For foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico, the Retorno Seguro process is used when you need to notify Mexican authorities of the safe return of a foreign vehicle. The official process is done through VUCEM, Mexico’s Digital Window for Foreign Trade.
This is not a replacement for official advice, but it should help travellers understand the basic steps before they start.
The information below is based on the August 2025 VUCEM user manual for the Notice of Secure Return of Foreign Vehicles.
Before You Start
Have your documents ready before logging in. The VUCEM system can time out after about 30 minutes of inactivity, so do not start unless you have time to complete the process.
You should have:
Temporary Import Permit, or TIP
Driver’s licence
Vehicle title, registration, CFDI, or equivalent ownership document
Vehicle information, including make, model, VIN and plate number
The customs point where the vehicle will leave Mexico
PDF copies of your documents
VUCEM requires uploaded documents to be:
PDF format
Maximum 10 MB each
Black and white or grayscale
300 DPI
No blank pages
No passwords, forms, JavaScript, embedded objects or compressed items
Step 1: Go to VUCEM
Go to the official VUCEM website:
https://www.ventanillaunica.gob.mx/vucem/index.htm
From the main page, select:
Single Window > Applicant Entry
Foreign users without a Mexican e-signature will use the SIN FIEL option.
Step 2: Register or Log In as a Foreigner
Foreign nationals who do not have a Mexican e-signature must register in VUCEM first.
When registering, select:
Mexican Nationality: No
Once registration is complete, you will receive a username and password. Use those to log in under the SIN FIEL tab.
After logging in, choose the role:
Foreigner
Then click Accept.
Step 3: Start a New Request
Once inside VUCEM, go to:
Procedures > New Requests
Then choose:
Hacienda
In the AGACE section, open:
Foreign Trade Records
Then open:
Sending Notices
Select:
Notice of Secure Return of Foreign Vehicles
This is the Retorno Seguro notice.
Step 4: Enter the Vehicle and Permit Information
The system will show your applicant information. Some of this information is read-only and cannot be changed.
Go to the Type Notice section.
You will need to enter whether you are:
Resident in Mexico, or
Resident abroad
Then enter the type of request. For most foreign-plated vehicles, this will involve the Temporary Import Permit information.
You may be asked for:
TIP number
Issue date
Expiry date
Customs office where the vehicle will leave Mexico
There is also a question about whether the vehicle is subject to PAMA or ajudicial process. According to the VUCEM manual, the vehicle must not be subject to such a process, or the system will not allow the procedure to continue.
Step 5: Additional Information
The system may ask if this is the second time the notice is being filed.
If yes, you will need to enter the acknowledgment date from the first notice and explain the reason the vehicle was not moved to the border area or customs exit point the first time.
Step 6: Attach Documents
VUCEM will show the required documents based on the information entered.
Common required documents include:
Importer’s driver’s licence
Temporary Import Permit
Vehicle title, CFDI, registration, or equivalent ownership document
Attach each document in the proper place. Once the documents show as accepted or correct, continue.
Step 7: Save Your Folio and Receipt
For foreign users without FIEL, the process ends after the documents are attached and submitted.
VUCEM will display a 25-digit folio number and a processing receipt with a QR code. Save both immediately. Print them if possible and keep digital copies on your phone and email.
That folio is your tracking number.
Important Reminder About Mexican Auto Insurance
A Retorno Seguro notice does not replace Mexican auto insurance.
Before moving the vehicle, make sure your Mexican insurance is still valid for the days you will be driving. If you only need a few days of coverage, a daily policy may make more sense than buying a longer policy you will not use.
You can quote or purchase Mexican auto insurance here:
Bill Bell / On The Road In Mexico insurance link:
https://v3.app.polmaker.com/quote/?aff_id=9804
Final Thought
The Retorno Seguro process is one of those Mexican government procedures where preparation matters. Have your documents scanned properly, use the official VUCEM site, do not let the session sit idle, and save every receipt and folio number.
As always with Mexican vehicle paperwork, do not guess. If in doubt, check directly with Banjercito, SAT, VUCEM, or a qualified customs professional before moving the vehicle.
