I lost my wallet a couple of years ago while pedaling the Recreativa in Guadalajara, and it was dumb luck that my residency card wasn’t in there.
A few months ago, my American neighbor wasn’t so fortunate. She lost her residency card in a taxi and went through quite an ordeal to replace it.
Below, I’ll explain exactly what you need to do if this ever happens to you. You might even want to bookmark this article for insurance, as the process is anything but straightforward.
IMPORTANT: Procedures differ depending on WHERE you lose your card.
First, I share what to do if a residency card (temporary or permanent) is lost, damaged, or stolen inside Mexico. Next, I’ll explain what to do if this happens while traveling outside of Mexico.
What to do if you lose your residence card IN Mexico
Even if you lose your residence card while boating in Cabo or mezcal tasting in Oaxaca, you must apply for a replacement at the INM (immigration) office where you got the original card, i.e., where you live.
The exception to this rule is if you’ve moved since acquiring your original residence card and filed a change of address with INM. In that case, you should visit the INM office closest to your current residence.
Here are the steps to follow:
STEP 1: Report the loss of your card to the Ministerio Público, i.e., your local police. They’ll file a report, assign an “office reference number” for the incident, and give you a stamped copy of the report.
You’ll need to bring a paper copy of the report with you to your local INM office. In addition, I advise you to make a second copy, as government offices love their copies and may demand more than one. It’s best to be prepared.
STEP 2: Request a replacement of your residence card via this electronic form, i.e., make a “reposición” request. To get started, download the form, print it, and complete it.
STEP 3: Complete the basic form here.
STEP 4: Write a letter requesting a card replacement. In it, you should explain how the original card was lost while mentioning the official loss report and file number you received from the local police.
In addition to the four items above, you’ll be required to present to INM the following items:
- Your original passport
- A photocopy of your passport page with your personal details.
- A photocopy of your original residence card (front and back) if you have it.
- In the case of a severely damaged residence card, you’ll also need to bring the original card with you so that you can turn it in.
While every INM office operates a bit differently, it’s likely that the INM staff will ask you questions about the circumstances of the loss or damage. Just repeat the details you have provided in your written letter and clarify anything else they want to know.
It’s also worth noting that some INM offices may allow you to complete this procedure in a single visit. Others will require you to come multiple times – first to schedule an appointment and then returning on that date to complete the tramite (procedure).
The only thing consistent about Mexican bureaucracy is inconsistency.
Once you’ve satisfied the above requirements, you’ll be asked to pay a replacement card fee to INM. As of 2025, the cost is $1,780 pesos. (~ $87 USD at the current exchange rate)
At larger INM offices, i.e., in major cities, it’s normally possible to pay with cash or a credit card. Smaller offices may require you to pay cash at a local bank first and bring the receipt.
As with the original residence card application, INM will retake your biometrics and photos for the replacement card.
Some offices allow you to complete the process in one day so that you can leave with your new card. Others will require you to return to pick up the replacement card when it is ready. It can take days or even weeks.
As with everything in Mexico, your mileage may vary.
IMPORTANT: If you do NOT receive your card the same day, you cannot leave Mexico until you receive your replacement residence card. Doing so would void the entire process.
What to Do if You Lose Your Residency Card OUTSIDE of Mexico
Replacing a residency card lost outside of Mexico is a two-step procedure that resembles the standard method to gain legal residency in Mexico, with a few twists.
First and foremost, DO NOT try to re-enter Mexico as a tourist and hope to complete the request at your local INM office. This jeopardizes your residency status altogether!
The Mexican government requires residents who lose their cards to file a formal “request for replacement” that will grant (in normal circumstances) a one-time visa to return to Mexico to complete the process at their local INM office.
In this scenario, here are the steps to follow:
STEP 1: File a police report on the loss of your residence card in the city where it was lost.
STEP 2: Report the loss to the nearest Mexican consulate or embassy. Note that Mexican consulates and embassies do not see drop-ins for this purpose. You must make an appointment first.
The replacement process at the consular office goes like this…
Consular staff will collect details about the loss and review the police report you filed. Then, when all of your documents are in order, they’ll be sent on to Mexican Immigration (INM), which will issue a one-time visa to the applicant to return to Mexico.
Here are the essential documents to bring with you to the consulate:
- The completed visa application form was printed and signed by the applicant.
- A valid passport – both the original and a photocopy of the page displaying your personal data.
- A police report (both original and copy) from the location where the loss occurred.
- In the case of a severely damaged card, in addition to the items above, you must also bring the original card with you and surrender it.
The consulate or embassy will require you to leave your passport so they can place a residency visa sticker in it. You’ll also pay a consular fee for the new visa. The amount is a moving target, but as of March 2025, it is $54 USD. Cash or credit cards are accepted.
When notified, return to the consulate to pick up your passport with the new one-time visa. This can take up to two weeks, so be patient and flexible. (As longtime Mexpats know, these traits are key to successful living south of the border, no matter the situation!)
Only then can you return to Mexico to complete the card replacement process.
IMPORTANT: When you fly (or drive) back to Mexico, you must remember to present this sticker to Mexican customs. As noted above, DO NOT return to Mexico as a visitor/tourist.
Upon returning, you have 30 days to get to your local INM office (the one where you are currently registered) before the visa’s expiry date. Under no circumstances should you let that visa expire, as it’s your ticket to getting a new residency card!
At INM, the process will closely resemble the original process you completed to gain residency, swapping the one-time entry visa for a residence card.
As noted above, the current fee for residency card replacement (whether temporal or permanente) is $1,780 pesos – or about $88 USD at the current exchange rate – payable to INM.
What to bring to INM to complete residence card replacement in Mexico:
- The visa you obtained from the consulate outside Mexico, along with a copy
- A completed form requesting a replacement card, printed and signed, along with a copy.
- A completed basic form.
- Your original passport and a copy of the page containing your personal details.
- Proof that you have paid all fees.
As you can see, the process to replace a lost or badly damaged Mexican residence card is onerous and time-consuming. I sincerely hope that I never have to do it myself!
Avoid headaches and inconvenience by leaving your original residence card at home in a safe place. Instead, keep a copy of your card (front and back) in your wallet to show if asked.
When traveling, you must take your residence card with you and put it in a hotel safe to minimize the risk of loss or damage.
Key Resources
INM’s current documentation on replacing lost residency cards.
The form to request a replacement card.
How to request an INM appointment online. Be sure to click “Trámites Migratorios (Citas en Línea)”
Mexican consular fees in 2025.
SRE (Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs) instructions for obtaining a visa due to theft, loss or destruction of a resident card while abroad.
Sources: Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores de Mexico, INM, Mexperience