Introduction to the INE’s Biometric Identity Card Update
The National Registry of Population and Identity (Registro Nacional de Población e Identidad, or RNP), under the Secretaría de Gobernación, has begun collecting facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans for those wishing to complement their CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población). Due to limited capacity, this service is currently available at only around fifty modules located in the 31 state capitals and Mexico City.
Current Requirements for CURP
To obtain the identity document, individuals must present their birth certificate, a certified CURP, and an official ID with photograph. For most citizens over 18, this official ID is the voter credential.
Existing Biometric Data Integration
The Mexican passport issued by the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores and some federal state driving licenses already include biometric data. However, the voter credential issued by the INE since a decade ago has integrated these details into its current format.
Recent Developments and Approvals
On July 21, the National Surveillance Commission recommended to the General Council that they approve the updated model, which was delayed due to budget cuts imposed on the autonomous body under the republican austerity measures since December 2018.
The Registro Federal Electoral Commission followed the recommendation and proposed adopting a reinforced digital identification and security technology, which was approved by the electoral councilors on August 7.
Innovative Features of the New Credential
In 2019, the INE awarded a contract for the voter credential design with parameters introducing high-density 2D barcode technology. This allows compressed and encrypted storage of personal and biometric information, facilitating verification even without internet access.
To ensure document authenticity and protect citizens’ personal data, the new credential model incorporates innovative elements: thermocromic or infrarred ink, microtext, high-resolution design, traditional barcodes, and rapid-read elements that effectively identify citizens using a consecutive number. Additionally, there’s a tactile element for visually impaired individuals and an option to conceal the address if desired by the user.
The bidding terms mandate using proven materials—Teslin and Mylar—with a minimum 10-year lifespan and production viability, as in the current model.
Public Bidding for Credential Production
Through its materials and services directorate, the INE issued a public international bidding (LP-INE-033/2025) to assign a multiannual contract (2026-2031) for producing the voter credential. On Friday, August 6, bidders attended the clarification board, and on Thursday, August 13, the sealed bids containing proposals that meet technical criteria for printing 96.3 million credential layers over the quinquennium will be opened. The decision will be communicated in writing on December 3.
Side Note: UAM Xochimilco Rector Succession
SUCESIÓN: UAM Xochimilco Awaits New Rector
The UAM Xochimilco is awaiting the appointment of its new rector. The shortlist consists of three candidates with the most community support: Rafael Bojalil Parra (817 votes), Rafael Díaz García (787 votes), and María Angélica Buendía Espinosa (572 votes).
¿SUBVERSIVOS?: La Libertad de Vuelta Encounter at the Colegio Nacional
The Colegio Nacional will host La Libertad de Vuelta, an event organized by Letras Libres magazine and Grupo Salinas to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Octavio Paz’s seminar. Speakers include Ian Buruma, José Ramón Cossío Díaz, Carlos Elizondo Mayer-Serra, Laura Flamand, Gisela Kozak Rovero, Ivan Krastev, León Krauze, José María Lassalle, Mark Lilla, Celeste Marcus, David Rieff, and Leon Wieseltier.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the National Registry of Population and Identity (RNP)? The RNP, under the Secretaría de Gobernación, is responsible for managing and updating Mexico’s population registry and identity documents.
- What information is being collected for the updated CURP? Facial images, fingerprints, and iris scans are being gathered to complement the CURP.
- What documents are needed to obtain the identity document? Individuals must present their birth certificate, a certified CURP, and an official ID with photograph.
- Which existing documents already include biometric data? The Mexican passport and some federal state driving licenses contain biometric information.
- What innovative features does the new credential have? The new credential incorporates thermocromic or infrared ink, microtext, high-resolution design, traditional barcodes, rapid-read elements, a tactile element for visually impaired individuals, and an address concealment option.
- When will the new credential be produced? A public international bidding process is underway to assign a multiannual contract for producing the new credential from 2026 to 2031.
- Who are the candidates for UAM Xochimilco’s rector position? The candidates are Rafael Bojalil Parra, Rafael Díaz García, and María Angélica Buendía Espinosa.
- Who are the speakers at La Libertad de Vuelta? The speakers include Ian Buruma, José Ramón Cossío Díaz, Carlos Elizondo Mayer-Serra, Laura Flamand, Gisela Kozak Rovero, Ivan Krastev, León Krauze, José María Lassalle, Mark Lilla, Celeste Marcus, David Rieff, and Leon Wieseltier.
