Buying and Selling Cars in Mexico

My insurance agent sent me a document with new guidelines for either buying or selling a car.

Rules here in Mexico keep changing and prior to February, someone could pick up new placas for you.  Now, not only do you have to show up in person, but you also have to have an *REC number that is tied to your CURP, shown on your Permanent or Temporary Resident card.  To make it a bit easier, you can pay  on-line, then go to the office to collect your new placas or registration.  I did this at the end of March and didn’t have to wait at all.

When Selling a Car
If you are selling to an individual, you will have to endorse the original Bill of Sale from the dealer.   This document is considered like the title in the US.
• You will have to turn over the receipts of registration taxes paid for the past 5 years, depending on the model of the vehicle.
• A copy of your ID, (passport, Resident card and *REC #)  will be needed to verify your signature of endorsement.
• Take the plates off and cancel them at the traffic department.   That way you will be released from any responsibility and will force the buyer to get new plates in his name.   It will be better to go together to do this.

If you are turning in the car to a dealer to get a new vehicle, the dealer takes off the plates and cancels them.

If you are buying a used car, be sure to get all the above documents including, if possible, the service records on the vehicle..
You need a resident card, either temporary or permanent, to register the vehicle. You also need an *REC #.

When buying a new vehicle from the dealer, usually the salesperson will offer you an insurance policy.  If it is free, take it!   If not,  contact an  insurance agent for better coverages and assistance, even if it is a little more expensive.

REC (Registro Estatal de Contribuyentes) is a State Taxpayer Registration number used at the state level for local tax obligations, such as vehicle registration and plate issuance.  It is distinct from the federal RFC (Registro Federal de Contribuyentes).  The April issue of AkumalNow has information on obtaining an REC.