What is INE in Mexico and How to Obtain it Once Naturalized
What’s INE in Mexico? TL;DR
The INE in Mexico is the National Electoral Institute, responsible for organizing elections and issuing the official voter ID card, which also serves as legal identification. If you’ve obtained Mexican citizenship through naturalization, you can apply for your INE for free at any INE office by presenting the required documentation.
INE in Mexico
The INE in Mexico, or Instituto Nacional Electoral, is an autonomous organization that oversees federal and local elections. It also issues the voter ID card, commonly referred to as “el INE.” Beyond its electoral role, the INE has become one the most widely accepted form of identification in Mexico. It is commonly used in banking, education, notary services, and various administrative procedures in both public and private institutions.
What Information Does the INE Card Contain?
The INE card contains the following:
- Full name
- Photograph
- Voter key (Clave de elector)
- CURP
- Address
- Electoral section*
- Signature
- Expiration date
- QR code
* The electoral section is a number on the INE card that determines which polling station one must use on election day. Polling stations will display the section numbers they serve.
Who Can Get an INE Card?
Any Mexican citizen by birth or naturalization who is over 18 years old has the right to apply for the INE card. If you’ve been naturalized as a Mexican citizen, you can request the card by presenting documentation proving your nationality and residency in Mexico.
How to Get INE Card Once Naturalized
Documents required:
- Mexican naturalization certificate
- Birth certificate from your country of origin—some offices may require an apostilled copy
- Proof of address in Mexico (not older than 3 months)
- Valid photo ID such as passport
Steps to Complete the Process
- Schedule an appointment at your nearest INE office. You can do this online at https://www.ine.mx.
- Show up on the day of your appointment with required documents and copies.
- INE staff will take your fingerprints, photo, and signature.
- You’ll receive a receipt with the expected date to pick up your card (usually 7 to 10 business days).
- Pick up your card in person with the receipt.
Yes. As soon as you pick it up, the INE card is valid as an official form of identification.
No. The naturalization certificate proves your Mexican citizenship but does not replace the INE card which is the most accepted form of identification in Mexico.