Mexican Documents

It has been found that forged Mexican identity documents are relatively easy and cheap to acquire.

Thousands of Mexicans enter the United States, either by simply crossing borders illegally, or by obtaining fraudulent documents.

Mexicans who illegally enter the United States need to show strong ties to Mexico and avoid presumption of immigration intent under section 124 (B) of the National Immigration Act through filing false documents.

Some of these illegal documents include the following:

• Employment documents.
• Bank statements.
• Professional credentials.
• Legal identification.
• Labor and business fraudulent documentation.
• Genuine identity documents with false information.
• Passports.
• Visas.

One of the most frequent fraudulent practices in Mexico is that of «rental visas,» which usually involve teachers renting their personal visas to relatives, friends or co-workers.

In one case, a male who applied was 11 years younger than his alleged wife. Among the identity documents he submitted was a false marriage certificate, his alleged wife’s visa and his authentic credentials as a schoolteacher.

After the PFU convinced them, Mexican passport officers began to include code 4.1 in the passports of children whose parents are living illegally in the United States.

Many fraud cases also involve «Mexican» adoption.

This scheme circumvents the Mexican adoption law, as it involves the biological mother, who casually gives her consent to sell or surrender her son or daughter to a family member, acquaintance or relative.

The PFU also examines the authenticity of passports and other travel documents for those applying.

The unit also warned that some people who use false photocopies of national voting cards known as IFEs and fraudulent «professional cards».

The government of Mexico has issued several versions of its passports. You are most likely to encounter the E, F, and G series. The version can be identified by a letter prefix to the passport serial number on the rear endpaper. Each version has different security features.

The E-Series is the oldest format still in circulation. Personal information is printed onto a label and then affixed to Page 1. Two versions of the label have been used, with the older version using a photo over the label and a security laminate placed over both. This creates three layers for the page, making it thicker and less flexible than the other pages of the document.

Number:
The BOOKLET number, which is different from the passport number, appears not on the personal information page, but on the rear endpaper. The PASSPORT number on the biographical data page is typically eleven digits, with the first two digits denoting the year of issue. The nine digits following appear at the beginning of the second line of the passport’s MRZ.

Biographical Page Banner:

 

Note that the printing is sharp and clear, and that the two capital «D»s have slight indentations in the lower right of the character.

Endorsement:
The issuing official endorsed the passport with a signature and ink seal on Page 2. A dry embossing seal is placed partially over the photograph.

In late 2012, Mexican embassies and consulates outside the country began issuing a revised version of the E-Series passport. This version uses a new biographical details label with a new format and an integrated photo with a secondary ghost image on the right side of the page. The background design of the label may be seen through both of the images. A digitized signature of the holder was added beneath the primary photo. The embossing seal used in the prior version of the E-Series is not used in this version.

Number:
The passport and booklet numbers are the same in this version. This number appears both on the biographical data page and on the rear endpaper. Over time, the number was increased from seven to eight digits.

Interior:
The interior pages feature both a watermark and a security thread. The thread bears text in alternating positions reading «MEXICO SRE».

The F-Series is identified by the letter prefix in the booklet number found on the rear endpaper. This series of passport typically contains 32 pages. The F-Series incorporates a number of new security features.

Bio Page:
The bio page contains a highly-detailed background design with the Aztec calendar in the center of the page, a repeating «SRE» motif along the left side, and a pattern of interconnecting lines on the right. Portions of the design remain visible through the images of the bearer. Both the bearer’s signature and the issuing authority are digitally printed.

Color Shifting Ink:
The laminate on the bio page contains several security features. Color shifting ink is used in a geometric design in the upper right of the primary photo. The design shifts from gold to green.

Seal:
The laminate also features the Mexican coat of arms in pearlescent ink. The design shifts from being nearly invisible to pearly as the angle of light changes.

Number:
The F-Series booklet number and passport number appearing on the bio page are not the same. The PASSPORT number is 11-digits, with the first 2 digits denoting the year of issuance. The BOOKLET number on the rear endpaper is bar-coded, and is also perforated through the document. The perforated number sometimes contains the ‘’F’’ prefix, and other times does not. Perforations could be mechanically punched or laser drilled.

Pages:
Each interior page features the crest of one of the 31 Mexican states or the Federal District. Each page contains a watermark and security thread with «MEXICO SRE» text in alternating positions.

The G-Series passport was introduced in 2008 and is currently issued within Mexico. The design and interior pages remain essentially unchanged from the F-Series. The bio page continues to be inside the front cover, but the background design is significantly different than that of the F-Series, and uses a protective laminate.

