biometric data to the State (fingerprints, irises, photographs) has generated discomfort among citizens, especially those who fear improper use of this information or an expansion of mass surveillance. The decree establishes that the data will be stored under strict security protocols and with audited access in accordance with the General Law on Protection of Personal Data, although the real effectiveness of these guarantees is, reasonably, a matter of debate.
From GQ Mexico express that some citizens do not feel comfortable providing information of this nature to the Government, although others consider that it is not new given the level of personal data that already circulates on the Internet.
What happens if it is not processed. There are no economic sanctions if a citizen does not request the biometric CURP, but there are practical consequencesespecially in terms of blocking access to certain services. And those who do not have it when it is required may see their request rejected in public or banking procedures, longer waits in administrative procedures or incompatibilities in digital identity records.
How to check if you already have it. To know if the biometric registration has already been processed, simply access the official portal of the CURP. If the receipt shows “CURP Biometric – Verified with RENAPO and Civil Registry”, the record is already updated. You can also go directly to any Civil Registry or RENAPO module to confirm it in person.
Cover image | SEGOB and Onur Binay
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