ID and Cash Limits for Buying Gold in Mexico
Under Mexico's anti-money-laundering law (LFPIORPI), buying or selling precious metals, jewellery or watches is a vulnerable activity: the dealer must identify you from 805 UMA (about MX$94,435 in 2026) and file an aviso with the SAT from 1,605 UMA (about MX$188,283), whatever the payment method. Paying in cash is banned at 3,210 UMA (about MX$376,565) or more.
Facts checked 31 October 2026 · Not financial, legal or tax advice
At a glance
| Situation | Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Buying | ID and file from 805 UMA (MX$94,434.55). | Per operation, before VAT. Applies to gold, silver and platinum, coins, bars, jewellery and watches. |
| Paying cash | Banned at 3,210 UMA (MX$376,565.10) or more. | Per piece or per lot, VAT included. Cash also means foreign currency and precious metals used as payment. |
| Selling | Same thresholds: the law covers the dealer's purchases as well as sales. | The cash ban covers any acquisition of jewellery, watches and precious metals at that value. |
| Reported | Aviso to the SAT from 1,605 UMA (MX$188,282.55). | Since July 2025, for any payment method, not only cash; operations are added up over 6 months. |
The rules in detail
- Article 17(VI) LFPIORPI covers the habitual or professional sale or brokering of precious metals, precious stones, jewellery and watches. Peso amounts use the UMA, MX$117.31 a day from 1 February 2026.
- Identification (805 UMA): the dealer must identify you (official ID and personal details), keep the file and ask whether you're acting for someone else.
- Aviso (1,605 UMA): the dealer reports the operation to the SAT. The July 2025 reform (DOF 16 July 2025) extended avisos to any monetary instrument (transfer, card, cheque), not only cash, and raised record-keeping to 10 years. Operations by the same client are accumulated over six months, so splitting a purchase doesn't avoid it.
- Cash ban (Article 32): nobody may pay or accept cash, foreign currency or precious metals for jewellery, watches, precious metals or stones worth 3,210 UMA or more; the dealer's regulations add up linked payments for this too.
When you sell
- When a dealer or jeweller buys your gold, the same 805 / 1,605 UMA thresholds apply.
- At 3,210 UMA or more, the dealer can't pay you in cash; expect a bank transfer.
- Pawnshops (casas de empeño) are a separate vulnerable activity with their own thresholds.
Silver and travel
- Silver (including Libertad coins) is a precious metal under the same thresholds.
- Travel: cash and cash-equivalents over US$10,000 must be declared to Mexican customs.
Gold ID and Cash Limits in Mexico: FAQ
Do I need ID to buy gold in Mexico?
Yes, from 805 UMA, about MX$94,435 in 2026, per operation. Below that, a dealer doesn't have to identify you under the anti-money-laundering law, although it may still ask.
How much cash can I pay for gold in Mexico?
Less than 3,210 UMA, about MX$376,565 in 2026. At or above that, cash, foreign currency and precious metals can't be used to pay for jewellery, watches or precious metals.
Does the dealer report my gold purchase to the SAT?
Yes, if it reaches 1,605 UMA, about MX$188,283 in 2026, counting operations over six months. Since the July 2025 reform this applies however you pay, not only in cash.
Sources (4)
General information for individuals buying or selling gold, checked October 2026. Rules change and dealers may ask for more than the legal minimum; check with the dealer or the regulator. Not legal advice.