RENEWING YOUR MEXICAN LICENSE PLATES IN MERIDA, YUCATAN

 

Recently, the laws have changed regarding most things associated with driving in the Yucatan. In fact, the new laws and amendments include 288 pages of changes and additions. While most things have changed, some laws have remained in place. I will not attempt to interpret these 288 pages of changes for you. However, I do recommend that you check out the excellent article published in Yucatan Living regarding the same subject. Check out www.yucatanliving.com . Read their article on “New Yucatan Road Rules”.


I am going to tell you of my very recent experience renewing my license plates here in Merida. In past years, you basically just had to show up with a few copies of this or that, and your money. Not anymore. It is a much more sophisticated and complicated system.


There are five (5) different locations you can go to here in Merida, and eight (8) others located throughout the State of Yucatan. I chose to go to the Convention Center, SIGLO XXI, in Merida. It’s easy to get to and has ample parking facilities. I’ve been there before and have never had to wait more than just a few minutes for my turn. Wow, that too, has changed! Be forewarned that lines are long and frustration reigns.


MY FIRST VISIT: From past experiences, I had copies of everything I “thought” I might need. (Foolish me.) When it was my turn, the young lady who waited on me asked for more papers than I had brought. My fault, I concluded, and off I went to return home and gather the rest of the goodies.


MY SECOND VISIT: I returned the next day with the additional papers I was informed I needed. Because I had been there the day before, I got to see the same young lady again. I handed her the additional paperwork she had requested the day before, and after checking it closely and asking someone I perceived to be a supervisor, it was determined that I was once again paperwork deficient. I asked her to please write down just exactly what it was that I needed and I would get it and return the next day. I was missing only one item according to her note. So, off I go back home to retrieve the additional paper I needed. I went immediately to the copy store and made sure I had copies of everything that was requested of me. I even checked it all twice, just in case. Good to go, I thought. (Foolish me, again.)

MY THIRD VISIT: Once again, because I had become a known and easily recognizable repeat customer/offender, I got to see the same young lady again. She scrutinized each and every paper I had previously given her pausing only to ask her supervisor (again) if something or the other was acceptable, or correct. I thought, geesh – we just went through this yesterday and the day before! Collectively, they confirmed that I had passed all their tests and was ready to go. I was elated and wanted to stand up and do the “yesss, I got it dance”. However, quickly realizing that would be somewhat inappropriate given the obvious frustrations of approximately 150 others who were waiting and probably in situations similar to mine, I decided against it.


With the myriad of paperwork finally accomplished, I was given a tiny piece of paper and directed to another area to actually pay for my plate renewal. Once again, each piece of paper was scrutinized and a supervisor was called over to confirm that everything was legitimate and in order. At this point, I am now slightly irritated. This coupled with my previous frustrations, could have made for a difficult situation. However, I managed a smile and asked what the problem was. The guy told me I needed another copy of my driver’s license and a copy of my immigration papers! At this point in time, I’m sure my blood pressure rose at least a few points both diastolic and systolic.


I informed him that he had all of that in front of him in the package of papers I just gave him. He acknowledged that affirmatively, but stated he needed copies to cash me out. I asked why the girl didn’t tell me that yesterday and showed him her note of what items were missing. My irritation and frustration must have shown because he now started to speak fluent English to me. I explained that this was my third trip and each time I was told to bring something different, but was never told to bring more copies of what he was asking for. Long story short, he made copies for me realizing that the system was new to everyone and it was obvious others were as irritated and frustrated as I was. I paid 204 pesos (approximately $15.10 US) for the renewal fees, was given my new certificate and off I went. I did give the guy a tip for helping me as he could easily have made me come back a fourth time.


In addition to a nice smile and lots of patience, here is what you need to bring with you when you go to renew your Mexican license plates in the Yucatan:






1. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of a receipt for telephone, water, or electric with your name on it. They matched the name and address on the bill with other papers I gave them.






2. The ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your Immigration document (FM-2, FM-3, etc.) One copy is for the initial review and one is for the cashier.






3. The ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your Mexican driver’s license. If you do not have a Mexican driver’s license, you may need the ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of your passport in addition to the ORIGINAL and two (2) copies of a current driver’s license from your country of origin. I asked this question, but no one would commit to a confirmed answer. Again, one copy of your Mexican driver’s license is for the initial review and one is for the cashier.


4. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of your current insurance policy. No insurance – no renewal. This is a new requirement and is part of the recent 288 pages of legal changes that were recently enacted.






5. The ORIGINAL and one (1) copy of last years’ receipt for payment of tenencia (vehicle tax) or license plate renewal.






Here’s hoping you can do it all in just one trip! Good luck and happy motoring!