Mexico Civil Registration: Difference between revisions

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=== Introduction ===
{{CountrySidebar
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|Name=Mexico
|Type=Topic
|Topic Type=Records
|Records=Civil Registration
|Rating=Acceptable
}}{{breadcrumb
| link1=[[Mexico Genealogy|Mexico]]
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=== Definition ===


Civil registration records (also known as vital records) are important for genealogical research in Mexico. Civil authorities began registering births, marriages, and deaths in 1859 and most individuals who lived in Mexico after 1867 are recorded. Because the records cover such a large percentage of the population, they are extremely important sources for genealogical research in Mexico.
Civil registration records (also known as vital records) are important for genealogical research in Mexico. Civil authorities began registering births, marriages, and deaths in 1859 and most individuals who lived in Mexico after 1867 are recorded. Because the records cover such a large percentage of the population, they are extremely important sources for genealogical research in Mexico.  


For birth, death, and marriage records before 1859, see [[Mexico Church Records]]
For birth, death, and marriage records before 1859, see [[Mexico Church Records|'''Mexico Church Records''']]


=== General Historical Background ===
=== Time Coverage ===


The earliest vital records in Mexico were made by the Catholic Church. In the late 1850s the Mexican government recognized the need for accurate vital records. On 28 July 1859, President Benito Juárez, speaking in Veracruz, established the Civil Registration Office (Registro Civil). The new law determined both the standards and information to be recorded. Justices of civil registration were established throughout the republic to implement the process of creating, witnessing, and safeguarding the civil register. Initially, the Mexican populace, accustomed to registering its vital events with the local parish church, opposed the register. It was not until the republic was restored in 1867 that civil registration was vigorously enforced.
The earliest vital records in Mexico were made by the Catholic Church. In the late 1850s the Mexican government recognized the need for accurate vital records. On 28 July 1859, President Benito Juárez, speaking in Veracruz, established the Civil Registration Office (Registro Civil). The new law determined both the standards and information to be recorded. Justices of civil registration were established throughout the republic to implement the process of creating, witnessing, and safeguarding the civil register. Initially, the Mexican populace, accustomed to registering its vital events with the local parish church, opposed the register. It was not until the republic was restored in 1867 that civil registration was vigorously enforced.  


Although civil registration records are an important source for genealogical research in Mexico, many births, marriages, and deaths were never recorded by civil authorities; therefore, you must use church records to supplement this genealogical source.
Although civil registration records are an important source for genealogical research in Mexico, many births, marriages, and deaths were never recorded by civil authorities; therefore, you must use church records to supplement this genealogical source.  


The British government also kept civil registration records for British citizens living in Mexico from 1827 to 1926. These records can be found in the Family History Library Catalog under:
The British government also kept civil registration records for British citizens living in Mexico from 1827 to 1926:  


MEXICO, DISTRITO FEDERAL, CIUDAD DE MEXICO - CIVIL REGISTRATION
*[https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-records/british-armed-forces-and-overseas-births-and-baptisms?country=mexico Mexico, British Armed Forces and Overseas Births and Baptisms] at FindMyPast; index & images ($)


=== Information Recorded in Civil Registers ===
*[https://search.findmypast.com/results/world-records/british-armed-forces-and-overseas-banns-and-marriages?country=mexico Mexico, British Armed Forces and Overseas Banns and Marriages] at FindMyPast; index & images ($)


The information recorded in civil registration records varied over time. Later records generally give more complete information than the earlier ones.
*[http://search.findmypast.com/search-world-Records/british-armed-forces-and-overseas-deaths-and-burials British Armed Forces and Overseas Deaths and Burialsat] at FindMyPast; index & images ($)


Birth, marriage, and death records may either be handwritten or typed, and are often indexed by given name or surname.
=== Types of Records ===


=== Births (nacimientos) ===
The information recorded in civil registration records varied over time. Later records generally give more complete information than the earlier ones.


