Living in Mexico as a resident comes with legal obligations, such as keeping your immigration file current. In addition to reporting changes of address and civil status, you must also notify INM of a legal name change.
Whether due to marriage, divorce or otherwise, your records must match your passport. This article explains how to stay compliant for Mexican immigration.
Notification should occur within 90 days of the update to avoid fines.
Process and Documentation for Notification of Change of Name
First, book your appointment through the online portal to submit your request at your local INM office. Prepare the following items for your appointment:
Official Request Form: Complete the Formato de Solicitud online, then print and sign it. Select “Notificar cambios” and “Cambio de nombre.”
Notification Letter: This is a formal letter in Spanish explaining your name update. The INM micrositio will help you generate a template. Enter your details and let it do the rest.
Legal Proof: Your marriage certificate or court decree.
Certified Translation: Note that foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by a certified Mexican translator (perito traductor).
New Passport: Updated passport showing your new name.
Residency Card: Current plastic Mexican resident’s card.
The Appointment and Card Replacement
We recommend bringing two photocopies of every document. At the office, an INM agent will review your file. Note that there is no fee for notifying changes.
Unlike a change of address, a name change requires a new physical card. You must follow the Repositioning procedure. This ensures your resident’s card matches your new legal identity. In 2026, the INM fee for a replacement card is $1,780 MXN.
Don’t Forget Your CURP
A name change often affects your CURP number because the letters in your CURP are based on your name. You must update your CURP records after the INM process. You can check your current status on the official CURP portal. This is essential for banking and healthcare services in Mexico.
For further information and assistance with notifications to INM, contact Adriana at info@immigrationtomexico.mx