Following complaints about confusion in accessing various online portals for paying the 2025 bureaucratic requirements (trámites) for Jalisco-plated vehicles, the state government has launched a new master page.
This page provides easy-to-understand explanations and links to pertinent sites.
The webpage, refrendo.jalisco.gob.mx, outlines the seven steps necessary to complete this year’s annual car tax payment, the annual “Verificación Responsable” emissions test, and the mandatory license plate change affecting approximately 70 percent of Jalisco’s private vehicle fleet.
This is a one-time, 900-peso fee that covers all three trámites. The state government claims this saves car owners 2,600 pesos.
The new page explains the required steps and provides links to arrange appointments for emissions inspections and license plate replacements (see graphic). You can scroll down for information on the necessary documents for both appointments.
To make the 3x1 payment, you’ll need information from your vehicle’s Tarjeta de Circulación (Circulation Card), including the license plate, engine and VIN numbers.
In addition to the 900-peso fee, the final total will include any outstanding traffic fines from the past 12 months. Speeding fines caught on traffic cameras receive a 40-percent discount if paid before the end of June. There’s also a 100-percent discount on penalties for unpaid or late car tax payments, also valid until the end of June.
Payment options
Online payments made before the end of February get a 5-percent discount (in-person payments do not qualify).
However, be aware that online payments from some banks—such as HSBC—are not available and others may require using a specific mobile banking app. Alternatively, a payment form can be downloaded and printed to be taken to any bank.
For those who prefer not to use the online system, all Jalisco municipalities have recaudadoras (tax offices) where payments can be made, and new plates collected.
Chapala’s tax office (026): Degollado 217.
Jocotepec’s tax office (046): Matamoros Sur 76.
Emissions tests
Since there are few testing centers outside the Guadalajara metropolitan area and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco-plated car owners in provincial towns—including Chapala, Ajijic, and Jocotepec—are not obligated to undergo inspections. However, they are encouraged to do so, especially if they frequently visit Guadalajara, as the test has already been paid for under the 3x1 fee.
Foreign-plated cars are exempt from these requirements.
The new state governor has said that fines will no longer be levied for non- compliance, so it remains to be seen how many car owners step up to the plate and actually do the test.
New license plates
The new plates can be obtained without proof of an emissions test.
To collect the new plates at your scheduled appointment time, bring:
The previous plates
A valid official ID
The vehicle invoice
Proof of address (no older than 90 days)
The seven steps at refrendo.jalisco.gob.mx
1. Have on hand your email address. If you don’t have one, you will need to create one.
2. Pay your refrendo (car tax) online, or in person at your closest tax office (recuadadora). LINK: PAY HERE.
3. We will send a “voucher” to your email enabling you to arrange the appointments.
4. Arrange your appointment for an emissions inspection, according to your vehicle license plate termination. LINK: ARRANGE HERE.
5. If your plates are one of these designs, arrange your appointment to exchange them for new ones, according to your vehicle license plate termination. LINK: ARRANGE HERE.
6. Take your vehicle to your Verification appointment.
7. Go to your license plate switch appointment with your old plates.