Mexico's Mandatory Cell Phone Registration: What Expats Need to Know

Mexico has introduced new regulations requiring all cell phone users to register their lines with official identification. This affects everyone... including expats. Do you have questions about how this impacts you?

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Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Introduction:

If you have a Mexican cell phone number, you need to pay attention. Starting January 9, 2026, Mexico now requires all cell phone lines to be linked to official identification. This new mandate affects an estimated 137 million mobile lines across the country—and that includes the phones of American and Canadian expats living in Mexico.

The regulation was passed as part of a broader telecommunications reform aimed at combating extortion, kidnapping, and phone-based fraud. However, it has also sparked significant controversy over privacy concerns and data security. Whether you're a long-time resident or just arrived with a tourist visa, here's everything you need to know.

*For more information on cell phone plans in Mexico, read our guide on best cell phone plans for living in Mexico.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Key Dates:

Here are the critical deadlines you need to know:

– Registration Period –

The mandatory registration window opened on January 9, 2026. All existing cell phone users must register their lines by June 29, 2026 (some sources indicate June 30). You have approximately six months to complete this process.

– What Happens If You Don't Register? –

If you fail to register your line by the deadline, your cell phone service will be suspended on July 1, 2026. This isn't a fine or a warning—your phone simply stops working for calls, texts, and data until you complete the registration process.

– New Lines –

Any new cell phone line activated after January 9, 2026 must be registered at the point of sale. You cannot purchase a new Mexican SIM card without providing identification.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – What You Need:

The documents required depend on your immigration status in Mexico:

– For Mexican Citizens and Permanent Residents –

If you are a Mexican citizen or have Mexican citizenship, you will need:

• Your CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población) – Mexico's unique population registry code
• A photo ID such as your INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral) voter card or passport

– For Foreign Residents with a CURP –

If you are an expat with temporary or permanent residency and have obtained a CURP, you will need:

• Your CURP
• Your passport or Mexican residency card

– For Tourists and Those Without a CURP –

This is where things get complicated. If you are a tourist or a foreigner without a CURP, the regulation technically requires registration, but the mechanism for doing so remains unclear. Some carriers may accept a passport alone, but this is not guaranteed.

*If you're planning to stay in Mexico long-term, we recommend obtaining residency. Learn more about Mexico's immigration policy and how Mexico is cracking down on visas.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – How to Register by Carrier:

Each major carrier has set up dedicated registration portals. Here's how to register with the four main providers:

– Telcel –

Telcel is Mexico's largest carrier. To register your line:

1. Visit telcel.com/vinculatulinea
2. Enter your phone number
3. Provide your CURP and photo ID
4. Complete biometric verification (selfie for remote registration)

You can also register in person at any Telcel Customer Service Center (CAC).

– AT&T México –

For AT&T users:

1. Visit att.com.mx/vinculartulinea
2. Follow the prompts to enter your information
3. Submit your CURP and ID documentation

AT&T stores can also process registrations in person.

– Movistar –

Movistar customers should:

1. Visit movistar.com.mx/vinculatulinea
2. Complete the online registration form
3. Provide required documentation

– BAIT (Altán Redes) –

If you use BAIT or a carrier on the Altán Redes network:

1. Visit rnu.altanredes.com/bait/vinculatulinea
2. Complete the registration process

*Note: If you register remotely online, you may be required to complete biometric verification, including taking a selfie that matches your ID photo. In-person registration at carrier stores may be simpler for some users.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Why Is This Happening?

The Mexican government argues this registration is necessary to combat serious crimes. According to official statements, phone-based extortion has become a massive problem in Mexico. In the first half of 2025 alone, over 6,000 people reported being victims of telephone extortion.

The logic is straightforward: if every phone number is tied to a verified identity, criminals can no longer use anonymous "burner phones" to commit crimes without being traced.