Births were usually registered by the infant’s father or by a neighbor of the family within a few days of the event. A birth record includes the day and time of the birth; the names of the child and parents, the birthplace, which may be different from where it was registered; and the address of the house or hospital in which the birth took place. Family information may be included, such as the parents’ ages, birthplaces, residences, marital status, and professions, and the number of other children born to the mother. You may also find information about the grandparents.
Birth, marriage, and death records may either be handwritten or typed, and are often indexed by given name or surname.  


Corrections or additions to a birth record may have been added as a note in the margin.
==== Births (nacimientos) ====


=== Marriages (matrimonios, casamientos) ===
Births were usually registered by the infant’s father or by a neighbor of the family within a few days of the event. If you are having trouble locating the birth record, keep in mind that the birth might have been reported months or years later. It is not common but it does happen. A birth record usually includes:


Early civil marriage entries simply contained the name of the bride and groom and the marriage date. Gradually more information was entered such as the bride’s and groom’s ages, birthplaces, occupations, civil status, residence and parents’ and grandparents’ names. In current civil marriage records even street addresses are given.
*Day and time of birth
*Names of the child and parents
*Birthplace, which may be different from where it was registered
*Address of the house or hospital in which the birth took place.


The Catholic Church continued keeping records after the creation of the civil registration in 1859. Therefore two types of records are available for the marriages. Be sure to search both records.
Family information may be included, such as:


With the separation of church and state in Mexico, formalized by the 1917 constitution, civil authorities determined that for couples to be legally married they had to be married by the state. Because of the close affinity of the Catholic Church and the state authorities, this rule was not always followed, and church weddings were accepted by the state. Normally, however, couples were married by civil authorities prior to a church wedding. On rare occasions they were married civilly after a church wedding.
*Parents’ ages, birthplaces, residences, marital status, and professions
*Number of other children born to the mother (occasionally).  
*Names of grandparents.


=== Divorce Records ===
Corrections or additions to a birth record may have been added as a note in the margin.These notes might include information about the marriage or death of the child.


Divorce was not legalized in Mexico until after the 1917 constitution. Divorces are not recorded with the civil registration, but rather with the municipio courts. The Family History Library has very few divorce records in its collection. You may obtain information from divorce records by contacting the court of the town or municipio where the divorce took place.
==== Marriages (matrimonios) ====


=== Deaths (defunciones) ===
Early civil marriage entries simply contained the name of the bride and groom and the marriage date. Gradually more information was entered such as:


Early civil death records are especially helpful because they list people for whom there are no birth or marriage records. Death records may provide information about the person’s birth or spouse, and may list his/her parents. Deaths were recorded in the town or city where the person died, within a few days of the death.
*Ages of the bride and groom
*Birthplaces
*Occupations
*Civil status (if either had been married previously)
*Residence of bride and groom
*Names of parents


Death records generally give the deceased person’s name, date, and place of death. Depending on the clerk who registered the death, the record may also include the person’s age or date of birth if a child, place of residence, occupation, name of spouse or parent, cause of death, and burial information. The name of the informant, who was often a relative may also be included.
In current civil marriage records even street addresses are given.  


Be aware that information found in a death record about the deceased person’s parents, birth date, birthplace, and other information may be inaccurate as the person who gave the information may not have had complete information.
The Catholic Church continued keeping records after the creation of the civil registration in 1859. Therefore two types of records are available for the marriages. Be sure to search both records.
 
With the separation of church and state in Mexico, formalized by the 1917 constitution, civil authorities determined that for couples to be legally married they had to be married by the state. Because of the close affinity of the Catholic Church and the state authorities, this rule was not always followed, and church weddings were accepted by the state. Normally, however, couples were married by civil authorities prior to a church wedding. On rare occasions they were married civilly after a church wedding.
 
==== Deaths (defunciones) ====
 
Early civil death records are especially helpful because they might list people for whom there are no birth or marriage records. Deaths were recorded in the town or city where the person died, within a few days of the death. Death records may provide the following information:
 
*Name of decedent
*Date and place of death
*Birthplace and/or age at death
*Name of spouse, if married
*Names of parents, usually if the person was single.
*Residence of decedent
*Occupation of decedent
*Cause of death (in more recent years)
*Burial information
*Name of informant (in more recent years)
 
Be aware that information found in a death record about the deceased person’s parents, birth date, birthplace, and other information may be inaccurate as the person who gave the information may not have had complete information.
 
