Undocumented immigrants living outside their home country are usually troubled by proving their identities. Lack of identification might hinder you from accessing benefits of welfare schemes, employment, housing, financial services, and so on in a foreign country. Mexican government issues a Mexican consular ID card to its nationals living abroad so as to help them establish their identity. In this passage, we are going to introduce a full guide on the Matrícula consular mexicana (Mexican consular Registration), including what it is, who can or cannot obtain it, and how to apply for the ID card.
What Is Matrícula Consular?
The Matrícula consular is an identity card issued by the Consulates of Mexico to Mexican nationals living abroad since 1871. By carrying all necessary personal information, it serves as certified proof of identity and Mexican nationality, which is similar to the ID card issued by INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral) within Mexico. In 1963, Mexico and the United States signed a Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which laid a foundation for issuing the matrículas consulares.
What Information Does Consular ID Card Include?
As an official identification, the ID card carries essential personal information as well as security features, such as:
- Full name
- Address
- Place of birth
- Date of birth
- Date of issuing
- Issuing authority
- Date of expiry
- ID number
- Biometric photograph
- Signature of the cardholder
Moreover, to secure the card from being tampered and counterfeit, the most updated generation of the Mexico consular ID card bears extra security measures on the front and back of the card, such as:
- Visible and invisible marks printed on plastic cards.
- High-quality print and micro text background.
- Different ink colors of text.
- Embedded electronic chip.
- Laser engraved card number.
- Security laminated film with special features- Kinectic label
- “Advantage seal” over the photograph
- Bi-dimensional barcode
- Optical character recognition (OCR)
Consular ID Purpose
All Mexican nationals living outside their home country, either temporarily or permanently, can obtain the ID card through registration at the local consular office, which helps them live abroad conveniently and safely. Here are some examples.
- Gain protection from the local embassy or consulate in case of natural disasters, accidents, or any other political or social events that might risk their lives.
- Prove identity in some public transactions, such as creating bank accounts, receiving healthcare services, etc. Please note that the specific use might vary from country to country and state to state.
- It uses strict security measures to protect personal information and prevent identity theft.
Limitation of a Mexican Consular ID
It is quite beneficial to obtain a consular ID card, but it does mean all-purpose. For example, the card does not allow you to do the following things in the United States.
- Enjoy the same rights as local US citizens.
- Change your immigration status in the US.
- Use it as an entry permit to the US.
- Use it as identity proof to enter federal buildings.
- Use it to board a domestic flight.
- Work legally in the US.
Who Can Apply for Consular ID?
As a reliable and widely accepted ID, the consular ID is available to those who:
- Are Mexican nationals, either by birth or by naturalization.
- Have an official Mexican identity document.
- Reside outside Mexico.
Who Are Not Allowed for Matrícula Consular Application?
Individuals under the following conditions are not eligible for the consular ID card even if they are Mexican citizens living overseas.
- The applicant has a criminal record.
As the databases of the Consular ID and Mexican National Security are linked together, applicants who are tracked with criminal histories will be rejected for the ID card application.
- The applicant is subject to prosecution.
It means one is charged with a crime and will be put on trial. His/her application will not be processed until the proceeding ends and the applicant is proven to be innocent.
- The applicant has unsolved judicial or administrative decisions.
Anyone undergoing a judicial or administrative process should not file a Matrícula consular mexicana, otherwise, you might be denied.
Requirements for Obtaining a Consular ID Card
Mexican citizens must apply for the Matricula card from the local Mexican consulate by providing the following documents.
- Proof of Mexican Nationality
It could be a Mexican birth certificate, naturalization letter, valid Mexican passport, or a declaration of Mexican nationality by birth.
- Proof of Identity
Acceptable documents include a Mexican driver’s license, national ID card, Mexican passport, INE voting credential, Mexican military ID, professional license, certificate of Mexican nationality, official identification issued by the state of Washington, Alaska, or Idaho, US green card, IMSS, ISSSTE or any other Mexican institution credential.
- Proof of Residence
Applicants can provide a utility bill, government-issued ID with address, lease agreement, or official correspondence to prove that they are living in the consular district. Make sure the documents show the house number, street name, city, state, and postal code. Minor applicants can also present a certified ballot from any school year with a photograph and official stamp, student ID, or diploma.
- Biometric Information
Passport-style photos are needed. You can prepare it in advance or have it captured while submitting fingerprints at the consulate office.
How to Apply for a Mexico Consular ID Card?
To obtain this ID card, applicants must apply in person at the consulate despite their age.
Apply for Mexico Consular ID Card For Adults
You should make an appointment with the local consulate office before submitting applications. In the United States, there are 50 Mexican consulates. You can schedule a Mexican consulate appointment online or by calling 1-424-309-0009.
On the scheduled date and time, please take all required documents, visit the selected office in person and pay the application fees. The officer will capture your photograph and fingerprint. After confirming your identity and nationality, the card will be issued in a few hours.
👉 Click here to view the whole appointment scheduling process.
Apply for Mexico Consular ID Card For Minors
Applicants under 18 must also book an appointment and apply in person, and they must be accompanied by parents and guardians. In this case, it is required to submit extra evidence besides regular required documents, including both parents’ or guardians’ consent (available at the consular office) and parents’ identity documents. Make sure to fill out the minor applicant’s information while scheduling an appointment.
Mexican Consular ID Processing Time
How long it takes to receive the Mexico consular ID card depends on when you book the appointment and the accuracy and completeness of your application. It is suggested to schedule one week in advance. Generally speaking, you will receive the ID at the end of the appointment if everything goes smoothly, which takes about several hours.
How Much Does Consular Registration Cost?
It costs $33 for each applicant. It should be made through debit/credit card, check, or postal order. Make sure to keep the payment receipt as you have to present it to the consular officer. Only when you fulfill payment will your application start to be processed.
Mexican Consular ID Validity
The consular ID card is valid for 5 years upon issuance. An expired ID card is not acceptable in most cases. Therefore, please renew it in time when it expires.
Mexican Consular ID Renewal
The renewal process is generally the same as the first-time applications. You must hand in the original copy of the most current consular ID at the local consulate. However, if you moved to another place, a proof of residence showing the new address and your name must be presented.
FAQ
👉 Is Mexican Matrícula Consular mandatory?
No, but it is suggested to have one, especially those without a certified identity document on them so as to access some government and social benefits.
👉 Can matrícula consular be used as proof of identity?
Yes. For example, in the United States, it is an acceptable proof for banking activities, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) applications, driver’s license applications, etc.
👉 What if I don’t have proof of address under my name?
You can submit receipts of money transfers showing your full name and address. For example, supposing that you live with a relative, the document under his/her name as well as the proof of your relationship is acceptable.
👉 What if my Mexican consular ID was lost or stolen?
You must report to the local police station and take the printed report to the consulate to apply for a replacement. The process is the same as first-time applications.
Summary
Matrícula consular mexicana is necessary for Mexican nationals living abroad. The Mexico consular ID card verifies the cardholder’s identity and Mexican nationality, but it does not change the immigration status of the owner or grant the same civil rights as citizens of the country of residence. To apply for the consular ID, applicants must prepare proof of nationality, identity, and residence, make a Mexican consulate appointment, and submit applications in person. After receiving the card, pay attention to the expiry date and renew it in time as long as you still live outside Mexico.
Dolores Xiao