You bought a car and it doesn't have plates yet — but you need to drive it now. The provisional permit is the official document that lets you drive legally while the definitive plates are processed. Costs ~$300–$400 MXN, you get it same-day, and it lasts 15–30 days.

If you don't want to spend half a day at UNIRSE, Pepe gets it for you over WhatsApp.

2026 Cost and Validity

Permit typeValidityCost
Dealership permit (new car)30 daysIncluded in vehicle invoice
SET provisional permit (used or out-of-state)15–30 days$300–$400 MXN
Renewal of expired permitUp to 15 extra days$150–$200 MXN
Don't wait for it to expire. A provisional permit only renews once and only with justified cause (rescheduled appointment, administrative delay). If it expires and you keep driving, you're already in infraction.

When do you need a permit?

  • Bought a new car at a dealership and don't have physical plates yet.
  • Bought a used car and are driving it from another state to register in Jalisco.
  • Your vehicle just came through definitive importation (USA/Canada) and you're in the alta process.
  • You got a carta factura from a private sale and haven't done the ownership transfer yet.
  • Your plates were stolen or lost and you're waiting on the replacement.

What to bring

Original and copy of each:

  • Valid INE, license, or passport
  • CURP
  • Proof of Jalisco address (no older than 3 months)
  • Vehicle invoice or title
  • Plate cancellation from state of origin (if applicable)
  • UNIRSE appointment confirmation

Foreign residents: valid resident card, FM2, or FM3.

Step by step in Puerto Vallarta

If you bought a new car at a dealership The dealer hands you the permit at delivery. Bring your invoice, ID, and proof of address. Keep the printed permit inside the vehicle at all times — laminate it or shield it from the sun, the ink fades fast.

If you bought a used car or you're bringing one from another state

1. Gather your documents in original and copy.

2. Book an appointment at agendador-shp.jalisco.gob.mx and select "Provisional permit" or "Vehicle registration with temporary permit."

3. Show up at UNIRSE Fluvial Vallarta — Av. Grandes Lagos #236, Fracc. Fluvial Vallarta. Mon–Fri 8 AM–4 PM.

4. Pay at the counter — $300–$400 MXN depending on the validity you request.

5. Walk out with your printed permit the same day.

Want Pepe to get the permit for you?

Pepe books the appointment, preps your documents, and goes to UNIRSE for you. You get the permit by WhatsApp the same day. Send him a photo of your invoice, ID, and proof of address.

👉 Message Pepe on WhatsApp

What happens if I drive without plates or a permit?

  • Fine of 5 to 10 UMA (~$565 to $1,130 MXN in 2026).
  • Impoundment if the officer decides.
  • Note in the vehicle registry that complicates future procedures.
  • Your insurance won't cover any claim if you're pulled over without a permit.

In Puerto Vallarta, traffic checkpoints are common in high season. Not worth the risk.

Provisional permit vs. other documents

Provisional permit ≠ Registration card. The card is only issued after the definitive alta.

Provisional permit ≠ Carta porte. The carta porte applies only to commercial cargo transport.

Provisional permit ≠ Import pedimento. The R1 pedimento proves your car entered the country legally, but it doesn't authorize you to drive — you still need the permit or the alta.

FAQ

Can I drive a car I just bought to Jalisco from another state? Yes, but only with a valid provisional permit from the state of origin or from Jalisco. Cancel the plates in the state of origin before crossing to avoid trouble at checkpoints.

How long does UNIRSE take to issue the permit? Same day if you arrive with everything in order. Book your appointment at agendador-shp.jalisco.gob.mx.

Is the permit valid outside Jalisco? Yes. It's valid throughout Mexico during its validity. To cross into the USA you also need FMM and customs authorization.

Can I renew it if it expires? Once, with justification. Renewal is processed at UNIRSE before the original permit expires.

Do I have to pay refrendo if I only have a provisional permit? No. The refrendo is paid after the definitive plates are issued. While you're on a provisional permit, you only pay the permit fee.

Do I need insurance with a provisional permit? Yes, same as with plates. Jalisco law requires liability insurance for any vehicle on the road.

Ready to get your permit

If you want to skip the appointment and the line at UNIRSE, Pepe handles it over WhatsApp. No lost half-day.

WhatsApp

👉 Message Pepe on WhatsApp

Based on the 2026 Ley de Ingresos del Estado de Jalisco. Last reviewed: May 2026.