Introduction
Starting January 9, all mobile phone lines in Mexico must be associated with a physical person or legal entity to combat fraud, extortion, kidnapping, human trafficking, and other illicit activities. This measure aims to eliminate the anonymity that allows telecommunications services to be used for criminal acts.
Who is Affected?
Previously, only postpaid mobile phone users (those with a contract for a defined period) had to comply. Now, this requirement extends to all devices used across the nation, impacting an estimated 83% of the market, which consists mainly of prepaid lines.
What Happens if You Don’t Register?
If a user fails to register their number within 120 business days (by June 2026), their service will be suspended. However, the number won’t be lost; it can be recovered once the user’s data is linked.
How to Register
The registration process is straightforward and can be done either in-person at telephony centers or online through each mobile service provider’s line management platform.
Identity Verification
To verify the identity of physical persons, a valid official identification with a photograph and CURP validation through the National Registry of Population (Renapo) is required.
CURP Biométrica: Necessary or Not?
Some companies, like Telcel (Mexico’s largest mobile operator), require this new identification for registration. However, it isn’t strictly necessary.
Telcel’s Requirements
Telcel announced it will start the registration process on January 7, 2026. Users have until June 29 to complete the process. After this date, all unlinked lines will be suspended until linked.
Telcel customers need to present their CURP biométrica for official identification and line registration. However, other documents like the voter credential (INE) or passport can also be used.
What is CURP Biométrica?
The CURP biométrica is an advanced version of the traditional CURP, containing 18 alphanumeric characters and personal data (name, sex, birthplace, and nationality) along with biometric information like fingerprints, iris scan, full-face photograph, and electronic signature.
The CURP biométrica became effective on July 17. Public and private institutions were given 90 natural days to adopt it, which ended on October 16.
President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the CURP biométrica is optional. However, Article 91 Bis of the Decree reforming the General Law on Forced Disappearance of Persons, Forced Disappearance by Private Individuals, and the National System for the Search for Persons published in the DOF on July 16 mandates that the CURP biométrica will be the obligatory national identification document, accepted universally and mandatory across Mexico in both physical and digital formats.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the purpose of this new registration process? The goal is to eliminate anonymity in telecommunications services to prevent criminal activities.
- Which mobile phone users are affected? Initially, only postpaid users were required to register. Now, all prepaid users must comply.
- What happens if I don’t register my line? Your service will be suspended after 120 business days, but the number can be recovered once linked to your data.
- How do I register my line? You can register in-person at telephony centers or online through your service provider’s platform.
- Is CURP biométrica necessary for registration? While not strictly required, some companies like Telcel request it. Other documents such as the voter credential (INE) or passport can also be used.
- What is CURP biométrica? It’s an advanced version of the traditional CURP containing biometric data like fingerprints, iris scan, full-face photograph, and electronic signature.
- When did CURP biométrica become effective? It became effective on July 17, with a 90-day transition period ending on October 16.
- Is CURP biométrica mandatory? Although Article 91 Bis of the Decree states it will be obligatory, President Claudia Sheinbaum has described it as optional.