Later versions of G-Series passport used the booklet number as passport number. The 2D-barcode in these booklets is larger and narrower than the prior version barcode. There have been periods of time where Mexican government would issue both designs simultaneously.

 

Early version:
There are two layout versions for personal data within this series. Earlier versions used the same numbering system as the E-Series and F-Series:
1. 11-digit PASSPORT number on bio page, with first 2 digits indicating year of issuance.
2. MRZ with las 9 digits of the passport number (no year prefix digits).
3. BOOKLET number is on the rear endpaper and perforated through the document. The booklet number is not printed on the bio page.

Later version:
Later versions of the G-Series used the booklet number as the passport number. The 2D barcode in these booklets is longer and narrower than in the early version. There have been periods of time that the Mexican government has issued both of these layouts simultaneously.

Background:
The background design on the bio page features fine-line printing in interwoven patterns. In the center of the page, an irregular pattern of microprinted ‘’MEXICOSRE’’ appears in green. The photos and personal data appear using toner-based printing, with the fine background lines remaining visible through the data.

Laminate:
The page is protected by a laminate featuring detailed OVD’s. The design was updated in August 2012. At that time, an Olmec head using optically variable ink was added to the upper right corner. Both laminates contain individual serial numbers (that differ from the booklet number) that appear on the right center of the bio page (circled here in green).

Pages:
The pages essentially remain the same as those used in the F-Series. The background design features the crest of different Mexican states while the Mexican national emblem is used as a watermark. A security thread features the text «MEXICO SRE» in alternating positions. The security thread appears near the outside edge of the page in earlier versions, and near the binding thread in newer versions.

Like U.S. states and Canadian provinces, each Mexican state issues its own driver’s license, with multiple valid versions in circulation for each state. Approach the examination of Mexican licenses as you would with any other document, by evaluating the security features present, looking for genuine-quality construction, and using resource guides for visual reference to the licenses of specific states.

Sonora 2006:
The Sonora license has retained the same overall appearance over recent versions. The front of the 2006 version features repeating OVFs of the word ‘’SONORA’’ and the Sonora seal which features microprinting within its border. Note the quality of the fine-line background, integrated photo and overlapping ghost image. The back of the card features a signature, fingerprint, and 2D bar code. Scrutinize the print quality of these features.

Sonora 2007:
The 2007 version has repositioned text in order to incorporate a microchip in the left side of the card. Note that pre-printed text fields contain headings in English. Lastly, the Sonora logo has been moved from the top right corner to the bottom left.

Sonora 2008:
The 2008 version uses a different microchip design than the 2007 version, and incorporates microprinting within the border design.

Generally, Mexican states follow a standardized letter-based classification on the type of driver license and the vehicles that the bearer is permitted to drive.

• Minor Permit: For residents aged over 16 and under 18. Driving restrictions may apply, such as speed restrictions, a driving curfew, or special plates. It has a validity of 1 month, 6 months, or 1 year, depending on the state issuing the permit or the type of permit acquired. The holder can drive any vehicle intended for ‘personal use’, such as motorbikes (any type), or cars whose weight does not exceed 3.5 tons.
• Type A: For residents 18 and older. It usually has a validity of 3 years or permanent (in Mexico City this option was available), depending on the jurisdiction. It The holder can drive any vehicle intended for ‘personal use’, such as motorbikes (any type), or cars whose weight does not exceed 3.5 tons.
• Type B: For residents 18 and older who wish to drive a taxi, with a validity of 2 or 3 years. The holder can drive a taxi as per state regulations.

As in the US licenses. and Canada, you can find safety features inside and on the materials of the Mexican licenses/identifications. Check the following:

• Personal information must be consistent in characters, styles, and spacing
• Driver’s license number
• Photography
• Diffuse images
• Restriction or endorsement codes
• Stamp or logo of the issuing agency
• Optically variable characteristics
• Overlapping Features
• Transparent or registered security features 
• Signatures
• Micro-printing
• Data storage features
• 1D and 2D barcodes
• Magnetic tapes
• Reading areaNormal.

The Mexican driver’s license LDC is a federally issued document. Features of the current version include:

• Credential title
• Background of complex lines and images
• Micro-printing
• OVF (Open Virtualization Format) of the «SCT» at the top, and an overlapping seal on the photograph
• Clear windows at the top and bottom right
• Micro-printing under the title of the credential
• The name of the driver in three lines
• The CURP number (includes date of birth and other information
• Dates of issue and expiration
• Medical Conditions and Restrictions
• Truncated variable information
• «Quick reading» code. When read, the first number matches the number contained within a green circle in the top image.
• License Class.

