Following the extension of the vehicle registration renewal period in Yucatán in 2026, the deadline for completing the process is approaching. Learn the deadline and what happens if you don’t change your license plates, as you could face fines, impoundment, and other expenses.
Initially, the deadline was December 31st of last year; however, the Yucatán government published Decree 146/2025, which extended the vehicle registration renewal period by six months to allow for smooth driving.
When is the deadline for changing license plates in Yucatán in 2026?
However, time is running out, as the deadline for changing license plates in Yucatán is Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
According to a press release, discounts remain available for those who registered or scheduled an appointment in 2025, and vehicle emissions testing operations have been suspended.
However, failing to renew your license plates this month could have legal, financial, and administrative consequences that could affect your daily driving and your wallet.
Here we explain what happens if you don’t renew your plates on time, how much you could pay in fines, and what risks you run by not having updated plates.
Is changing license plates mandatory in Yucatán in 2026?
Yes. The Government of Yucatán has made renewing license plates mandatory for 2026 for all private vehicles, public service vehicles, and motorcycles registered in the state’s vehicle registry.
What happens if I don’t renew my license plates in Yucatán in 2026?
- Fines
Once the deadline has passed, the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) and the Secretariat of Administration and Finance (SAF) can issue fines for driving with expired plates.
These penalties are usually the following.
What is the fine for driving with expired plates?
The fine for driving with expired license plates in Yucatán in 2026 ranges from $1,055.79 to $1,407.72 pesos, equivalent to 9 to 12 UMA (each UMA is equivalent to $117.31 pesos in 2026, according to INEGI), as per the State Traffic and Road Safety Law Regulations.
Likewise, failing to register a vehicle with license plates from another state or a foreign country, if the vehicle intends to remain in Yucatán for more than 60 calendar days, carries a fine of 13 to 15 UMA, which could reach $1,759.65 pesos.
In case of repeat offenses, the fine may be doubled.
- Removal of license plates or vehicle impoundment
State Police officers may:
Remove expired license plates.
Your vehicle will be impounded if the driver lacks valid documentation. According to the official Yucatán government website, impounding a car, truck, or van costs $140 pesos for the first ten days, and $28 pesos for each subsequent day. For motorcycles, the cost is $42 pesos for the first 10 days and $10 pesos for each additional day.
Additional charges apply for towing, storage, and towing services within Mérida’s ring road for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to four tons: $985 pesos. This fee increases outside the ring road.
- You will be unable to complete vehicle-related procedures.
If you do not renew your license plates, you will not be able to:
Complete tax or administrative procedures related to your vehicle.
Renew your vehicle registration.
- Potential Insurance Problems
Insurance companies warn that if a vehicle is driven with expired license plates:
They could refuse to cover damages in an accident.
Or reduce the amount of compensation.
This is because the car is not in compliance with current regulations.
- Risks at Checkpoints or Inspections
During weekends, checkpoints by the State Police (SSP) increase. If you are stopped:
They will ask for your vehicle registration and current license plates.
If the system indicates that you have not renewed your registration, you could be fined.
- You Will Lose Discounts
According to Decree 146/2025, only those who have scheduled an appointment with the State of Yucatán’s State Police (SSP) no later than December 31, 2025, and complete the process this year will be eligible for tax benefits.
75% discount on traffic fines
100% waiver of vehicle registration fees for 2015 and earlier, including surcharges and notifications.
100% reduction of debt on vehicle registration renewals for the years 2012, 2016, 2021, 2023, and 2024.
Will there be another extension for vehicle registration renewal in Yucatán in 2026?
The State Government indicated that there will be no further extensions, as one has already been granted. Should another extension be announced, it will be communicated through:
The official State Government website.
The social media accounts of the SSP (Secretariat of Public Security) and SAF (Secretariat of Finance and Administration).
News outlets.
How much does vehicle registration renewal cost in Yucatán in 2026?
The price of changing license plates in Yucatán increased in 2026. These are the costs:
Private service plates (cars, trucks, and vans): $3,027.00
Public service plates: $3,347.00
Leasing company plates: $2,886.00
Demonstration plates: $5,775.00
Temporary plates: $1,478.00
Motorcycle plates: $915.00
Trailer plates: $2,050.00
First, you must register at this link. To do so, you will need to provide your email address, a phone number, and follow the instructions with the other information requested.
If you prefer, you can also schedule your license plate replacement appointment by calling 999 400 0480 (Yucatán Service Center) or 999 930 32 00 ext. 40533 (SSP license plate module).
2026 License Plate Renewal Data
In February of this year, authorities informed the newspaper that 410,972 license plate renewal applications had been processed, and 468,886 plates had already been delivered (including changes of ownership) during last year’s issuance.
In the digital realm, the State Government reported that 333,870 license plate renewal applications were processed online.
In the first week of February, 2,778 applications were registered, including license plate renewals, bringing the total number of digitized applications to 286,646.
You still have time to change your car’s license plates.
Although thousands of owners have already regularized their situation, many vehicles still need to be renewed. If you haven’t yet completed the process, please note:
Failing to renew your vehicle registration in Yucatán by 2026 can be much more expensive than doing it on time.
Between fines, impound fees, blocked paperwork, and potential insurance issues, the final cost could double or even triple.
To avoid penalties, schedule your appointment as soon as possible and renew your registration in advance.
Source: yucatan
