Complete Guide: Mandatory Cell Phone Registration in Mexico 2026
- Admin
- Jan 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Jan 25
Provided by Baja Sunrise Insurance
Your trusted partner for insurance and essential information in Baja California
For Foreign Residents in Mexico
🚨 What You Need to Know Right Now
As of January 9, 2026, all mobile phone lines in Mexico must be registered with official identification. If you don't register your line before June 30, 2026, your service will be suspended and you'll only be able to make emergency calls.
Deadline: June 30, 2026Consequence: Service suspension (calls, messages, mobile data)
What is This Law?
On December 9, 2025, the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT) published the "Guidelines for the Identification of Mobile Phone Lines" in the Official Gazette of the Federation. This regulation establishes that all mobile lines in Mexico must be linked to an identifiable individual or legal entity.
Official Objective
The Mexican government states that this measure aims to:
Eliminate anonymity in phone lines
Combat crimes such as phone extortion, SMS fraud, and virtual kidnapping
Allow authorities to identify lines involved in criminal activities
Who Does It Apply To?
This law applies to all mobile phone users without exception:
Mexican citizens
Foreign residents
Tourists with active Mexican lines
Prepaid and postpaid lines
Corporate and institutional lines
Physical SIMs and eSIMs
Key Dates (Complete Timeline)
Date | Event |
December 9, 2025 | Guidelines published in the Official Gazette |
January 8, 2026 | Deadline for operators to enable registration platforms |
January 9, 2026 | ✅ Official start of mandatory registration |
February 7, 2026 | Consultation platform available (verify lines linked to your CURP) |
June 30, 2026 | ⚠️ DEADLINE to register existing lines |
July 1, 2026 | Suspension of unregistered lines |
Requirements for Foreigners
Required Documents
For foreigners, registration can ONLY be done with:
Valid passport (mandatory)
Temporary CURP for foreigners (if you have one; if not, you can obtain it at https://www.gob.mx/curp/)
IMPORTANT: No other documents are accepted for foreigners. Unlike Mexican citizens who can use their voter ID card (INE) or passport, foreigners can only register with a valid passport.
Additional Information Required
Full name (as it appears on your passport)
CURP (you can look it up on the official portal if you don't know it)
Cell phone number to register
How to Register Your Line: Step-by-Step Guide
You have two options to register your phone line:
Option 1: Online Registration (Remote Mode)
Available at:
Telcel: https://www.telcel.com/vinculatulinea
AT&T: Check their official portal
Movistar: Check their official portal
Bait: Check their official portal
Steps:
Go to your operator's portal
Enter your phone number
Confirm with the SMS code you'll receive
Provide your CURP
Upload a photo of your valid passport
Take a selfie (proof of life) to verify your identity
Confirm the information and complete the process
You'll receive a confirmation folio
Important: You have up to 3 attempts to complete the online registration. If unsuccessful, you must go in person or call customer service.
Option 2: In-Person Registration
Where?
Customer Service Centers of your operator (Telcel, AT&T, Movistar, etc.)
What to bring:
Valid passport (original)
Your CURP (you can look it up before going)
Your cell phone
Advantages:
An advisor will help you with the process
Immediate solution if there are problems with online registration
Registration Limits
Individuals: Up to 10 phone lines linked to the same CURP
Legal entities (companies): No limit on registered lines
What Happens If I Don't Register My Line?
Starting July 1, 2026, unregistered lines will be suspended. This means:
❌ You won't be able to make calls❌ You won't be able to send text messages❌ You won't be able to use mobile data
✅ You will only be able to:
Call emergency numbers (911, 089, 088, 079, 074)
Contact your operator's customer service (*111 for Telcel rental plans, *264 for Amigo)
Service will be restored only when you complete the registration.
Consultation Portal (Available from February 7, 2026)
Starting February 7, 2026, you'll be able to verify which lines are registered with your CURP. This is useful to:
Confirm that your registration was completed correctly
Detect fraudulent lines registered with your information
Request unlinking of lines you don't recognize
If you find a line you don't recognize, you must go to a Service Center with your valid passport to request clarification and unlinking.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Security Concerns
Documented Vulnerabilities
In the first 24 hours of registration (January 2026), serious security vulnerabilities were detected:
Flaw in Telcel's portal: Cybersecurity specialist journalist Ignacio Gómez Villaseñor documented that Telcel's official portal allowed anyone to query personal data (name, CURP, RFC, email) by simply entering any phone number, without needing passwords or verification codes.
Automation risk: Specialists warned that with leaked databases of phone numbers, attackers could automate massive queries to extract personal information from millions of users.
Subsequent correction: Telcel denied it was a massive leak and attributed the problem to a "technical error" that was corrected. However, there's no way to know if data was extracted while the vulnerability was active.
Official investigation: The Ministry of Public Administration announced it is investigating Telcel and other operators for possible violations of personal data protection.