The «Clave Única de Registro de Población» (translated into English as Unique Population Registry Code or else as Personal ID Code Number, abbreviated CURP) is a unique identity code for both citizens and residents of Mexico.

Each CURP code is a unique alphanumeric 18-character string intended to prevent duplicate entries. To understand how CURP codes are built, one must first understand Hispano American naming conventions. Full names in Spanish-speaking countries (including Mexican full names) consist of three elements:
1.     Given name(s);
2.     First surname: the father’s first surname; and
3.     Second surname: the mother’s first surname.

The CURP code is composed of 18 characters that are assigned as follows:

• The first surname’s initial and first inside vowel;
• The second surname’s initial (or the letter «X» if, like some foreign nationals, the person has no second surname);
• The first given name’s initial;
• Date of birth (2 digits for year, 2 digits for month, and 2 digits for day);
• A one-letter gender indicator H for male (hombre in Spanish) or M for female (mujer in Spanish);
• A two-letter code for the state where the person was born; for persons born abroad, the code NE (nacido en el extranjero) is used;
• The first surname’s second inside consonant;
• The second surname’s second inside consonant;
• The first given name’s second inside consonant; and
• Two characters ranging from 0-9 for people born before 2000 or from A-Z for people born since 2000; these characters are generated by the National Population Registry to prevent identical entries.

For married women, only maiden names are used. For example, the CURP code for a hypothetical person named Gloria Hernández García, a female, born on 27 April 1956 in the state of Veracruz, could be HEGG560427MVZRRL04.

Exceptions
Several exceptions to the above rules exist, including «Ñ». If any step in the above procedure leads to the letter «Ñ» appearing anywhere in the CURP, the «Ñ» is replaced by an «X».

The Mexican CDL is a federally-issued document.

Card Title:
This distinguishes the document from other state-issued, non-commercial licenses.

OVF:
The letters ‘’SCT’’ in the card’s upper left, and seal overlapping the photo’s lower right.

Clear Windows:
Featuring the national seal in upper right, and map of Mexico with «SCT» lettering in lower right. These images contained in the windows appear to be «flipped» or «backward» when viewed from the card back.

Driver’s Name:
The Mexican CDL lists the driver’s name in three lines in the center of the license. The name is displayed in this order: 1. Given name(s) (first and middle)
2. Paternal Surname (father’s last name)
3. Maternal Surname (mother’s maiden name).

This document does NOT contain the driver’s address.

Date of Birth:
There is no specific field for date of birth. However, this information is included as the first 6 numeric digits in the «Curp» field, immediately following the letters. The date of birth is displayed as yy/mm/dd.

Expiration Date:
This field indicates when the license is valid from and is displayed as dd/mm/yyyy. “Hasta” indicates when the license is valid through and is displayed as dd/mm/yyyy. As of April 21, 2010, the Mexican CDL must be reissued every five years for all license classes except Class E (HazMat) which must be reissued every three years.

Issue Date:
The Mexican CDL indicates the original date the driver received the license. The date of original issuance is indicated in the «Antigüedad» field and displayed as dd/mm/yyyy.

License Class:
The CDL class is indicated by a letter of A through F. Explanations of the classes are included in this course’s job aid.

License Number:
Mexican CDL numbers always begin with letters.

Background:
Detailed, fine line background with overlapping patterns and images.

License back:
A series of preprinted boxes exists which can be marked to indicate medical conditions of the driver.

Restrictions:
Additional restrictions may be placed on the document as explanatory phrases in the large comment field.

Variable data:
Is truncated and repeated on card back.

Quick Read Code:
This is known as a «QR» code. The code can be read by dedicated machines or with common smartphone applications. When read, number codes are returned. The first string of numbers should match the number on the back of the card we have circled here in green.

2014 Version

A version of the CDL was released in late 2014. Although it shares many of the same types of security features as the immediately prior version, official descriptors of the security features are not yet available.

Older Version
1. Driver’s name appears in three lines in the center of the license. Like the current version, the document does NOT contain the driver’s address.
2. Date of Birth is included as the first 6 numeric digits in the «Curp:» field, immediately following the letters. The date of birth is displayed as yy/mm/dd.
3. Expiration Date indicates when the license is valid from and is displayed as dd/mm/yyyy. «Hasta» indicates when the license is valid through and is displayed as dd/mm/yyyy. As of April 21, 2010, the Mexican CDL must be reissued every five years of all license classes except Class E (HazMat) which must be reissued every three years.
4. Issue Date is displayed as dd/mm/yyyy.
5. License Class is indicated by a letter of A through F.
6. License Number always begin with letters. Is displayed below the photo.

