what is the first step to get Mexican citizenship. I have been had permanent residence for over 5yrs

To obtain Mexican citizenship through Naturalization based on residency, given that you have held permanent residency for over 5 years, the process is governed by the Nationality Law and managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

Here is the step-by-step guide from a legal perspective:

1. The First Formal Step: Form DNN-3
The first official action is to visit an SRE office (Delegación) to submit the DNN-3 form. This document is your formal application for naturalization, where you officially declare your intent to become a Mexican citizen.

2. Time Requirements and the 180-Day Rule
While you have been a resident since 2007, the law focuses on the most recent period:
- Absences: You must not have been outside of Mexico for more than a total of 180 days (6 months) during the two years immediately preceding your application date.
- COVID Period: If your stay abroad during COVID exceeded 180 days in that specific two-year window, you may need to wait until your recent physical presence meets the requirement.

3. Essential Documentation
You will need to compile a dossier including:
- Certified Birth Certificate: Must be apostilled (or legalized) by your home country and translated into Spanish by a court-certified translator (perito traductor) in Mexico.
- Valid Permanent Resident Card.
- Valid Foreign Passport.
- Letter of No Criminal Record: Both Federal and Local (State).
- Migratory Flows Certificate: Issued by the National Institute of Migration (INM) to prove your entries and exits.

4. The Naturalization Exam
Unless you are over 60 years old, you must pass an exam covering:
- History and Culture of Mexico: Key events, geography, and national symbols.
- Spanish Language: You must demonstrate sufficient proficiency to communicate and understand social context.
- Note: If you are over 60, the history/culture exam is replaced by a simplified interview.

5. The Carta de Naturalizacion
Once the SRE validates your file and you pass the exam (and after clearance from the Ministry of the Interior/SEGOB), you will be issued your Naturalization Certificate. With this document, you can then apply for:
- Your Mexican Passport.
- Your Voter ID (INE).

Legal Summary for Your Case:
Since you have lived in Mexico since 2007 and have held Permanent Residency for over 5 years, you are in an excellent position to apply. The key will be verifying your exit/entry dates from the COVID period to ensure they don't trigger a rejection based on the 180-day rule.

Would you like me to help you draft a checklist of the specific documents you need to gather, or would you like to review the specific history topics for the exam?