What is REPUVE and how to check if a car is stolen?

What is REPUVE?

The Public Vehicle Registry (REPUVE — Registro Público Vehicular) is a federal database containing information about all registered vehicles in Mexico. Its main purpose is to combat vehicle theft and provide legal certainty to used car buyers.

Why check REPUVE?

Checking REPUVE allows you to know:

• If a vehicle has been reported stolen
• The registration status of the vehicle in the federal registry

This check is especially important when you're about to buy a used car, as it protects you from acquiring a vehicle with legal issues.

How to check REPUVE?

Traditional method

You can check directly on the official REPUVE portal by entering the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or serial number.

From RegioPlacas

RegioPlacas opens the official REPUVE portal so you can perform the check with the information requested by that authority. The app does not itself query or certify a vehicle's legal status.

When should I check REPUVE?

• Before buying a used car — The most important step
• After a recent purchase — To verify the transfer was completed correctly
• Periodically — To make sure your vehicle doesn't have erroneous reports

What if my car shows a theft report?

If the official portal displays a report you do not recognize, avoid completing a purchase or transfer and request instructions from the appropriate authority. Required documents and procedures may vary by case.

Check your status with RegioPlacas

Use the RegioPlacas shortcut to open the official portal. The valid result is the one issued by REPUVE; RegioPlacas does not replace that check.