CURP stands for Clave Única de Registro de Población. It is an 18-character alphanumeric code used to uniquely identify Mexican citizens and foreign residents in Mexico.
Think of it as your personal identification number within Mexico’s government systems.
Who Gets a CURP?
Mexican citizens receive a CURP, and foreigners with Temporary or Permanent Residency are also assigned one.
If you’re a foreign resident, you don’t need to apply for one separately. INM automatically assigns your CURP as part of the residency process, and it appears on your Temporary or Permanent Resident Card.
What Is Your CURP Used For?
Your CURP is used for many common transactions in Mexico, including
Opening a bank account or applying for a mortgage or other credit
Getting a Mexican driver’s license or registering a vehicle
Applying for your RFC (Mexican tax ID)
Enrolling in IMSS or completing certain healthcare-related procedures
Starting a job, including employment and payroll registration
Enrolling in a school or university
Applying for certain government programs and benefits
Receiving packages or purchases from abroad, as your CURP may be requested to identify you for Mexican customs clearance
Where Can You Find Your CURP?
Your CURP appears on your Temporary or Permanent Resident Card.
You can also look it up and download an official copy at www.gob.mx/curp.
Some government offices and businesses may ask for the downloadable CURP document rather than just the number on your residency card.
What about the New Biometric CURP?
Mexico is transitioning to a biometric version of the CURP that incorporates fingerprints and a photograph.
Under changes to Mexico’s General Population Law, the biometric CURP will serve as the country’s national identification document in both physical and digital formats.
Temporary and Permanent Residents already receive a CURP through INM, but exactly how existing foreign residents will transition to the biometric version – and what additional steps they may need to take – has not yet been made completely clear.
For foreign residents, however, the implementation is still important to watch.
Mexico is transitioning to a biometric version of the CURP that incorporates fingerprints and a photograph.
Under changes to Mexico’s General Population Law, the biometric CURP will serve as the country’s national identification document in both physical and digital formats.
Temporary and Permanent Residents already receive a CURP through INM, but what the transition to the biometric version will look like for existing foreign residents is still unclear…including whether they will need to take any additional steps.
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