The deadline for replacing old Jalisco license plates is quickly approaching. Under the “3x1 Package,” vehicles still displaying the old “Maguey,” “Minerva” and “Gota” designs, including cars, motorcycles, pickup trucks, trailers, public transportation units and taxis, should make the switch before December 26.
To ensure a smooth process, the Ministry of Public Finance has extended hours at Jalisco’s tax collection offices (recaudadoras) in the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The extended hours are as follows:
• Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed: December 25 and December 27 through January 1.
Luis García Sotelo, Jalisco Secretary of Public Finance, reported that more than 500,000 vehicles have already replaced their plates in 2025, generating an additional 500 million pesos in revenue compared to 2024. He also confirmed that fines will be imposed starting in 2026 for those who have not completed the plate replacement process.
Governor Pablo Lemus emphasized, “We have been inviting citizens all year to participate, but unfortunately, next year we will have to impose sanctions and fines on those who have not complied.”
It’s not clear yet whether traffic police will have the power to remove cars from circulation for displaying out-of-date plates. Somewhat ambiguously, Lemus declared last week, “Let’s be clear: those who do not replace their license plates will not be allowed to drive.”
The 900-peso 3x1 Package covers the emissions test, annual registration fee (refrendo), and the new license plates.
Vehicles that circulate in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, as well as a few other urban areas of Jalisco (Puerto Vallarta and Ciudad Guzmán, but not Chapala and Jocotepec), must complete an emissions test before changing their plates. Appointments for the emissions test can be booked at verificacionresponsable.jalisco.gob.mx.
Appointments to change license plates can be scheduled at sefinenlinea.jalisco.gob.mx. On the day of the appointment, vehicle owners should bring an official ID, proof of address, the tarjeta de circulación, the old license plates, and the proof of the emissions test, if required (it doesn’t matter whether the vehicle passed or failed). The process should take about 20 minutes, and new plates will be issued immediately at the office.