Is a CURP required for a SIM card in Mexico? If the new legislation proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum is passed, you will be required to produce your CURP certificate and a valid ID to purchase a physical SIM card in Mexico.

Why has this new legislation been proposed?

Table of Contents

1 Why has this new legislation been proposed?
2 Mexico is Getting Tough on Cyber Crimes
3 Is a CURP Required for a SIM Card In Mexico?
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In the new era of connectivity, phone SIM cards have become an essential communication tool. However, their indiscriminate and often anonymous use has also made them an ideal vehicle for committing fraud, extortion, and online scams.

In Mexico, security authorities have warned about the increasing use of these devices by criminal groups to carry out illicit activities without leaving a trace. The anonymity offered by some phone lines, particularly those acquired without identity verification, has created fertile ground for digital crime.

A significant number of reported frauds—where phone communications serve as the first point of contact—involve victims receiving calls from supposed banks, government institutions, or even relatives in distress, all aiming to extract personal data or money transfers.

Many of these calls originate from numbers associated with prepaid SIM cards purchased without requiring official identification, complicating efforts to trace the perpetrators.

The phone SIM card, a tiny yet powerful piece, can be the entry point for digital crimes affecting thousands of people each year. As communication technologies advance, so too must security and verification policies.

However, it seems that crime is currently winning this “race,” as there’s an alarming black market for SIM cards already registered with false or stolen identities. These lines are resold to scammers who use them to operate anonymously, making it difficult to investigate and prosecute crimes.

Mexico is Getting Tough on Cyber Crimes

According to cybersecurity specialists, criminal networks purchase large quantities of phone SIM cards for operations involving phishing, identity theft, extortion, and even virtual kidnappings.

Amid growing concerns around privacy and digital crime, President Claudia Sheinbaum recently announced a federal legislative proposal aimed at curbing anonymous phone use. The plan, introduced in early 2025, would require all mobile phone SIM cards to be registered using the holder’s Unique Population Registry Code (CURP) and official identification.

“To buy a phone SIM card, you must provide your CURP along with your identification. This is essentially a security issue; it has nothing to do with anything else,” Sheinbaum said during a press conference. She further explained that criminals often change SIM cards constantly to avoid being identified: “They use different SIM cards that they keep switching out on the phone,” she noted.

The measure is designed to combat fraud, extortion, and other crimes committed using anonymous mobile lines by enhancing traceability and accountability in mobile communications.

What’s the status of the proposal?

As of now, this proposal has not yet been enacted into law. It is currently under legislative review, and providing a CURP to purchase a SIM card is not mandatory. That said, the initiative reflects a broader shift toward stronger digital identity verification.

How might this affect tourists and expats?

Residents with CURP (temporary or permanent): You’ll likely be unaffected if the law passes, as CURPs are issued as part of your immigration process. Be ready to present it when activating a new line.

Tourists without a CURP: If the law is eventually passed and enforced, short-term visitors may face new hurdles when trying to buy a local SIM card. International roaming, travel eSIMs, or relying on Wi-Fi could become the fallback options.
Digital Nomads/New Arrivals: Those in the process of getting residency (and a CURP) might experience delays or complications during the transition.
Privacy Concerns: Critics have raised alarms about potential misuse or security risks tied to storing biometric data, especially for a service as commonplace as phone access.

What should you do?

Stay informed: The law has not passed—yet—but keeping tabs on official updates is important if you live in or frequently travel to Mexico.
For now: No changes have been made to how SIM cards are purchased. You can still buy a prepaid SIM in Mexico without needing to show your CURP, although policies may vary slightly by provider.

Is a CURP Required for a SIM Card In Mexico?

A CURP is NOT required to buy a SIM card in Mexico—yet. But if you live here or visit regularly, it’s something to watch closely. As the digital security landscape evolves, expect more emphasis on identification and traceability when accessing mobile services.