What is REPUVE?
REPUVE (Registro Público Vehicular) is Mexico's official vehicle registry system that tracks:
Vehicle ownership history
Theft reports and stolen vehicle status
Outstanding taxes and fines
Legal restrictions or liens
Checking REPUVE before purchasing is mandatory to confirm the vehicle's legal status and avoid future problems with authorities.
How to Check REPUVE
You can verify a vehicle's status through the official REPUVE citizen portal using:
VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): The 17-character serial number
License plate number: Current vehicle registration
Invoice number (Folio): From the original purchase document
The system returns one of three results:
Sin reporte (No report): Vehicle is clear and registered properly
Con reporte de robo (Theft report): Vehicle is reported stolen—do not purchase
No registrado (Not registered): Vehicle is not in the system, requiring registration
Beyond REPUVE: Complete Vehicle Verification
REPUVE alone is not sufficient. A comprehensive check should include:
Property tax (Tenencia): Verify all annual vehicle taxes are paid
Traffic fines (Multas): Check for outstanding tickets or violations
Emissions verification (Verificación): Confirm current compliance
Ownership documentation: Review seller's invoice (factura) and circulation card (tarjeta de circulación)
Physical inspection: Check VIN matches documents and vehicle condition
Each Mexican state has different systems and requirements, adding complexity to the process.
Complete Purchase Process
Pre-Purchase Verification
Run REPUVE check and verify all vehicle documentation with the seller. Confirm identity and ownership rights.
Legal Documentation Review
Examine the original invoice, circulation card, and proof of tax payments. Ensure no discrepancies or irregularities.
Ownership Transfer (Cambio de Propietario)
Complete the transfer process at the local vehicle registry office or through a notary, depending on state requirements.
REPUVE Registration
If the vehicle is not registered in REPUVE, complete the high registration process (Alta REPUVE) to protect your ownership.
New Plates and Documents
Obtain new license plates and updated circulation card in your name.
Contract a Car insurance
Common Pitfalls (The Bureaucratic Maze)
Vehicle purchases in Mexico are fraught with risks:
REPUVE system frequently offline or experiencing technical issues
Vehicles showing "clean" status but hiding unpaid state taxes or municipal fines
Different procedures in each of Mexico's 32 states create confusion
Common scams: falsified VINs, apocryphal invoices, double sales
Sellers disappearing after transaction, leaving buyers with legal problems
Complex notary requirements and lengthy processing times (weeks to months)
Without expert guidance, you risk purchasing a problematic vehicle or facing costly legal battles.
How We Protect You
Our comprehensive vehicle purchase service includes:
Complete REPUVE verification and history report
Multi-state database check for taxes, fines, and liens
Physical documentation authentication
Notary coordination for secure ownership transfer
State registry navigation and paperwork processing
Post-purchase REPUVE registration if needed
Legal protection through trusted automotive lawyers
We ensure your vehicle purchase is secure from start to finish.
Start Your Vehicle Purchase Verification
Don't take risks with your investment. Let us perform complete verification and guide you through the purchase process safely.
Related Blog Articles
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