==== Divorce Records ====
 
Divorce was not legalized in Mexico until after the 1917 constitution. Divorces are not recorded with the civil registration, but rather with the municipio courts. The FamilySearch Library has very few divorce records in its collection. You may obtain information from divorce records by contacting the court of the town or municipio where the divorce took place.
 
=== Extract Forms ===
 
The following extract forms were created by Dr. George Ryskamp, JD, AG. These particular forms are designed to be used for Spanish research; however, they can help in other research areas, such as Italy, France, Portugal, etc. Click on the type of record form you would like to use and print it for your own files.
 
[[Media:Baptism_template.pdf|Birth/Baptism Extract Form]]
 
[[Media:Marriage_Template.pdf|Marriage Extract Form]]
 
[[Media:Death_Template.pdf|Death/Burial Extract Form]]
 
These forms are designed to help you quickly analyze and organize your documents. They can become a personal index for your family records.


=== Locating Civil Registration Records ===
=== Locating Civil Registration Records ===


Civil registration records are kept by all the states on a municipio level. The exceptions are the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, where the records are recorded by the municipio but are archived on a district level, and the Distrito Federal (Federal District), where they are kept in delegations. Because of this, it is difficult to obtain records from these two states and the Federal District. In these three instances, as well as in the rest of the nation, the populace still registered in their local civil registration offices, from which the records were sent to the municipio office, district office, or delegation office. If you know the town where your family lived, you should be able to find the local civil registration office.
==== Online Collections in FamilySearch Historical Records ====
 
There is a listing of [https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/list#page=1&region=MEXICO all records collections available] on FamilySearch.org. The listing below might be out of date, so if you do not find your state, be sure to check this link.
 
*'''1859-1961''' {{RecordSearch|2072126|Mexico, Aguascalientes, Civil Registration, 1859-1961}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Aguascalientes, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-2004''' {{RecordSearch|1916086|Mexico, Baja California and Baja California Sur, Civil Registration, 1860-2004}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Baja California and Baja California Sur, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-1926''' {{RecordSearch|1916245|Mexico, Campeche, Civil Registration, 1860-1926}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Campeche, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1990''' {{RecordSearch|1916246|Mexico, Chiapas, Civil Registration, 1861-1990}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Chiapas, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1997''' {{RecordSearch|1922462|Mexico, Chihuahua, Civil Registration, 1861-1997}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Chihuahua, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1998''' {{RecordSearch|1916233|Mexico, Coahuila, Civil Registration, 1861-1998}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Coahuila, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-1997''' {{RecordSearch|1916241|Mexico, Colima, Civil Registration, 1860-1997}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Colima, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1832-2005''' {{RecordSearch|1923424|Mexico, Distrito Federal, Civil Registration, 1832-2005}} at FamilySearch  - [[Mexico, Distrito Federal, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1916235|Mexico, Durango, Civil Registration, 1861-1995}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Durango, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1862-1930''' {{RecordSearch|1922031|Mexico, Guanajuato, Civil Registration, 1862-1930}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Guanajuato, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-1996''' {{RecordSearch|1918291|Mexico, Guerrero, Civil Registration, 1860-1996}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Guerrero, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1967''' {{RecordSearch|1919702|Mexico, Hidalgo, Civil Registration, 1861-1967}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Hidalgo, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1857-2000''' {{RecordSearch|1918187|Mexico, Jalisco, Civil Registration, 1857-2000}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Jalisco, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1941''' {{RecordSearch|1916244|Mexico, México, Civil Registration, 1861-1941}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, México, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1859-1940''' {{RecordSearch|1916243|Mexico, Michoacán, Civil Registration, 1859-1940}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Michoacan, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1920''' {{RecordSearch|1922412|Mexico, Morelos, Civil Registration, 1861-1920}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Morelos, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1868-2001''' {{RecordSearch|1916242|Mexico, Nayarit, Civil Registration, 1868-2001}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Nayarit, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1859-1962''' {{RecordSearch|1916238|Mexico, Nuevo León, Civil Registration, 1859-1962}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Nuevo León, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-2002''' {{RecordSearch|1923401|Mexico, Oaxaca, Civil Registration, 1861-2002}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Oaxaca, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1930''' {{RecordSearch|1918287|Mexico, Puebla, Civil Registration, 1861-1930}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Puebla, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images— index and images
*'''1864-2005''' {{RecordSearch|1922415|Mexico, Querétaro, Civil Registration, 1864-2005}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Querétaro, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1866-1901''' {{RecordSearch|1916247|Mexico, Quintana Roo, Civil Registration, 1866-1902}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Quintana Roo, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1859-2000''' {{RecordSearch|1916239|Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Civil Registration, 1859-2000}} at FamilySearch -[[Mexico, San Luis Potosí, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & imagesindex and images
*'''1861-1929''' {{RecordSearch|2290241|Mexico, Sinaloa, Civil Registration, 1861-1929}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Sinaloa, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1861-1995''' {{RecordSearch|1918289|Mexico, Sonora, Civil Registration, 1861-1995}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Sonora, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1800-2002''' {{RecordSearch|1916237|Mexico, Tamaulipas, Civil Registration, 1800-2002}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Tamaulipas, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1867-1950''' {{RecordSearch|1658994|Mexico, Tlaxcala, Civil Registration, 1867-1950}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Tlaxcala, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1821-1949''' {{RecordSearch|1922413|Mexico, Veracruz, Civil Registration, 1821-1949}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Veracruz, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-2005''' {{RecordSearch|1916248|Mexico, Yucatán, Civil Registration, 1860-2005}} at FamilySearch - [[Mexico, Yucatán, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images
*'''1860-2000''' {{RecordSearch|1916240|Mexico, Zacatecas, Civil Registration, 1860-2000}} at FamilySearch -  [[Mexico, Zacatecas, Civil Registration - FamilySearch Historical Records|How to Use this Collection]]; index & images