As of April 1, 2021, the SCT will issue the Federal Driver’s License in digital format, with great advantages for federal transport drivers.

To obtain it, the first step will be to download the CDMX application, the license number, which will be found on the front of the physical license. You will have to enter the CURP and select the type of license. Finally, a QR code will be generated for validation and then you can view the digital license in the app, it is worth remembering that it is accepted throughout the Mexican Republic.

The new version offers the following advantages:

• Less time and effort
• Lower cost
• Available always.

Security elements of the digital license:

• A digital signature that is used to verify the authenticity of the license.
• An encryption system that protects the information stored in the license.
• A tracking system that allows authorities to identify people who use fake licenses.

Official pages: https://lfd.sct.gob.mx, or www.gob.mx

On the “lfd page” (https://lfd.sct.gob.mx) you can download your Digital Federal Driver’s License in pdf format (to print on paper).

The Ministry of the Interior, in coordination with the National Council of Civil Registry Officials (CONAFREC), the technical and operational coordination body of all Civil Registries in our country, and the Secretariat of Foreign Relations, implemented in 2016, a single format for the issuance and certification of birth certificates, which homogenizes the design, characteristics and content of this document throughout the country. The single format of the certified copy of the birth certificate is a document that is easy to read and clean in its design, which contains the registration data and legal identity of each person, as well as their affiliation data, combining physical and electronic security measures to prevent its alteration, modification or falsification and thus, to combat identity theft. A feature that makes this format a digital document is that it can be consulted, printed and validated online, which guarantees its reliability, security and certainty, with elements such as: the QR code, the digital chain or the folio.

 

The Matricula Consular card has been issued since 1871, and is an identification card issued by the Government of Mexico through its consulate offices. The purpose of the card is to demonstrate that the bearer is a Mexican national living outside of Mexico.

Scrambled Indicia
Using a special decoder, Scrambled Indicia becomes visible over the photo area. Variable text information appears in different sections of the photo area when the decoder is rotated. 

Microline Printing
In the text surrounding the seal.

Fine Line Printing
Used in background design.

Microprinting
In signature line.

2D Bar code
Slightly above card center.

Offset Lithography Printing

Used in complex background design.

Scrambled Indicia
Using a special decoder, Scrambled Indicia images appear in the lower left and right quadrants.

MRZ: In bottom portion of card.

Voting cards are issued to Mexican citizens, and must be possessed in order to participate in voting and other processes. Because of this, the voting card has become the de facto Mexican national ID card. There are a number of versions of the card in circulation.

The National Electoral Institute, the institution in charge of coordinating all electoral activities in Mexico, As of next 2019 issued a new format of voter credential. It ensures that it is unforgeable as it has encrypted information in a QR code “of high density”.

 

Security elements Front:

• UV ink: It has a security design in ultraviolet ink colors that can only be perceived with black light.
• Weakened pattern: The background of the credential integrates the edge of the photograph, to give an appearance of merging the frame of the photograph with the rest of the credential.
• Guilloche design: A pattern of figures formed with fine lines. This element is difficult to imitate in printing or photocopies.
• Microtext: It has the legend “National Electoral Institute” and this is not legible at first sight.
• Rainbow printing: They are line patterns with two or more simultaneous ink colors.
• Tactile element: The initials of INE and the ballot entering the ballot box, is perceptible when touched with the fingertips.
• Ghost photograph with variable data: From a software it creates the photograph of the holder from its data with a variable pattern.
• OVI ink: The frank and the map of the Mexican Republic change color depending on the angle of light.

Relief design: They are formed with lines with special designs to create the relief effect.

Optically variable element (OVD): The INE logo, the ballot box with the ballot, the Mexican shield and a flag effect change color depending on the angle of light.

Security elements on the back of the credential:

• UV ink: The photograph is printed with ink that reacts with ultraviolet light or black light.
• Microtext: There is a text that is not perceptible at first sight and is found in the boxes to mark the vote.
• Relief design: They are formed with lines with special designs to crcreate the relief effect.
• Rainbow printing: They are line patterns with two or more simultaneous ink colors.
• QR code: The code can be scanned (phone, ipad or tablet) and directs to a page of INE services where you can schedule an appointment, locate modules, verify the validity of the credential.
• Two-dimensional QR codes: The way the data is generated in the code ensures its authenticity and can only be scanned by an INE application.
• OVI ink: The INE logo located in the upper right corner changes color depending on the angle of light.