If you need plates, a refrendo, a swap, or any vehicle procedure in Jalisco in 2026 — this guide tells you exactly what it costs, what documents to bring, and where to do it in Puerto Vallarta. No vague ranges; the amounts here are the official 2026 fees.

Don't want to read all this? Message Pepe on WhatsApp and he tells you which procedure you need and what it costs in minutes.

2026 Jalisco Plate Costs

ProcedureCost
Car registration (plates + reg card)$2,240 MXN
Motorcycle registration$831 MXN + $600 refrendo
Annual car refrendo$1,100 MXN ($1,000 + $40 Red Cross + $60 Hogar Cabañas)
Annual motorcycle refrendo$600 MXN
3×1 plate swap (through May 29, 2026)Free
Plate swap after May 30, 2026~$4,000 MXN
Emissions check with paid 2026 refrendoFree
Registration card replacement~$241 MXN
Physical vehicle inspection (when needed)~$381 MXN
Plate cancellation (baja)No published fee
The 2026 refrendo includes free emissions verification. Paying the refrendo is the only way to get the free check — it's not optional.

Which procedure do you need?

  • Bought a new car or one from another state → Car registration ($2,240).
  • Bought a motorcycle → Motorcycle registration ($831 + $600 refrendo).
  • Your plates say Maguey, Gota, or Minerva → 3×1 swap, free through May 29, 2026.
  • Annual payment → Refrendo ($1,100 car / $600 motorcycle).
  • Sold, stolen, or moving out of state → Plate cancellation (baja).
  • Bought/sold a car within Jalisco → Ownership transfer.
  • Lost your registration card → Replacement (~$241).

Not sure which one? Send Pepe a WhatsApp with a photo of your registration card — he'll tell you in 2 minutes.

Basic documents (cover almost any procedure)

Bring original and copy of each:

  • Valid government photo ID (INE, license, or passport)
  • CURP
  • RFC
  • Proof of Jalisco address (no older than 3 months)
  • Registration card (if you already have a registered vehicle)
  • Vehicle invoice or title
  • Appointment confirmation (if required)

If someone else files for you: simple power of attorney before 2 witnesses + apoderado's ID.

Foreign residents: valid temporary/permanent resident card, FM2, or FM3.

Step by step in Puerto Vallarta

1. Check for debt first. Go to gobiernoenlinea1.jalisco.gob.mx with your plate. If you owe back refrendos or fines, the system blocks any new procedure until you pay.

2. Book your appointment. For alta, baja, ownership transfer, or replacement: book at agendador-shp.jalisco.gob.mx. Create an account with your CURP, RFC, and email. Select UNIRSE Fluvial Vallarta.

Exception: the 3×1 swap during the extension (through May 29, 2026) is walk-in. Show up and take a number.

3. If your car comes from another state, was imported, or has no prior registration, do the physical inspection first. Wednesdays only at UNIRSE Fluvial Vallarta, no appointment. Get there early to grab a ticket. Costs ~$381 MXN.

4. Bring everything in original and copy on appointment day. If anything is missing, you lose the slot. Check your list twice before leaving.

5. Pay at the counter. Cash or card. Save the receipt on paper and as a photo.

6. Walk out with plates, hologram, and registration card the same day (if documents are complete). Ownership transfers can take 3–5 days.

Want Pepe to handle it for you?

Pepe does exactly that. Send him photos of your registration card, ID, and proof of address on WhatsApp. He checks everything, books the appointment, goes to UNIRSE for you, and hands you the plates and registration card. No wasted half-day.

👉 Message Pepe on WhatsApp

Where each procedure happens in Puerto Vallarta

Plates, alta, baja, ownership transfer, registration card: UNIRSE Fluvial Vallarta — Av. Grandes Lagos #236, Fracc. Fluvial Vallarta. Mon–Fri 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.

Emissions verification: Verificentro PV — Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio #4774-A, corner of Av. Las Palmas, Col. Guadalupe Victoria. Book at verificacionresponsable.jalisco.gob.mx.

Refrendo payment without going to the office: Online at refrendo.jalisco.gob.mx. In person at OXXO, 7-Eleven, Farmacias Guadalajara, Soriana, Walmart, or the SET kiosk at Galerías Vallarta.

Theft or loss report: Fiscalía General del Estado, Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio at Pilaretes. fiscalia.jalisco.gob.mx.

FAQ

How long does a plate procedure take? Most resolve same-day if you bring everything: alta, refrendo, swap, baja, registration card replacement. Ownership transfers take 3–5 business days.

Can I do everything online? Just the refrendo and debt lookups. Alta, swap, baja, ownership transfer, and license are in person at UNIRSE.

Do I have to be Mexican? No. With a valid resident card, FM2, or FM3 you can file any procedure. You also need CURP and RFC.

Can I drive without plates while I wait? Yes, with a provisional permit. The dealership gives you one (new car) or the SET issues one at UNIRSE (~$300–$400 MXN). Driving without permit or plates means a $565–$1,130 MXN fine plus possible impound.

What if I don't pay the refrendo? The system blocks other procedures and surcharges pile up. A traffic stop with an expired refrendo means a fine. You also lose the year's free emissions check.

How much does Pepe charge? The official government fee is separate from the gestor service fee. Send him a photo of your registration card and he quotes you the total (official + gestoría) before you commit.

Ready to handle it

Pepe has done hundreds of these procedures in Puerto Vallarta. He knows the counter staff, the agendador traps, and the documents the SET demands even when they're not published. Send him photos and resolve yours in hours, not days.

👉 Message Pepe on WhatsApp

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