Each state now has a central civil registration office to which you can write for information.
==== Records in the FamilySearch Collection ====


=== Records at the Family History Library ===
The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed the civil registration records of thousands of municipios throughout Mexico. These records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.


The Family History Library has microfilmed the civil registration records of thousands of municipios throughout Mexico. These records are listed in the Family History Library Catalog.
Civil registration for the states of Sinaloa, and Tabasco have not been microfilmed. Campeche records are very incomplete through 1930 because most records were destroyed; most the records of Tabasco were burned; Morelos has some missing records; and some of the records of Quintana Roo were microfilmed in Yucatán.  


Civil registration for the states of Baja California; Nayarit, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, and Tabasco have not been microfilmed. Campeche records are very incomplete through 1930 because most records were destroyed; most the records of Tabasco were burned; Morelos has some missing records; and some of the records of Quintana Roo were microfilmed in Yucatán.
For the states that kept records on a ''municipio'' or municipality level, you will need to know the town where your family lived and to which ''municipio'' the town belonged. A [[Mexico Gazetteers|gazetteer]] will help you find the municipio level for your town. <br>


For the states that kept records on a municipio level, you will need to know the town where your family lived and to which municipio the town belonged. A gazetteer will help you find the municipio level for your town.
Some municipios are small and therefore only have one civil registration office, but there are other larger ''municipios'' that have several sub civil registration offices that report to the main municipio office.


Some municipios are small and therefore only have one civil registration office, but there are other larger municipios that have several sub civil registration offices that report to the main municipio office. These sub civil registration offices are all listed under the municipio seat. For example, in Sonora the municipio of Cajeme covers a large geographical area and has had ten sub civil registration offices at different times. These offices have been or are now in the following cities: two in the city of Ciudad Obregón and one each in Cumuripa, Esperanza, Cocorit, Providencia, Pueblo Yaqui, El Realito, Oviachic, and Buenavista. All of these offices are listed under Cajeme, with a "see" reference indicated by an arrow from the sub-civil registration office to Cajeme. A person looking for civil registration for Cocorit will be referred to Cajeme by the "see" reference or arrow. However, other records such as church records or censuses, will still be listed under Cocorit. Hence, to search all the records the library has for Cocorit you will need to search under two listings: Cajeme for civil registration, because Cocorit civil registration records are listed under Cajeme, and Cocorit for church records because the church records are listed under Cocorit.
The specific holdings of the FamilySearch Library are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. To find civil registration records, search in the "Locality" section of the FamilySearch Catalog under:  


