CURP

Your CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) is similar to an American SSN or Canadian SIN. Your CURP ID number is usually on the front of your Temporary or Permanent Resident visa. Your CURP may be printed out at the link below. Once into the website, when you know your CURP number, select “Clave Unica de Registro de Poblacion” and where it says “Ingresa tu Curp” enter your CURP number and then select “BUSCAR”. It will download and you may print out your CURP page.

If you do not know your CURP number select “Datos Personales”. There are times you may have a number and not be aware you do. Insert your first and second name where it says Nombre(s) and last name where it says Primer apellido. Then insert birth date, month, year. Finally, in the drop-down box in the list of states at the bottom select “NACIDO EN EL EXTRANJERO”. Then select “BUSCAR”. Your CURP will download and you may print out it out.

Your may check and print your CURP here.

Biometric CURP

As of October 16, 2025 Mexico will start issuing biometric CURP. The reform allows the CURP to serve as a more robust official identification document, with mandatory registration for school enrollment beginning November 14, 2025. At this time not many offices provide this service and it is not mandatory at this time. However, the conventional CURP will cease to be accepted for procedures and services that require identification. There is no cost.

A biometric CURP will be needed for things such as registering for government social programs, completing banking procedures, enrolling in educational institutes and accessing medical care in the public health system. In time, it may also be used to validate individuals’ identities to access government websites.

Your biometric CURP will have date of birth, sex, place of birth, digital signature, nationality, fingerprints, iris scan, electronic signature and the owner’s digital photograph.

Temporary and Permanent residents will need a birth certificate with an apostille to apply for the biometric CURP.

Children will also be able to obtain a biometric CURP, provided they apply for one in the company of a parent or legal guardian.

How to Obtain Biometric CURP:

1. Visit a designated office: This may be at Registro Civil offices or other relevant government locations. Application may also be made online via Llave MX website.  
2. Provide required documents: You will need to present your official personal information and documents, such as your birth certificate or naturalization records. 
3. Undergo biometric collection: Your fingerprints, facial image, and iris scans will be collected. 
4. Receive your Biometric CURP: A new card containing your CURP code, photograph, and bound to your biometric data will be issued. 

In San Miguel, please contact Joanna Francis to assist.

​RFC 

RFC Tax ID Number.

Registro Federal de Contribuyentes is a personal tax identification number. This is equivalent to Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in the US. The federal government is requiring every resident of Mexico age 18 and older to register with SAT and obtain an RFC, regardless of income or tax status. This is an attempt to control corruption and money laundering. It is usually required for transactions such as opening a bank account, earning income paid in Mexico; collecting rent as a landlord; selling property; obtaining Starlink satellite Internet; purchasing a vehicle; signing up for utilities; receiving items sent by courier and from suppliers such as Amazon when the items are coming from outside of Mexico. A tourist is not able to have a RFC meaning doing those processes is becoming limited for a tourist.

RFC is issued by SAT, the equivalent of IRS or Revenue Canada. To obtain your RFC you will need to request an appointment online. You will receive an email weeks later informing you of your appointment time. You must reply to that email within 24 hours or your appointment will be cancelled. For assistance in San Miguel de Allende, please email Joanna Francis who is part of my team. For your appointment please bring USB, resident card, printout out of your CURP and proof of address in anyone’s name. You then go in person to your local SAT office.

When an RFC belongs to a person, it has 13 characters. It is structured as follows:

• Four letters from the person’s legal name
  • First letter and first internal vowel of the paternal surname
    • If the paternal surname does not have a first internal vowel, the second letter of the paternal surname is used.
    • If the person does not have a second surname, first two letters of the paternal surname are used.
  • First letter of the maternal surname
    • If the person does not have a second surname, the first letter of the given name is used.
  • First letter of the given name
    • If the person does not have a second surname, the second letter of the given name is used.
• The individual’s six-digit birth date in YYMMDD format
• A three-digit checksum assigned by SAT.

RFC doesn’t expire but the electronic signature does expire after 4 years. It is renewed at a SAT office requiring your ID, residency card, an USB and proof of address. The document of the e-signature states the expiry date

In addition, Temporary and Permanent Residents, as well as citizens over the age of 18 will require a Constancia. This has a QR code and it provides proof of your being current with your taxes with SAT. This document contains key information on taxpayers with which their economic activity can be identified and validated.

SAT WEBSITE CLICK HERE

​Receiving International Parcels 

When receiving parcels from outside of Mexico you will be required to provide a CURP (equivalent to a SSN in the US or SIN in Canada) and / or a RFC tax identification number. Often the requirement must be a personal RFC as explained on my web site. Without such a number your item may not clear Aduana (Customs). As this change becomes enforced that will prevent tourists and those who have residency but no RFC from receiving parcels from outside of Mexico.

A CURP is issued by Immigration when a person receives their temporary or permanent resident card. An RFC is issued later by SAT which is the taxation office and it requires attending in person. I have people who will assist with RFC in San Miguel. Please email me. soniamexico@outlook.com