The Expiration Date of Mexico’s e.firma (Electronic Signature)
Hello,
Today, I would like to explain an often-overlooked topic: the expiration date of Mexico’s individual e.firma (electronic signature).
What Is e.firma?
The e.firma is an electronic signature used in Mexico.
It is a digital authentication mechanism composed of unique data and character strings that:
- Verify the identity of the signer, and
- Prevent impersonation or fraudulent use.
Legally, the e.firma has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature and is used for a wide range of official procedures, including:
- Filing tax returns and declarations
- Applying for tax refunds
- Updating the RFC (Mexican Taxpayer Identification Number)
- Issuing CFDI (electronic tax invoices) online
- Signing digital documents
- Completing procedures with various government authorities
Expiration Period
The e.firma has a validity period of four (4) years.
If certain conditions are met, it can be renewed online through the platform of the
Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT).
Online renewal is possible if:
- The renewal is completed up to 24 hours before the expiration date, or
- The e.firma has expired within the past one year
Risks of Expiration
If the e.firma expires and becomes invalid, it is no longer possible to renew it online.
In that case, the taxpayer must visit a tax office in person to reapply.
In practice, this often leads to issues such as:
- Difficulty securing an appointment
- Overcrowded tax offices
- Procedures taking significantly longer than expected
As a result, business operations and administrative processes may be disrupted.
Conclusion
As long as the e.firma is still valid,
the renewal process can generally be completed entirely online,
saving both time and effort.
👉 Renewing the e.firma before it expires is therefore extremely important.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. For advice tailored to your specific situation, please consult a qualified professional.
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