Buying a House In Mexico—Mexican Car Registration
When it comes to living or traveling in Mexico, having a vehicle can be a game-changer. Whether you're an expat settling into your new home or a tourist exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico, understanding the ins and outs of Mexican car registration is essential.
9/6/20231 min read
The offices throughout Mexico where one registers a vehicle is called "Rentas". Each state has its' own requirements.
Registration involves several documents when buying a new or used car in Mexico.
If the car is from another state there are additional steps that include returning the plates to the state in which the car is registered and a physical vehicle inspection by Rentas staff.
Registering a car that has been nationalized is again another process. We can refer you to someone who can assist you.
Baja de Vehiculos is issued when you buy a vehicle from another state in Mexico and you turn in those state plates. This is recommended before registering a vehicle in another state. Otherwise, your vehicle continues to be registered in the former state with accruing annual fees and emissions test fines.
Also please note, the original factura or bill of sale obtained when a vehicle is purchased new follows the vehicle for the life of the vehicle. Every seller signs off the back of that factura. Without the original factura even if it is 20 years old and it being signed off by the seller to you, you cannot register the vehicle.
The blog about buying a car in Mexico goes into more detail.