To become a dual citizen of Mexico as someone born in California to two Mexican-born parents, you can acquire Mexican nationality by birth under Article 30 of the Mexican Constitution, even if you were born abroad. This process is not a naturalization, but a declaration and registration of Mexican nationality by birth, which preserves your U.S. citizenship as well.
Below is a step-by-step breakdown of exactly what needs to be done to obtain Mexican dual citizenship:
✅ Eligibility Summary
You qualify for Mexican nationality by birth because:
• You were born outside of Mexico (California).
• Both of your parents were born in Mexico (Mexican nationals by birth).
• This makes you a Mexican citizen by birth according to Article 30, Section A, Clause II of the Mexican Constitution.
📑 Step-by-Step Process to Become a Dual Citizen of Mexico
1. Gather Required Documents (Originals + Certified Copies)
You will need the following:
For Yourself (the applicant):
• U.S. birth certificate, long form (must be apostilled and translated into Spanish).
• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., passport, driver’s license).
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or other document showing your name and current U.S. address).
• Two recent passport-size photos, color, front-facing, white background.
For Your Mexican Parents:
• Both parents’ Mexican birth certificates.
• Both parents’ official Mexican photo IDs (INE/IFE or Mexican passport).
• If either parent is deceased: Death certificate.
🟨 Important: U.S. birth certificate must be:
• Apostilled in the state where it was issued (e.g., California → California Secretary of State).
• Translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
• Possibly notarized and legalized, depending on the consulate requirements.
2. Make an Appointment at a Mexican Consulate
You must register your Mexican nationality at your local Mexican consulate in the U.S. (e.g., Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego).
Use MEXITEL to book an appointment:
• Website: https://citas.sre.gob.mx/
• Or call: 1-877-639-4835
Search for “Registro de nacimiento de mexicanos en el extranjero” (Registration of Mexicans Born Abroad).
3. Attend the Appointment and Register as a Mexican Citizen
At the consulate:
• You will present all documents.
• A consular officer will review and complete the “Acta de Nacimiento de Mexicano Nacido en el Extranjero” (Birth Certificate of a Mexican Born Abroad).
• Your birth will be officially registered in the Mexican Civil Registry.
• You will receive a Mexican birth certificate.
This process confirms your Mexican nationality by birth, not naturalization.
4. Apply for a Mexican Passport (Optional, but Recommended)
Once you have your Mexican birth certificate:
Required Documents:
• Mexican birth certificate (you just received it).
• Valid photo ID (U.S. or Mexican).
• Passport photos (may be taken at the consulate).
• Payment for processing fee (around $40–$100 depending on passport validity).
You can apply at the same consulate, often on the same day or by separate appointment.
More info: https://consulmex.sre.gob.mx
5. Apply for a CURP (Clave Única de Registro de Población)
The CURP is Mexico’s population registry number (similar to the U.S. Social Security Number).
• It is automatically generated when your Mexican birth certificate is issued.
• You can request a printed CURP at the consulate or download it from:
6. Keep Both Nationalities Active
The U.S. allows dual citizenship. You do not lose your U.S. citizenship by acquiring Mexican nationality.
Mexico also allows dual nationality, so you’ll be recognized as a Mexican citizen within Mexico and as a U.S. citizen in the U.S.
📝 Notes & Additional Information
• Mexican Constitution Reference:
https://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf_mov/Constitucion_Politica.pdf
(See Article 30, Section A)
• Apostille Info (California):
https://www.sos.ca.gov/notary/request-apostille
• U.S. Department of State on Dual Nationality:
🛂 Optional: Register with SRE and INE
If you plan to vote in Mexico or own property:
• Register to vote with the INE (Instituto Nacional Electoral):
• Consider registering with SRE (Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores) for consular protection abroad.
🇲🇽 Summary
| Step | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gather documents | Confirm eligibility & prepare paperwork |
| 2 | Apostille + Translate U.S. birth certificate | Make documents valid in Mexico |
| 3 | Book appointment at Mexican consulate | Start the process |
| 4 | Attend appointment & register birth | Get Mexican birth certificate |
| 5 | Apply for Mexican passport | Travel and identification |
| 6 | Get CURP | Access to Mexican services |
| 7 | Keep both nationalities | Dual citizen status |