The CURP, first introduced in 1996, is an 18-character alphanumeric code used for tax filings, school registrations, passport applications, and other official transactions. Until recently, its adoption was voluntary, allowing citizens and residents to opt into its use. The recent legislative amendment, approved last month and formalized through a decree, mandates its use for all Mexicans, with a gradual rollout expected to be completed by February 2026.

According to the Biometric Update, the Ministry of the Interior and the Digital Transformation Agency are tasked with creating a Unified Identity Platform within 90 days, while public and private institutions must update their systems to recognize the new identifier. Additionally, a national program to collect biometric data from children and adolescents is set to begin within 120 days.