What is a Tarjeta de Circulación for your car?

In a previous article Required Documents for Driving in Mexico, we explained which documents you must keep in order to legally drive a vehicle in Mexico. One of the documents that has raised the most questions among expats over the years is the circulation card (tarjeta de circulación).

That’s why in this article, we’ll take a closer look at what it is, who issues it, how it differs from other documents like the title of ownership or the annual refrendo payment, and why it’s essential to always keep it valid and with you when driving

What Is the Circulation Card?

The circulation card is an official document that certifies a vehicle is registered with the corresponding transit authority and is legally authorized to circulate in Mexico. It contains key information about both the vehicle and its owner.

Some of the details a tarjeta de circulación include are:

License plate number
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Make, model, year, and color of the vehicle
Owner’s name (individual or company)
Expiration date of the card
The state that issued it

In other words, it serves as the vehicle’s identification in the eyes of traffic authorities—similar to a car registration card in the United States, Canada, or Europe.

Who Issues the Tarjeta de Circulación?

The circulation card is issued by state or municipal transit authorities through agencies such as the Secretaría de Movilidad (SEMOVI), the Secretaría de Transporte, or the equivalent department in each state

There is no single federal format/style of a tarjeta de circulación; each Mexican state has its own design and requirements, but the type of information displayed is pretty much the same.

For example:

In Mexico City, it’s issued by SEMOVI.
In Jalisco, by the Secretaría de Transporte.
In Nuevo León, by the Instituto de Control Vehicular.

Is It the Same as the Vehicle Title or Invoice?

No—and this is often a source of confusion, especially for Expats.

Vehicle title or invoice (factura): This is the document that proves legal ownership of the vehicle. It’s issued by the dealership when the car is purchased new, or transferred between buyers and sellers in the case of used cars.
Circulation card: This certifies that the vehicle is registered to drive and links it to an owner in the government’s official records.
Refrendo: This is not a document, but the annual fee paid to keep the circulation card and license plates valid.

Think of the circulation card as your car’s passport: it doesn’t make you the owner, but without it, the car cannot circulate legally.

Why Is It Mandatory?

The circulation card (tarjeta de circulación) is required for several reasons:

Legal compliance – Driving without it, or with an expired one, can result in fines and sanctions.
Vehicle control – It allows authorities to quickly identify the vehicle and its owner.
Security – In case of theft, accident, or traffic stops, it proves the vehicle’s legitimacy.
Car insurance – Many insurers may raise issues when processing a claim if the driver does not present a valid circulation card. This can delay the claims process or even prevent a company from paying the claim.

Do I Have to Carry the Circulation Card in the Car?

Yes. Traffic regulations in most Mexican states require the circulation card to be physically in the vehicle while driving.

Some people carry it in their wallet, but this can cause problems if someone else is driving the car and gets pulled over. They won’t be able to prove the vehicle is legally registered.

The best practice is to keep the card in a safe spot inside the car, such as the glove compartment, along with other documents like your insurance policy.

What Happens If I Don’t Have It or It’s Expired?

Driving without the circulation card—or with an expired one—can lead to:

Monetary fines (amounts vary by state)
Temporary impoundment of the vehicle
Inability to complete procedures like ownership transfer or verification

How Do You Obtain or Renew It?

First-time issuance usually takes place when a new car is registered or an imported car is legalized.
Renewal can be done at the corresponding government office or online (in states where digital services are available). Typically, the following are required:
- Proof of payment for the annual refrendo or tenencia (vehicle tax)
- Valid official ID
- Proof of address
- Previous circulation card (for renewals)

Tips for Foreigners Living in Mexico

If you are an Expat with a car registered in Mexico:

Make sure your circulation card is valid and in your name.
Always keep it in the car to avoid issues at checkpoints or inspections.
If your immigration status changes (temporary to permanent residency, for example), update your information in the vehicle registry.
Remember that foreign driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico, but the circulation card must always be Mexican.

Conclusion

The circulation card in Mexico is much more than a piece of paper with your car’s information: it’s the document that certifies your vehicle is legally authorized to be on the road.

It is not the same as the vehicle title or invoice, and its validity depends on the annual refrendo or tenencia payment.

Keeping it current and always on hand is not only a legal requirement—it’s also a way to protect your investment and avoid unnecessary trouble with both the authorities and your insurance provider.