Verificación Vehicular in Puebla, Mexico (2025) – With Step-by-Step Instructions

If you drive a car in Puebla, you’ve probably heard about the verificación vehicular. This emissions test is mandatory for most vehicles and is designed to help reduce air pollution. But how does the process work? What documents do you need? And what happens if you skip it?

Here’s everything you need to know, including step-by-step instructions from a local resident. Let me guide you through this process that I’ve done three times already.

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What is the Verificación Vehicular?

The verificación vehicular (literally “vehicle verification”) is a legally required emissions test for vehicles in Mexico. The goal is to ensure that vehicles stay within certain emissions limits to improve air quality. In Puebla, the inspection is carried out twice a year.

Who has to take the verification?

All vehicles registered in Puebla must undergo this inspection.
Vehicles with license plates from other states that are permanently based in Puebla must also take the test.

When do I have to take my car for verification?

The deadlines depend on the last digit of your license plate. You can find the official calendar at https://smadsot.puebla.gob.mx/verificacion.

Last Number on License Plate	First Semester	Second Semester
5 and 6	January–February	July–August
7 and 8	February–March	August–September
3 and 4	March–April	September–October
1 and 2	April–May	October–November
9 and 0	May–June	November–December

You can also find the deadline on the last verification sticker on your windshield or the papeleta (verification certificate) that you should’ve kept from your last verification.

You usually have a two-month time window to complete the verification.

Where can I do the verification?

In Puebla, there are several official verificentros (short for centros de verificación vehicular autorizados)—authorized testing centers that carry out the emissions tests.

You’ll need to book an appointment online at https://verificacionvehicular.puebla.gob.mx/. Here, you can also check the locations of the verification centers.

On the SMADSOT website, you get more information about the verification process (calendar, fees, list of centers) at https://smadsot.puebla.gob.mx/verificacion.

What documents do I need?

Bring the following to your appointment:

• Printout of your appointment confirmation (folio) (from the website or confirmation email)
• Vehicle registration document (tarjeta de circulación) – original and copy
• Official identification (INE or passport) – Original and copy
  • INE is the voter ID for Mexican citizens, and also kinda like the identity card for Mexicans. If you’re a resident, bring your resident card or passport instead.
• Previous verification certificate (papeleta)
  • This is the paper from your last verification, from which the sticker for your car was removed.
• For new cars – copy of the invoice, invoice letter, or lease agreement

What does it cost?

The price varies depending on the vehicle type and the state. In Puebla, the regular test currently costs 628 MXN (30 USD). If your car fails, you’ll need to pay again for the retest.

If you miss the deadline, you’ll face a multa (fine) of around 2,000 MXN (97 USD).

What happens if I skip the verification?

If you don’t complete the test within the required period, the consequences include:

• A fine: You have to pay a fine that’s often higher than the test itself (currently 2,000 MXN (97 USD)).
• Registration issues – If you want to sell or re-register your car, a missing verification can cause problems.

Step-by-Step Instruction: How the Verification Process Works

Here’s a step-by-step instruction for the verification process in Puebla.

Booking an Appointment

1. Book an appointment within the deadlines (up to 10 days before your desired date):

a) Go to https://verificacionvehicular.puebla.gob.mx/ to the Portal de Citas de Verificación del Estado de Puebla page.

Note: You might need to turn off your VPN to access the site.

b) Scroll down and click Haz clic aquí para generar una cita (Click here to make an appointment).

c) Scroll further down, and select your preferred verificentro under Centro de Atención. If you don’t know where they are, click the link below this search window labeled dé click aquí (Click here), or search the name on Google Maps. Continue to the next page by clicking the Continuar button.

d) Choose your desired date (Fecha) and time (Hora).

e) On the next page, enter your vehicle details and click Enviar (Send).

f) A confirmation will be sent to your email. Print it out as you’ll need it on the day of your appointment.

2. Print out the appointment confirmation email and make copies of the required documents.

On the Day of Your Appointment

1. Arrive about 10 minutes early.
2. Hand over your documents at the entrance to the verificentro. Staff will check if you brought all the required documents, hand them back to you, and assign you a parking spot. You’ll also receive a form to fill out.
3. Fill out and sign the form, then give it to the staff at the ticket booth along with your documents.
4. You’ll get a bill that you need to pay at the designated payment booth.
5. Give your payment receipt to the mechanic next at your assigned station. If there’s no one, wait a bit or ask a staff member.
6. Wait in the designated area while your vehicle is inspected. It usually takes around 15 minutes.
7. If your car passes (Aprobado), the staff member places the verification hologram on the inside of your windshield, and you’ll get a new papeleta (verification certificate). Save this for your next verification.
8. If your car fails (Rechazado), you’ll need to repair the vehicle and return for a retest.

My Tips for the Process

Here’s what I’d recommend when doing the verification:

• Don’t wait until the last day of your deadline. Booking early gives you a buffer if the appointment booking system is down and helps you avoid the busiest times.
• Research upfront which verification center has good reviews concerning punctuality and reliability. I usually book midweek around 2-3 PM and avoid the beginning or end of the month. The verification process usually takes about 20–30 minutes.
• The staff at the verification centers are usually efficient and competent, but they might not be the most service-oriented people. Be patient and polite, they’re just doing their job.
• Keep your verification receipt (papeleta) that you’re handed at the end of the verification process—you’ll need it for the next verification.
• Bring cash (pesos) just in case. I’ve always paid with my Wise card with no issues, but better safe than sorry.

Conclusion

The verification is not a big deal as long as you’re prepared. Stick to the deadlines, book your appointment in advance, bring the required documents, and choose a well-rated verification center. I hope that with these tips, your verification process runs smoothly and without a hassle. Good luck!

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