🏛City hall

Longer read

Mexico City (CDMX) has a two-tier government: the City Government (Gobierno de la Ciudad) handles citywide matters, while each of the 16 boroughs (alcaldías) manages local services.

Central Government

Palacio del Ayuntamiento (Old City Hall): Plaza de la Constitución 2, Centro Histórico

Gobierno de la CDMX website: www.cdmx.gob.mx

Key central services:

• The Head of Government (Jefa de Gobierno) is the city’s chief executive
• Legislation, city-wide public works, transport, security
• Major administrative processes (vehicle registration, driver’s licences)

Borough Offices (Alcaldías)

Each of the 16 boroughs runs its own local registry office, markets, local roads, and permits. Key boroughs for visitors and residents:

• Cuauhtémoc — Centro Histórico, Roma, Condesa
• Benito Juárez — Del Valle, Narvarte
• Miguel Hidalgo — Polanco, Lomas
• Coyoacán — Coyoacán historic centre
• Álvaro Obregón — San Ángel

Document Procedures

Common procedures at the Registro Civil (Civil Registry):

• Birth certificates: Online or at borough offices
• Marriage registration: By appointment at the Civil Registry
• ID card (INE/IFE): Through the National Electoral Institute
• Residence registration: At the borough office

Digital Services

Mexico City has one of Latin America’s most advanced government portals:

• Llave CDMX — unified digital identity for all city services
• Online appointment scheduling (citas)
• Digital certificates (actas en línea)
• Property tax (predial) payment online

Tips

• Most borough offices have English-speaking staff only at central counters
• Make appointments online (agenda una cita) — walk-ins may have long waits
• For immigration matters, use the Instituto Nacional de Migración (INM), not city offices
• Utility payments and fines can be made at any bank or via banking apps