The specific holdings of the Family History Library are listed in the Family History Library Catalog. To find civil registration records, search in the "Locality" section of the Family History Library Catalog under:
MEXICO- CIVIL REGISTRATION


MEXICO- CIVIL REGISTRATION
MEXICO, [STATE]- CIVIL REGISTRATION  


MEXICO, [STATE]- CIVIL REGISTRATION
MEXICO, [STATE], [TOWN/MUNICIPIO/ DISTRICT]- CIVIL REGISTRATION  


MEXICO, [STATE], [TOWN/MUNICIPIO/ DISTRICT]- CIVIL REGISTRATION
The library’s collection continues to grow as new records are microfilmed and added to the collection from numerous sources. Do not give up if records are not yet available. The FamilySearch Catalog is updated periodically, so check it occasionally for the records you need.


The library’s collection continues to grow as new records are microfilmed and added to the collection from numerous sources. Do not give up if records are not yet available. The Family History Library Catalog is updated periodically, so check it occasionally for the records you need.
==== Writing for Civil Registration Certificates ====


=== Locating Records Not at the Family History Library ===
Civil registration records are kept by all the states on a municipio level. The exceptions are the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, where the records are recorded by the municipio but are archived on a district level, and the Distrito Federal (Federal District), where they are kept in delegations. Because of this, it is difficult to obtain records from these two states and the Federal District. In these three instances, as well as in the rest of the nation, the populace still registered in their local civil registration offices, from which the records were sent to the municipio office, district office, or delegation office. If you know the town where your family lived, you should be able to find the local civil registration office.


Birth, marriage, and death records may be obtained by contacting or visiting local civil registration offices and state civil archives in Mexico. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most records with current information have restrictions on their use and access. The present location of records depends on whether local offices have sent their records to the higher jurisdiction. Most recent records will be found in the local civil registration offices. Older records may be found in the municipio or state archive.
Each state now has a central civil registration office to which you can write for information. Birth, marriage, and death records may be obtained by contacting or visiting local civil registration offices and state civil archives in Mexico. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most records with current information have restrictions on their use and access. The present location of records depends on whether local offices have sent their records to the higher jurisdiction. Most recent records will be found in the local civil registration offices. Older records may be found in the ''municipio'' or state archive. An online source for [http://mexicangenealogy.info/research/resources-by-state/ Civil Registry]


You may obtain copies of civil registration records in Mexico by writing to the local civil registry in the municipio. However, some archives will not send photocopies, and some will also ask for power of attorney to receive a certificate of an individual other than the correspondent. Civil officials will generally answer correspondence in Spanish. Your request may be forwarded if the records have been sent to state archives.
You may obtain copies of civil registration records in Mexico by writing to the local civil registry in the ''municipio''. However, some archives will not send photocopies, and some will also ask for power of attorney to receive a certificate of an individual other than the correspondent. Civil officials will generally answer correspondence in Spanish. Your request may be forwarded if the records have been sent to state archives. Relatives are allowed to request recent records for genealogy purposes.  <br>
=====State Offices for Civil Registration=====
Addresses for central state offices can be found in these articles:
{| width="650" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" class="FCK__ShowTableBorders"
|-
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[Aguascalientes Civil Registration|Aguascalientes]]
*[[Baja California Civil Registration|Baja California]]
*[[Baja California Sur Civil Registration|Baja California Sur]]
*[[Campeche Civil Registration|Campeche]]
*[[Chiapas Civil Registration|Chiapas]]
*[[Chihuahua Civil Registration|Chihuahua]]
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[Coahuila Civil Registration|Coahuila]]
*[[Colima Civil Registration|Colima]]
*[[Distrito Federal Civil Registration|Distrito Federal]]
*[[Durango Civil Registration|Durango]]
*[[Guanajuato Civil Registration|Guanajuato]]
*[[Guerrero Civil Registration|Guerrero]]
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[Hidalgo Civil Registration|Hidalgo]]
*[[Jalisco Civil Registration|Jalisco]]
*[[State of Mexico Civil Registration|State of Mexico]]
*[[Michoacán Civil Registration|Michoacán]]
*[[Morelos Civil Registration|Morelos]]
*[[Nayarit Civil Registration|Nayarit]]
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[Nuevo León Civil Registration|Nuevo León]]
*[[Oaxaca Civil Registration|Oaxaca]]
*[[Puebla Civil Registration|Puebla]]
*[[Querétaro Civil Registration|Querétaro]]
*[[Quintana Roo Civil Registration|Quintana Roo]]
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[San Luis Potosí Civil Registration|San Luis Potosí]]
*[[Sinaloa Civil Registration|Sinaloa]]
*[[Sonora Civil Registration|Sonora]]
*[[Tabasco Civil Registration|Tabasco]]
*[[Tamaulipas Civil Registration|Tamaulipas]]
*[[Tlaxcala Civil Registration|Tlaxcala]]
| valign="top" align="left" |
*[[Veracruz Civil Registration|Veracruz]]
*[[Yucatán Civil Registration|Yucatán]]
*[[Zacatecas Civil Registration|Zacatecas]]


