On January 9, 2026, Mexico enacted a major legal reform under the General Law of the National Public Security System. This law mandates that every active cell phone line in the country be verifiably linked to the identity of its user.
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For the estimated 137 million lines in Mexico—including those held by foreign residents, investors, and tourists—this is not an administrative suggestion. It is a legal requirement with a hard deadline and concrete penalties for non-compliance.
This Lorad Law guide cuts through the noise. We provide the precise, actionable information foreign nationals and business owners need to comply, protect their data, and avoid service disruption.
What is the 2026 Mexico Cell Phone Registry Law?
The “Guidelines for the Identification of Mobile Telephone Lines” were published in Mexico’s Official Gazette in December 2025. The stated legal objective is to combat crimes like extortion and fraud conducted via anonymous lines.
For you, the user, the obligation is simple: Prove ownership of your Mexican cell number with a government ID. Failure to do so is a violation of this federal regulation, resulting in the suspension of your telecommunications service.
Phone Registry Deadlines: What Happens If You Miss Them
The law establishes clear deadlines based on when your line was activated. Missing them results in immediate service suspension.
- For Existing Lines: You must register by June 30, 2026.
- For New Lines (activated on or after Jan. 9, 2026): You must register within 30 days of activation.
- The Penalty for Non-Compliance: Any unregistered line will be suspended starting July 1, 2026. You will lose the ability to call, text, or use mobile data. Service will only be restored upon registration. Lines that remain inactive may be permanently cancelled.
This deadline is non-negotiable. Treat it with the same urgency as a legal or tax filing.
Required Documents by Immigration Status
Your required documents are defined by your official immigration status in Mexico. Use the table below.
| Your Legal Status in Mexico | Documents Required for Registration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist / Short-Term Visitor | Valid Passport | A CURP is not required. Registration is part of new SIM activation. |
| Temporary Resident | 1. Valid Passport 2. CURP | Your CURP is mandatory. Ensure your residency card is valid. |
| Permanent Resident | 1. Valid Passport 2. CURP | Your CURP is mandatory. |
| Mexican Citizen | 1. CURP 2. Valid Photo ID (INE/Voter ID or Passport) | Registration uses your existing national identification. |
| Company-Owned Phone | 1. Company RFC 2. Employee’s Personal ID & CURP | Dual requirement: company RFC for the account, and individual ID link for each number. |
If you are a resident and do not have a CURP, you must obtain one immediately.
💡 Learn what a CURP is and how to obtain one.
The Registration Process – Legal Safeguards
You have two options, each with specific legal safeguards.
- In-Person at a Carrier Center:
- Bring original ID documents (passport, residency card).
- Provide your CURP.
- An attendant will record your details and take your photograph.
- Online via Official Carrier Portals:
- Only use your carrier’s official website (e.g.,
telcel.com/vinculatulinea). - You will upload a photo of your passport and a live selfie for biometric verification.
- This biometric step is part of a larger trend in Mexico towards verified digital identity. Learn more about the government’s mandatory Biometric CURP (Digital ID) system.
- LEGAL WARNING: Carriers will send reminder SMS. DO NOT CLICK LINKS IN THESE OR ANY UNSOLICITED TEXTS. Scam sites designed to steal your data are a major risk. Always navigate directly to the carrier’s official site.
- Only use your carrier’s official website (e.g.,
For Foreign Residents: Secure Your Legal Footprint
This registry highlights a critical reality for foreign nationals: your legal identity in Mexico (CURP, residency status) is the foundation for all compliance.
If you do not have your residency or CURP in order, this phone law is just the first of many administrative hurdles you will face. Our immigration lawyers specialize in securing your legal status. Contact our team to regularize your residency and CURP.
Compliance for Companies in Mexico
If your business operates in Mexico and provides phones, you carry direct legal responsibility.
- You must ensure the company’s RFC is linked to the account.
- You must facilitate and verify that each employee registers their assigned number with their personal ID.
- Failure to do so can lead to operational disruption and liability.
👉🏼 Our business law team ensures your company meets all Mexican regulatory requirements. Explore our business compliance services.
FAQ CURP 2026
I am a tourist with a local Mexican SIM card. Do I need to register?
Yes. If activated on or after January 9, 2026, registration is part of activation. Use your passport. If you have an older active tourist SIM, you must register it by June 30.
What happens if I don’t register my phone by June 30, 2026?
Your line will be suspended on July 1. You will lose all calling, texting, and data services until you register. The line may eventually be cancelled.
I am a foreign resident but I don’t have a CURP. What should I do?
You must obtain one. It is mandatory for resident registration. This is a core part of formalizing your legal status in Mexico.
Is it safe to register online? I’m worried about scams and data privacy.
Only register through your carrier’s official website. Do not click SMS links. Carrier data handling is governed by Mexico’s Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data. For higher-security processes, Mexico is moving towards a mandatory Biometric CURP (Digital ID) system.
My company provides phones to employees in Mexico. What are our obligations?
Your company must link the account to its RFC and ensure each employee’s number is linked to their personal ID and CURP. This is a corporate legal duty.
Ensure Your Full Legal Compliance in Mexico
The 2026 Cell Phone Registry is one piece of a complex legal landscape. For foreign nationals, navigating Mexican law requires expert, bilingual guidance.
At Lorad Law, we don’t just explain rules—we ensure your full compliance. From securing your residency and CURP, to forming your company, to closing on your property, we are your dedicated legal partner in the Riviera Maya.
Don’t let regulatory complexity risk your investment or peace of mind.