What is a CURP number in Mexico?

CURP stands for Clave Única de Registro de Población. It is an 18-character population registry code assigned by Mexican authorities to Mexican citizens and qualifying foreign residents.

Can I look up my CURP from the United States?

Yes. If a CURP has already been assigned to you, you can search for it and download the official certificate through gob.mx/curp from the United States.

Is a CURP the same as a Social Security number?

No. A CURP is a Mexican population registry code. A Social Security number is a separate nine-digit U.S. number administered by the Social Security Administration.

CURP Number: Meaning and Lookup from the U.S.

CURP meaning

CURP means Clave Única de Registro de Población, or Unique Population Registry Code. Mexico's National Population Registry, RENAPO, uses it to distinguish individual population records. The code contains 18 letters and numbers.

A CURP is not proof of U.S. immigration status and it does not replace a passport, photo ID or Social Security number.

What the 18 CURP characters represent

The code combines information derived from a person's name, date of birth, registered sex and place of birth with differentiating and verification characters. Select each block in the visual guide to see what it represents.

Educational pattern — this is not a real CURP

Select a block to read its explanation

Positions 1–4Name and surnamesThe first four positions are formed from the surnames and given name under RENAPO assignment rules.

Only RENAPO can assign an official CURP.

Do not use an online “CURP generator” for an official procedure. Only use the code assigned to your record by RENAPO.

How to look up and download your CURP from the U.S.

Go to gob.mx/curp. Confirm that the address ends in gob.mx.
Search your record. Enter the 18-character code, or use your name and birth details.
Check the result. Verify your name, birth date and place of birth.
Download the PDF. Save or print the official certificate in the United States.

The official lookup and PDF download are free. You do not need a Mexican IP address or a paid intermediary.

If you have never received a CURP or no record is found

The online service retrieves existing records; it does not create a new CURP. Check that your details match your Mexican birth record exactly. If the search still returns no record, contact RENAPO or the Mexican consulate responsible for your address and ask which procedure applies to your case.

Do not use a “CURP generator” for an official procedure.
Have your birth certificate and current identification available.
Confirm appointment and document requirements directly with the consulate.

Find an official Mexican representation in the U.S.

CURP vs. Social Security number, NSS and RFC

Code	Country and purpose
CURP	Mexico: 18-character population registry code.
SSN	United States: nine-digit number used for earnings records, taxes and eligible benefits.
NSS	Mexico: number associated with social security and IMSS records.
RFC	Mexico: tax registration code used for fiscal procedures.

These numbers belong to different systems. A CURP does not become an SSN, and one cannot be used as a substitute for the other.

What is a CURP number, and how can you look it up from the U.S.?

CURP meaning

What the 18 CURP characters represent

How to look up and download your CURP from the U.S.

If you have never received a CURP or no record is found

CURP vs. Social Security number, NSS and RFC

Official sources