After deciding who has jurisdiction over the records for the time period you need, write a brief request to the proper office, including:
|}


* A check or cash for the search fee, which is usually $10.
===== Local Civil Registrars =====
You can also write to local offices, using this address as a guide, replacing the information in parentheses:<br>


* The full name and the sex of the person sought.
:'''Oficino del Registro Civil'''
:'''([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_postal_codes_in_Mexico postal code]), (city), (state)'''
:'''Mexico'''<br><br>


* The names of his or her parents, if known.
*[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_postal_codes_in_Mexico '''Find the Mexico postal code here.''']


* The approximate date and place of the event about which you want information.
===== How to Write the Letter =====
'''Write your request in Spanish whenever possible. For writing your letter in Spanish, use the translated questions and phrases in this [https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/images/a/aa/LWGSpanish.pdf Spanish Letter-writing Guide.]'''<br>
Send the following:<br>
*Money for the search fee, usually $10.00
*Full name and the sex of the ancestor sought
*Names of the ancestor’s parents, if known
*Approximate date and place of the event
*Your relationship to the ancestor
*Reason for the request (family history, medical, and so on)
*Request for a photocopy of the complete original record
<br>


* Your relationship to the person.
=== Search Strategies ===


* The reason for the request (family history, medical history, and so on.).
To effectively use civil records, follow these steps:


* A request for a photocopy of the complete original record.
#Search for the relative or ancestor you have selected. When you find the person’s birth record, search for the births of his or her brothers and sisters.
#Search for the marriage of his or her parents. The marriage record will often give you information that leads to the parents’ birth record.
#Estimate the parents’ age and search for their birth records.
#Repeat the process for both the father and mother.
#If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring ''municipios''.
#Search the death records for all family members.


* A power of attorney letter, if required.


If your request is unsuccessful, search for duplicate records that may have been filed in other state and ecclesiastical archives.
<br>


=== Search Strategies ===
{{Place|Mexico}}


To effectively use civil records, follow these steps:
[[es:Registro Civil de México]]


# Search for the relative or ancestor you have selected. When you find the person’s birth record, search for the births of his or her brothers and sisters.
[[Category:Mexico Vital Records]] [[Category:Civil_Registration]]
# Search for the marriage of his or her parents. The marriage record will often give you information that leads to the parents’ birth record.
# Estimate the parents’ age and search for their birth records.
# Repeat the process for both the father and mother.
# If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring municipios.
# Search the death records for all family members.

Latest revision as of 11:53, 20 March 2024


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Definition[edit | edit source]

Civil registration records (also known as vital records) are important for genealogical research in Mexico. Civil authorities began registering births, marriages, and deaths in 1859 and most individuals who lived in Mexico after 1867 are recorded. Because the records cover such a large percentage of the population, they are extremely important sources for genealogical research in Mexico.

