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Vehicle buying term

Tenencia (ownership tax)

A yearly state tax on vehicle ownership; unpaid years become debts the buyer inherits.

What it means

Tenencia (or refrendo) is a yearly state tax on vehicle ownership. Each state sets rates, subsidies, and conditions, and payment is proven with per-year receipts.

Why it matters

A car with unpaid tenencia often cannot complete the ownership change, and the accumulated debt with surcharges can exceed whatever discount you negotiated.

What to check

  • Ask for tenencia or refrendo payment receipts for recent years.
  • Check debts by plate on the state portal before negotiating the price.
  • If years are pending, price out the real cost with surcharges before accepting.

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Official references

Mexico City finance portal (tenencia and vehicle debts)

Related terms

Vehicle debt (adeudo vehicular)

Unpaid charges tied to the car — tenencia, renewal fees, or fines — that can transfer to the new owner if left unchecked.

Emissions check (verificación)

A mandatory periodic emissions inspection in several states; overdue periods generate fines and complicate paperwork.

Plate deregistration (baja de placas)

The procedure that cancels the car’s state registration, needed to re-plate in another state and close out liability.

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