However, critics point out that this logic hasn't worked in practice—anywhere.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – A History of Failed Attempts:

This is actually Mexico's third attempt at mandatory cell phone registration. The previous two failed spectacularly:

– RENAUT (2008-2012) –

Mexico's first cell phone registry, called RENAUT, was launched in 2008. It required users to register their phone numbers with their CURP. The registry collected data on approximately 80 million lines.

The result? The database was hacked and sold on the black market for as little as $500 USD. Instead of helping police catch criminals, it became a shopping list for extortionists who now had verified names and addresses linked to phone numbers. RENAUT was quietly abandoned in 2012.

– PANAUT (2021) –

In 2021, the government tried again with the National Mobile Telephony Users Registry (PANAUT). This version required biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition.

Digital rights organization R3D and others challenged the law, and in 2022, Mexico's Supreme Court struck it down as unconstitutional, citing privacy violations.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Privacy Concerns:

The digital rights organization R3D (Red en Defensa de los Derechos Digitales) has been vocal in opposing this mandate. Their concerns include:

• Mass surveillance infrastructure: Linking every phone to an identity creates a database that can be used for tracking citizens
• Data security risks: Mexico has a poor track record with data protection. In 2025 alone, both AT&T México and Telmex suffered data breaches
• No evidence it works: According to research by the GSMA (the global mobile industry association), only 17-18 countries require biometric SIM registration, and there is no evidence these registries reduce crime

Multiple individuals have already filed legal challenges against the new regulation, and some courts have granted injunctions (called amparos in Spanish) allowing certain people to avoid registration while their cases proceed.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – What About Sheinbaum's "Voluntary" Comments?

Here's where things get confusing. In August 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum stated publicly that the biometric CURP would not be "obligatory" for institutions. Many interpreted this as meaning the phone registration was voluntary.

It's not. The cell phone registration mandate comes from the Federal Telecommunications Law (Ley Federal de Telecomunicaciones), not from a presidential decree. Regardless of what Sheinbaum said about voluntary enrollment in other contexts, the phone registration is mandatory and carries real consequences (service suspension) for non-compliance.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Options for Tourists:

If you're a tourist visiting Mexico without a CURP, you have several options:

– International eSIM Services –

Services like Airalo, Holafly, and others offer eSIM plans that work in Mexico without requiring local registration. These connect through roaming agreements and bypass the Mexican carrier registration requirement entirely.

– Keep Your Home Country Plan –

Many US and Canadian carriers offer international roaming packages for Mexico. While more expensive, this avoids the registration issue altogether.

– Short-Term Risk –

If you're only visiting for a few weeks before the June deadline, your existing prepaid SIM should continue working. However, after July 1, 2026, unregistered lines will be suspended.

– Consider Residency –

If you plan to spend significant time in Mexico, obtaining temporary or permanent residency will give you access to a CURP and make the registration process straightforward.

Cell Phone Registration in Mexico – Conclusion:

Mexico's new cell phone registration mandate is real, and the deadline is approaching. If you have a Mexican phone number and plan to keep using it, you need to register before June 29, 2026, or face service suspension.

For expats with residency and a CURP, the process is relatively straightforward—just visit your carrier's registration portal or a local store. For tourists and those without proper documentation, the situation is murkier, and international eSIM services may be the best alternative.

Whether this regulation will actually reduce crime—or simply create another database waiting to be hacked—remains to be seen. Mexico's track record with these registries isn't encouraging. But for now, compliance is the only way to keep your phone working.

*For more tips on living in Mexico, check out our secret tips you need to know before moving to Mexico and our guide on safety in Mexico.

External Sources:

• Mexico News Daily – Cell users in Mexico must link phones to official ID
• Yucatán Magazine – Mexico Bans Burner Phones: A Guide to the New 2026 Mobile Registry
• GSMA – Mandatory Registration of Prepaid SIMs
• Global Network Initiative – Expanding State Surveillance in Mexico

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