Biometric CURP: what will happen to the INE as official identification?

The executive member of the National Electoral Institute (INE) in Hidalgo, María del Refugio García López, confirmed that the biometric CURP will not replace the credential to vote with photography, since the latter continues to be essential both as official identification and to participate in electoral processes.

The official explained that the INE will continue to issue the voter credential, a fundamental document to exercise the vote and officially recognized throughout the country. “While elections are organized like the ones we held, it is necessary to have the credential to vote with photography, because it is the base document that is generated from the electoral roll and the nominal list,” García López pointed out.

LEE: Bernardo Bravo Manríquez, leader of lemon producers, is murdered

The biometric CURP and its function

The CURP with biometric data began to be implemented on July 17, 2025, and according to the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), public and private institutions had 90 calendar days (until October 16) to adopt this new format.

Although the Federal Government has clarified that the document is not mandatory for now, Article 91 Bis of the decree that modifies the General Law on Forced Disappearances indicates the following:

“The Unique Population Registration Code will be the mandatory national identification document, universally accepted and mandatory throughout the national territory, and will be available in physical and digital format.”

In addition, it establishes that all agencies, both public and private, must request the biometric CURP to carry out procedures and services.

The INE maintains your credential as an electoral document

García López stressed that the General Council of the INE has already approved a new voting credential model, which will come into force in 2026. Meanwhile, citizen service modules will continue to provide the current version free of charge.

The electoral credential will continue to be necessary so that citizens can cast their vote in federal and local elections and popular consultations, in addition to serving as official identification in any procedure.

Modernization and greater security

The representative of the INE announced that the next version of the credential will include greater security measures and accessibility elements for people with visual disabilities, with the purpose of strengthening data protection and document authenticity.

“The credential is being reinforced in every sense, and we continue with the same project, as long as there is no reform that indicates otherwise,” García López said.

What the biometric CURP includes

The new biometric CURP format complements the traditional 18 alphanumeric characters (name, sex, place of birth and nationality) with more precise identity information, such as:

• Fingerprints
• iris scan
• Full face photograph
• Electronic signature

With these elements, the CURP will become a national identity registry, although it will not replace the functions of the INE in electoral matters or its voting credentials.

LEE: Cutzamala System: Until what year is water guaranteed in CDMX?

BB