The Vehicle Recovery Unit (VRU) in Tijuana offers assistance to U.S. citizens seeking to recover vehicles that were stolen in the United States and later found in Mexico. The Consulate General in Tijuana acts as a liaison between Mexican authorities and U.S. citizens or their insurance companies.
For those whose vehicles were stolen in the United States and located in Mexico, the VRU requests specific information be sent to mexcarrecovery@state.gov, including vehicle make, model, year, VIN, date of theft report, agency that provided information about the recovery, location of the vehicle, and personal contact details.
If a vehicle is stolen during a visit to Mexico, individuals are advised to immediately call 911 and then obtain a police report from a District Attorney’s office. Follow-up can be done through the Office of Stolen Vehicles of the Baja California State Attorney General (PGJE), whose contact information is available at https://www.pgjebc.gob.mx/unidades-rv/. The Consulate notes it does not play an official role in recovering vehicles stolen within Mexico. Required documentation for such cases includes vehicle title, registration, driver license or identification—all with official Spanish translations. A list of official translators can be requested by emailing mexcarrecovery@state.gov.
In cases where vehicles are seized by Mexican law enforcement near the border or in Baja California, owners must work directly with local officials and follow their instructions. The Consulate reiterates it has no official role in these recoveries.
Vehicles towed for parking violations require contacting the municipal police where the incident occurred. If a vehicle is seized due to involvement in a crime or accident, owners should contact the District Attorney’s office.
When working with local authorities on vehicle recovery matters, original documents and Spanish translations are typically required: valid registration, driver license, license plate number, and owner contact details. Storage fees generally range from $7-10 per day; other penalties may apply depending on circumstances.
Only registered owners or those holding power of attorney may reclaim vehicles held by law enforcement. Recovery must occur within 45 days of seizure.
For vehicles seized more than 30 miles from the border or outside Baja California, hiring local legal assistance is recommended; lists of lawyers are available via mexcarrecovery@state.gov. The Consulate does not have an official role in these recoveries either.
If Mexican Customs seizes a vehicle, owners should follow instructions provided by customs authorities and may wish to secure legal help; lawyer lists can also be requested via email.
Other inquiries related to vehicle recovery can be directed to mexcarrecovery@state.gov along with necessary identifying information about the vehicle and owner.