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Mexico Keeps Biometric CURP Optional as Pilots Expand

Voluntary biometric CURP pilots in three states leave traditional ID rules unchanged for the 2025–26 school year

Overview

  • Pilot modules in Mexico City, Veracruz and the State of Mexico began mid-July under a decree that gave agencies 90 days to integrate biometric systems
  • Traditional 18-character CURP remains valid for school enrollment, social services and health programs, with SEP confirming no changes to enrollment requirements
  • Biometric CURP adds fingerprints, iris scans, photographs and electronic signatures to strengthen digital identity and aid missing-persons investigations
  • Nationwide voluntary registration opens October 16 through 145 RENAPO modules, civil registries, SEGOB offices and the Llave MX platform
  • Agencies must complete system upgrades by mid-October ahead of a February 2026 mandate or face fines of 10,000–20,000 UMAs for noncompliance