Mexico has opened a public tender to operate and migrate the cloud and IT platform that will power its new biometric Unique Population Registry Code (CURP), a mandatory digital identity system scheduled for nationwide rollout by February 2026. The initiative replaces the previous voluntary CURP with a biometric-based framework that will apply to all Mexicans and foreign residents with legal status.
The tender process, launched in August 2025, outlines an accelerated timeline. Interested vendors must attend a clarification meeting on August 22 and submit proposals by August 30, with the final decision expected on September 3, 2025. The contract, valued at up to MXN 520 million, covers the infrastructure migration, platform-as-a-service operations, and security needed to support the biometric CURP system.
Rapid Implementation and Key Milestones
According to official documents, the new platform must be operational by October 15, 2025. From October 16 onward, all government authorities will be required to accept the biometric CURP for identification purposes. Beginning November 14, biometric CURP registration will be mandatory for school enrollment, including for children. The government has also committed to integrating minors’ biometrics within 120 days of the program’s legal start.
The enhanced CURP will store a facial photograph, fingerprints, and iris data, with a secure QR code capable of containing biometric information. Some official descriptions also include a digital signature. This format aligns with other national identity programs worldwide, such as Cambodia’s biometric ID cards with QR codes, which support access to a range of public and private services.
Integration Across Public and Private Services
The biometric CURP is designed for secure authentication across government platforms to reduce fraud, improve service delivery, and enhance national security. It will connect with existing databases and will be accepted for processes in banking, healthcare, education, and social services. By standardizing identity verification across sectors, the government aims to simplify interactions for residents while tightening identity protections.
Mexico’s approach reflects a broader global trend toward biometric national ID systems. In Africa, for example, Nigeria recently announced plans to add iris biometrics to its national digital ID to improve inclusion and security. The Mexican government has published a phased implementation plan running through 2028 to guide the transition, address technical challenges, and ensure compliance with legal and privacy standards.
Sources: El Economista, Mexico Business News, Infobae
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By Cass Kennedy
