CURP from the US: What It Is and How to Get It Free
The CURP (Unique Population Registry Code) is an alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies each person registered in Mexico. Today it's essential for almost any procedure —including the biometric passport— and the good news is that you can look it up, download and print it for free from the United States in just a few minutes. In this guide we explain what it is, how to get it and what to do if it has errors.
Contents
What is the CURP?
The CURP is an 18-character code that the Government of Mexico assigns to each person based on their birth data (name, date, sex and state). It works as a unique identifier in official databases, similar to how the SSN identifies people in the US, although the CURP is not a photo ID document.
It's generated from your birth certificate, so all Mexicans —and also foreigners with residence in Mexico— have a CURP assigned, wherever they live.
What is the CURP for?
The CURP has become a cross-cutting requirement in Mexican procedures. You'll need it to:
- Apply for the biometric passport (it requires a certified CURP).
- Get or renew the INE voter ID and the consular ID.
- Locate and print your birth certificate online.
- School, tax, banking and health procedures in Mexico.
- Register your children and handle dual nationality matters.
How to get and print the CURP for free
The procedure is free and done online from any country:
- Go to the official portal gob.mx/curp.
- Select the option to look up and print the CURP.
- Search by your CURP (if you know it) or by your personal data: name, date of birth, sex and state of registration.
- The system shows your CURP instantly.
- Download the document as a PDF and print it on plain paper (works in color or black and white).
The CURP is free. Be wary of pages or people who charge you to "process it": the only official portal is gob.mx/curp.
Other options from the United States
If you have trouble getting it online or need help, you can:
- Ask for guidance at your nearest Mexican consulate, which can help you look it up.
- Write to the CURP support email: tramitecurp@segob.gob.mx.
- Make sure your birth certificate is correctly registered, since the CURP is generated from it.
If your CURP has errors or doesn't appear
Errors in the CURP almost always come from a piece of data entered incorrectly on the birth certificate. To fix them:
- First check your birth certificate: if the error is there, it must be corrected at the Civil Registry of the state where you were born.
- If the certificate is correct but the CURP isn't, you can request the correction through gob.mx/curp or the support email.
- If you have a duplicate CURP (two different codes), request the unification to avoid problems with your procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions about the CURP
How much does it cost to get the CURP?
Nothing. Looking up and printing the CURP is completely free on the official portal gob.mx/curp. If someone asks you for money to "get your CURP", it's an improper charge.
Can I print my CURP from the United States?
Yes. The procedure is 100% online, so you can do it from the US or any country. Go to gob.mx/curp, look it up with your data and download the PDF to print it on plain paper.
Does the CURP work as official ID?
No. The CURP is a registration code, not a photo document. It's required for very many procedures, but it doesn't replace your passport, the INE voter ID or the consular ID as identification.
Do I need the CURP for the passport?
Yes. The Mexican biometric passport requires that you have a certified CURP. That's why it's worth having it on hand before your appointment. Check all the requirements in our Mexican passport guide.
What do I do if my CURP has wrong data?
The first thing is to check your birth certificate, since the CURP is generated from it. If the error is in the certificate, it must be corrected at the Civil Registry of the state where you were born. If the certificate is correct, you can request the CURP correction at gob.mx/curp or by the support email (tramitecurp@segob.gob.mx).