Concerning Background
During Felipe Calderón's administration, there was RENAUT (National Registry of Telecommunications Users), which:
Failed to reduce crime (kidnappings and extortions increased by 8% and 20% respectively)
Was hacked, exposing phone records and geographic location of users
The compromised database ended up for sale on the black market
Was eventually eliminated due to its inefficiency
Risks According to Digital Rights Organizations
R3D (Network in Defense of Digital Rights) and Privacy International have warned:
Phone line databases are high-value targets for cybercriminals
Although data is not centralized in a government database, it depends on the security of each private company
The Law of the National System of Research and Intelligence in Public Security Matters allows authorities to access information from operators without a court order
There are no clear safeguards against abuses
Risk of mass surveillance through cross-referencing multiple databases
There is no international evidence that these registries actually reduce crime
Do I need to register my US phone line?
No. This registration requirement ONLY applies to Mexican phone lines (SIM cards issued by Mexican carriers like Telcel, AT&T Mexico, Movistar, etc.). If you’re using a US carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T USA) while in Mexico, even if you’re roaming on Mexican towers, you do NOT need to register. However, if you purchased a Mexican SIM card for local calls, that line DOES need to be registered.
🛡️ Recommendation: Wait Prudently
Considering the documented vulnerabilities and security concerns, we recommend:
Option 1: Wait a Few Weeks
You have until June 30, 2026 to register
There's no need to rush in the first days/weeks
Allow companies to fix security issues
Observe how the implementation evolves
Option 2: In-Person Registration
If you decide to register soon, consider doing it in person instead of online
It's potentially safer than using portals that have shown vulnerabilities
An advisor can help you with the process
What You Can Do in the Meantime
Stay informed about new vulnerabilities or changes in the process
Be wary of messages or calls requesting your personal data, even if they seem official
Don't open suspicious links related to registration
Monitor your personal information for unauthorized use
Consider enabling two-factor authentication on all your important accounts
Personal Data Protection
How Is My Data Protected?
According to official guidelines:
Data is NOT centralized in a government database
Each phone company safeguards its customers' information
Operators must comply with the Federal Law on Protection of Personal Data Held by Private Parties
They must implement administrative, technical, and physical security measures
They cannot commercialize, disclose, or use the information for other purposes
However: Real security depends on each private company's cybersecurity infrastructure, and significant vulnerabilities have already been documented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does registration have a cost?
No, the process is completely free. If someone charges you to register your line, it's a fraud.
Can I register family members' lines?
Yes, you can register up to 10 lines with your CURP, including lines for minors or elderly adults under your responsibility.
What happens if I have multiple lines?
Each line must be registered individually, but all can be associated with your CURP (maximum 10 for individuals).
Can I unlink a line later?
Yes, starting February 7, 2026, you'll be able to check the lines linked to your CURP and request unlinking of those you don't recognize.
Do tourists also need to register?
Yes, if they buy a Mexican SIM that they'll use in national territory, they must register it. However, they can use their passport for registration.
What do I do if I lost my passport?
You'll need to obtain a new passport or an emergency passport from your consulate before you can register your line.
Does my temporary CURP work?
Yes, temporary CURPs for foreigners are valid for this registration.
Useful Resources
Official Sites
Check/Obtain CURP: https://www.gob.mx/curp/
Official Gazette of the Federation: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5775677&fecha=09/12/2025
Telcel Registration: https://www.telcel.com/vinculatulinea
Digital Rights Organizations
R3D - Network in Defense of Digital Rights: https://r3d.mx/
Privacy International: https://privacyinternational.org/
Information Sources
Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF) - December 9, 2025
Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (CRT)
Justia Mexico - Registration Guide
R3D - Analysis of mandatory registration
Verificado MX - Fact-checking about the law
Expansión, El Universal, Proceso, Xataka MX - Journalistic coverage
Executive Summary
For Foreign Residents:
✅ WHAT: Register all your mobile lines with passport and CURP✅ WHEN: Between January 9 and June 30, 2026✅ WHERE: Online or at your operator's service centers✅ COST: Free
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
Security vulnerabilities were detected in the first days
Consider waiting a few weeks before registering
If urgent, prefer in-person registration
You have until June 30 - no need to rush
Be wary of suspicious messages or links about registration
📱 CONSEQUENCE: After July 1, 2026, unregistered lines will only be able to make emergency calls until you complete the process.
Conclusion
Mandatory cell phone registration is a reality in Mexico in 2026. While the government argues it seeks to combat crime, the security vulnerabilities documented in the initial implementation raise legitimate concerns about personal data protection.
As a foreign resident in Mexico, you have almost six months to complete this process. Our recommendation is not to rush, especially considering the security issues reported in the first weeks. Observe how the situation evolves, stay informed about security updates, and when you decide to register, consider doing it in person at an official service center of your operator.
Remember: registration is free, so be wary of any attempt to charge you for this service. And above all, protect your personal data by being cautious with links, messages, or calls requesting your information.
Last updated: January 2026This document is based on publicly available information at the time of its creation and may be subject to change. Always verify with official sources for the most current information.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about your situation, consult with the appropriate authorities or legal professionals. Baja Sunrise Insurance is not responsible for any changes to regulations after the publication date.
Comments