Guatemala modernizes vehicle registry, tackles 400,000 temporary plates

Guatemala's tax authority, SAT, is rolling out a digital upgrade for its vehicle registry system, aiming to streamline processes for citizens. A key focus is addressing the backlog of approximately 400,000 temporary vehicle plates still in circulation. These provisional plates, issued in various materials since 2018 due to past procurement issues, will now be easier to update through a new digital platform.

The modernization, dubbed RFV Digital, enters its second phase on June 10, 2026, allowing for digital updates of temporary plates, whether made of plasticized paper or PVC. This new online system drastically cuts down the required steps from at least nine to just five. SAT officials estimate that if all documentation is in order, the digital application can be completed in as little as five minutes, a significant improvement from previous multi-visit requirements.

Werner Ovalle, superintendent of Tax Administration, highlighted that the digital process is free of charge for plate updates. The system is designed for user convenience, functioning 24 hours a day through the Virtual Agency. It also features electronic record-keeping, validating information already held by the tax administration to prevent duplicate submissions. Once approved, users can collect their updated plates at a SAT service point or print electronic versions.