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Mexico Rolls Out Voluntary Biometric CURP in Pilot Modules

This change could affect access to health, banking and government digital services.

Overview

  • As of May 28, 2026 the Registro Nacional de Población (RENAPO) is running a consent-based pilot for the biometric CURP and officials say no immediate fines, cancellations or service blocks will be imposed for nonparticipation.
  • The biometric CURP records a high-resolution facial photo, ten fingerprints, iris scans for both eyes and a digital autograph signature during an in-person capture that typically takes about 30 minutes.
  • Citizens must book a free appointment through RENAPO and bring original documents such as a certified birth certificate, a valid photo ID, proof of address and the traditional CURP; INAPAM cards are accepted as part of the file but staff may request an additional official ID in some cases.
  • Availability is limited to pilot modules in selected locations — including RENAPO’s Mexico City office and Registro Civil sites reported in Michoacán, Veracruz and Zacatecas — so access depends on state-by-state rollout.
  • Authorities and analysts warn that over time the biometric CURP is likely to be linked to platforms such as Llave MX and to health, banking and social-program systems, which could make the updated CURP effectively necessary for some services and create exclusion risks for people who do not enroll.