For birth, death, and marriage records before 1859, see Mexico Church Records

Time Coverage[edit | edit source]

The earliest vital records in Mexico were made by the Catholic Church. In the late 1850s the Mexican government recognized the need for accurate vital records. On 28 July 1859, President Benito Juárez, speaking in Veracruz, established the Civil Registration Office (Registro Civil). The new law determined both the standards and information to be recorded. Justices of civil registration were established throughout the republic to implement the process of creating, witnessing, and safeguarding the civil register. Initially, the Mexican populace, accustomed to registering its vital events with the local parish church, opposed the register. It was not until the republic was restored in 1867 that civil registration was vigorously enforced.

Although civil registration records are an important source for genealogical research in Mexico, many births, marriages, and deaths were never recorded by civil authorities; therefore, you must use church records to supplement this genealogical source.

The British government also kept civil registration records for British citizens living in Mexico from 1827 to 1926:

Types of Records[edit | edit source]

The information recorded in civil registration records varied over time. Later records generally give more complete information than the earlier ones.

Birth, marriage, and death records may either be handwritten or typed, and are often indexed by given name or surname.

Births (nacimientos)[edit | edit source]

Births were usually registered by the infant’s father or by a neighbor of the family within a few days of the event. If you are having trouble locating the birth record, keep in mind that the birth might have been reported months or years later. It is not common but it does happen. A birth record usually includes:

  • Day and time of birth
  • Names of the child and parents
  • Birthplace, which may be different from where it was registered
  • Address of the house or hospital in which the birth took place.

Family information may be included, such as:

  • Parents’ ages, birthplaces, residences, marital status, and professions
  • Number of other children born to the mother (occasionally).
  • Names of grandparents.

Corrections or additions to a birth record may have been added as a note in the margin.These notes might include information about the marriage or death of the child.

Marriages (matrimonios)[edit | edit source]

Early civil marriage entries simply contained the name of the bride and groom and the marriage date. Gradually more information was entered such as:

  • Ages of the bride and groom
  • Birthplaces
  • Occupations
  • Civil status (if either had been married previously)
  • Residence of bride and groom
  • Names of parents

In current civil marriage records even street addresses are given.

The Catholic Church continued keeping records after the creation of the civil registration in 1859. Therefore two types of records are available for the marriages. Be sure to search both records.

With the separation of church and state in Mexico, formalized by the 1917 constitution, civil authorities determined that for couples to be legally married they had to be married by the state. Because of the close affinity of the Catholic Church and the state authorities, this rule was not always followed, and church weddings were accepted by the state. Normally, however, couples were married by civil authorities prior to a church wedding. On rare occasions they were married civilly after a church wedding.

Deaths (defunciones)[edit | edit source]

Early civil death records are especially helpful because they might list people for whom there are no birth or marriage records. Deaths were recorded in the town or city where the person died, within a few days of the death. Death records may provide the following information:

  • Name of decedent
  • Date and place of death
  • Birthplace and/or age at death
  • Name of spouse, if married
  • Names of parents, usually if the person was single.
  • Residence of decedent
  • Occupation of decedent
  • Cause of death (in more recent years)
  • Burial information
  • Name of informant (in more recent years)

Be aware that information found in a death record about the deceased person’s parents, birth date, birthplace, and other information may be inaccurate as the person who gave the information may not have had complete information.

Divorce Records[edit | edit source]

Divorce was not legalized in Mexico until after the 1917 constitution. Divorces are not recorded with the civil registration, but rather with the municipio courts. The FamilySearch Library has very few divorce records in its collection. You may obtain information from divorce records by contacting the court of the town or municipio where the divorce took place.

Extract Forms[edit | edit source]

The following extract forms were created by Dr. George Ryskamp, JD, AG. These particular forms are designed to be used for Spanish research; however, they can help in other research areas, such as Italy, France, Portugal, etc. Click on the type of record form you would like to use and print it for your own files.

Birth/Baptism Extract Form

Marriage Extract Form

Death/Burial Extract Form

These forms are designed to help you quickly analyze and organize your documents. They can become a personal index for your family records.

