If you have a cell phone in Mexico, this affects you directly. Since January 9, 2026, the federal government requires all mobile phone users to register their number with their CURP — or RFC for businesses, or passport for foreigners. The process is free. The deadline is June 30, 2026. Time is running out.
The Extension Being Discussed
Before getting into the how-to, here's the most relevant news this week: more than 90 million lines remain unregistered with weeks to go before the deadline, and that reality has already reached regulatory authorities.
According to El Sol de México, a source close to the CRT (Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones) confirmed that the federal government is already considering extending the deadline beyond June 30. The reason: simultaneously disconnecting tens of millions of lines would have consequences far beyond telecommunications — it would affect banking access, healthcare services, family communication, and public safety.
Authorities had insisted June 30 was final. The scale of the registration gap is forcing a rethink.
That said: don't count on an extension. The process takes minutes, it's free, and if no extension is granted, your line gets suspended on July 1.
Why This Requirement Exists
The registration requirement was created in response to the wave of fraud and telephone extortion that has plagued Mexico for years. Calls from fake kidnappers, invented accidents, extortion from prison cells — a significant portion of these crimes are committed from prepaid lines or SIM cards bought without identification.
The measure requires carriers to maintain a registry of who uses each number. Data stays with the carrier — authorities can only access it with a court order. This isn't permanent surveillance: it's traceability in the event of a crime.
The body overseeing the process is the CRT (Comisión Reguladora de Telecomunicaciones), formerly known as IFT/IFETEL.
Key Dates
- ▸January 9, 2026 — Official start of registration
- ▸June 30, 2026 — Current deadline
- ▸July 1, 2026 — Suspension of unregistered lines (unless an extension is granted)
What Happens If You Don't Register
The law is clear: if a line is not linked to an identity document before the deadline, the carrier must suspend it. A suspended line:
- ▸Can only call 911 (emergencies)
- ▸Can only call your carrier's customer service
- ▸Cannot make or receive regular calls
- ▸Has no access to mobile data or internet
Who Needs to Register
All mobile phone users in Mexico, without exception. The required document depends on your situation:- ▸Mexican citizens → CURP
- ▸Companies and legal entities → RFC
- ▸Foreign residents or visitors → Valid passport
Participating Carriers
More than 170 telecommunications companies are participating: Major carriers:
- ▸Telcel
- ▸AT&T
- ▸Telefónica Movistar
- ▸Altán Redes
- ▸Virgin Mobile, Sky, Chedraui Móvil, OXXO CEL, Uber Cel, Internet del Bienestar, and 160+ additional operators
How to Register
The process is free and takes under 5 minutes.
Option 1 — Online via your carrier's portal
For Telcel:
1. Go to registro.telcel.com/vinculatulinea 2. Enter your cell phone number 3. Enter your CURP (or RFC / passport if applicable) 4. Verify your identity with the SMS code sent to you 5. Confirm and save your proof of registration
For other carriers, visit the CRT portal to find your company's direct link:
Option 2 — In person at your carrier's customer service center (CAC)
1. Visit the nearest Customer Service Center (CAC) for your carrier 2. Bring a valid government-issued ID showing your CURP (INE/IFE, passport, military card) 3. Request the line registration 4. The process is immediate and free
If you don't remember your CURP, look it up for free at gob.mx/curp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register every SIM card I have? Yes. If you have multiple lines or active SIM cards, each one must be registered separately. What about corporate lines? Business lines are linked to the company's RFC. The legal representative must complete the registration. Is my data safe? Your information is stored in your carrier's database — not a centralized government database. Authorities can only access it with a court order. Can foreigners register? Yes. Foreign nationals can link their line using a valid passport. What if my line is already suspended? You can reactivate it by completing the registration on your carrier's portal or at a CAC. Some carriers may take up to 24 hours to reactivate. Does this apply to data-only SIMs? Yes. It applies to any active mobile line, including data-only SIMs.How to Check Your Line's Status
- ▸Main portal: portal.crt.gob.mx/gestion-de-lineas-telefonicas-moviles
- ▸Report platform issues: portal.crt.gob.mx/reporte-fallas-plataforma-registro
Sources: Milenio | CRT — portal.crt.gob.mx | Telcel — registro.telcel.com | El Sol de México
Deadline: June 30, 2026. Registration started: January 9, 2026. Last updated: June 2026.
