If you’ve been putting off renewing your vehicle registration or doing the 2026 plate exchange because of all the mixed messages around the REC, you can relax. After public confusion and plenty of pushback, the State of Quintana Roo has officially simplified the process and it’s now much closer to what most residents have been accustomed to.
When the 2026 plate exchange in Quintana Roo was first announced, authorities stated that registering with the State Taxpayer Registry (REC) would be mandatory. That announcement caused understandable concern, long lines at SATQ offices, and a lot of uncertainty—especially for residents without an RFC or those who don’t file taxes in Mexico.
That requirement has now been dropped.
As of January 2026, the only personal document required to complete the license plate exchange is your CURP.
You do not need an RFC, a Tax Status Certificate from SAT, or REC registration. There are also no future penalties or deadlines tied to REC enrollment for vehicle owners.
The REC will continue to exist as an internal administrative tool for billing and recordkeeping, but it cannot be used to block or delay your ability to renew registration or exchange plates.
Officials acknowledged that the REC requirement created unnecessary bottlenecks and slowed down what is already a time-sensitive, statewide process. The revised rules are meant to keep vehicles properly registered without adding extra layers of bureaucracy.
In short: the state wants people compliant, not stuck in the process.
What You’ll Need to Exchange Plates in 2026
Table of Contents
For private vehicles, the process is now straightforward.
Here’s an accurate, up-to-date list of what you need to renew your vehicle registration and get your 2026 license plate exchange (canje de placas) in Quintana Roo:
Required Documents
To complete your 2026 plate exchange, you’ll need the following documents in original and copy:
- A valid official ID in your name — INE credential, Mexican passport, or professional ID.
- If you’re a foreigner, a migration document proving legal stay (temporary or permanent resident card).
- Proof of Address – A utility bill (electricity, water, phone) or bank statement in your name, dated within the last 60–90 days.
- Current tarjeta de circulación (vehicle registration card).
- Original factura (invoice) of the vehicle. If the vehicle changed hands, include endose sequence and IDs of parties involved (if applicable).
- Payment receipts for tenencias or vehicle rights (licence plates/refrendo) up to date — generally the last years required depending on your situation.
- A current driver’s license in the owner’s name.
- A recently downloaded CURP is required for identification and record purposes.
If you don’t know your CURP or need help retrieving it, SATQ offices have support modules on site to help you complete that step.
Costs for the 2026 Plate Exchange in Quintana Roo
As of January 2026, fees are as follows:
For cars, vans, and buses, the cost is 1,527 pesos, plus a 141-peso registration fee.
Motorcycles are 509 pesos, plus the same 141-peso fee.
Trailers are 707 pesos, plus 141 pesos.
If you complete the process correctly and within the established time frame, the state is offering a 100% subsidy on vehicle registration fees, which helps offset the cost.
The 2026 plate exchange program runs through March 31, 2026. Plates are currently being issued immediately at service modules, and the system is already operating under the simplified CURP-only requirement.
Paying Online
You can also pay your vehicle registration and plate exchange fees online through the official Quintana Roo Tax Administration Service portal:
This is the same portal used for other state tax and vehicle payments. Always double-check that you’re on the official SATQ site before entering personal or payment information.
The Bottom Line
If the REC requirement had you stalled, you can move forward now without worry. The process has been streamlined, the paperwork reduced, and the rules clarified.
You do need your CURP.
You do not need an RFC.
You do not need to generate a REC.
You will not be fined later.
If anything changes again (because this is Mexico), I’ll keep you posted.
If you found this helpful, you may also want to read:
Getting Your Mexico Drivers License in Playa del Carmen