Locating Civil Registration Records[edit | edit source]

Online Collections in FamilySearch Historical Records[edit | edit source]

There is a listing of all records collections available on FamilySearch.org. The listing below might be out of date, so if you do not find your state, be sure to check this link.

Records in the FamilySearch Collection[edit | edit source]

The FamilySearch Library has microfilmed the civil registration records of thousands of municipios throughout Mexico. These records are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog.

Civil registration for the states of Sinaloa, and Tabasco have not been microfilmed. Campeche records are very incomplete through 1930 because most records were destroyed; most the records of Tabasco were burned; Morelos has some missing records; and some of the records of Quintana Roo were microfilmed in Yucatán.

For the states that kept records on a municipio or municipality level, you will need to know the town where your family lived and to which municipio the town belonged. A gazetteer will help you find the municipio level for your town.

Some municipios are small and therefore only have one civil registration office, but there are other larger municipios that have several sub civil registration offices that report to the main municipio office.

The specific holdings of the FamilySearch Library are listed in the FamilySearch Catalog. To find civil registration records, search in the "Locality" section of the FamilySearch Catalog under:

MEXICO- CIVIL REGISTRATION

MEXICO, [STATE]- CIVIL REGISTRATION

MEXICO, [STATE], [TOWN/MUNICIPIO/ DISTRICT]- CIVIL REGISTRATION

The library’s collection continues to grow as new records are microfilmed and added to the collection from numerous sources. Do not give up if records are not yet available. The FamilySearch Catalog is updated periodically, so check it occasionally for the records you need.

Writing for Civil Registration Certificates[edit | edit source]

Civil registration records are kept by all the states on a municipio level. The exceptions are the states of Guerrero and Oaxaca, where the records are recorded by the municipio but are archived on a district level, and the Distrito Federal (Federal District), where they are kept in delegations. Because of this, it is difficult to obtain records from these two states and the Federal District. In these three instances, as well as in the rest of the nation, the populace still registered in their local civil registration offices, from which the records were sent to the municipio office, district office, or delegation office. If you know the town where your family lived, you should be able to find the local civil registration office.

Each state now has a central civil registration office to which you can write for information. Birth, marriage, and death records may be obtained by contacting or visiting local civil registration offices and state civil archives in Mexico. To protect the rights of privacy of living persons, most records with current information have restrictions on their use and access. The present location of records depends on whether local offices have sent their records to the higher jurisdiction. Most recent records will be found in the local civil registration offices. Older records may be found in the municipio or state archive. An online source for Civil Registry

You may obtain copies of civil registration records in Mexico by writing to the local civil registry in the municipio. However, some archives will not send photocopies, and some will also ask for power of attorney to receive a certificate of an individual other than the correspondent. Civil officials will generally answer correspondence in Spanish. Your request may be forwarded if the records have been sent to state archives. Relatives are allowed to request recent records for genealogy purposes.

State Offices for Civil Registration[edit | edit source]

Addresses for central state offices can be found in these articles:

Local Civil Registrars[edit | edit source]

You can also write to local offices, using this address as a guide, replacing the information in parentheses:

Oficino del Registro Civil
(postal code), (city), (state)
Mexico

How to Write the Letter[edit | edit source]

Write your request in Spanish whenever possible. For writing your letter in Spanish, use the translated questions and phrases in this Spanish Letter-writing Guide.
Send the following:

  • Money for the search fee, usually $10.00
  • Full name and the sex of the ancestor sought
  • Names of the ancestor’s parents, if known
  • Approximate date and place of the event
  • Your relationship to the ancestor
  • Reason for the request (family history, medical, and so on)
  • Request for a photocopy of the complete original record


Search Strategies[edit | edit source]

To effectively use civil records, follow these steps:

  1. Search for the relative or ancestor you have selected. When you find the person’s birth record, search for the births of his or her brothers and sisters.
  2. Search for the marriage of his or her parents. The marriage record will often give you information that leads to the parents’ birth record.
  3. Estimate the parents’ age and search for their birth records.
  4. Repeat the process for both the father and mother.
  5. If earlier generations are not in the record, search neighboring municipios.
  6. Search the death records for all family members.



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