The objective of this card is to provide Mexican migrant workers in the United States with a document that can act as an identify card, thus facilitating access to services. An additional objective is to streamline assistance and lower remittance transfer costs.

Since 1871 Mexican embassies and consulates in a have issued identification documents (matrícula consular) to their nationals abroad. In the United States, high security features were then added to these documents in 2002 in response to the US government's security concerns after September 11.

Fifty Mexican consulates operate in the United States and provide documentation, legal and social assistance, and cultural services. Consulates also coordinate with local organizations, Mexican associations, and state and national authorities to educate Mexican immigrants on a range of issues, including safety and health in the workplace.

The matrícula consular is an identify card, with a photograph and other security features, that attests that the bearer of the card is a national of Mexico living abroad. The card costs about US$ 29 and is valid for five years. In May 2003, the Treasury Department established regulations recognizing the cards as proof of identity for the purpose of opening a bank account. The cards are accepted for other community services as well, such as signing up for. It has been particularly useful for undocumented Mexican migrants in that it provides them with identification documents. In 2005, 118 banks in the United States accepted the matrícula consular as an alternative form of identification to open bank accounts. Increased access to banks has the additional benefit of reducing transfer costs of remittances to Mexico.