How to download the SIMIT clearance certificate for traffic procedures in Colombia

Few things are more frustrating in Colombia than getting everything ready to sell your car or motorcycle, going to the transit office, and having your application rejected because a “ghost” ticket from three years ago shows up. I would’ve saved myself a lot of headaches if I had known from the start that checking SIMIT is the real step zero before moving a single document.

What is the SIMIT clearance certificate, and why is it required?

SIMIT (Integrated System of Information on Fines and Penalties for Traffic Infractions) lets you look up tickets, fines, and payment agreements using the information reported by local transit authorities. Unlike the RUNT, which compiles information about the vehicle, the driver, and different procedures, SIMIT focuses on the status of those obligations.

Having the clearance certificate is not just an administrative whim. According to the Ministry of Transport, to carry out a vehicle transfer, both parties — the buyer and the seller — must be clear of traffic fines or violations (official source consulted July 29, 2026).

Step by step: How to check and download the certificate

The process starts online. Follow these steps to make sure you’re in the right place:

1. Go to the official site: Go to the official SIMIT portal (make sure the URL is fcmi.consultafederacionsimit.com to avoid unofficial pages).
2. Enter your details: You can start the lookup by entering your identification number (ID card) or the vehicle plate.
3. Check account status: The system will show you a summary. If you have fines, you’ll see payment options, collection points, and the payment gateway to pay online via PSE.
4. Generate the document: When the account status no longer shows pending obligations, use the “Request certificate of clearance” option and save the document the system generates. The portal and its functions were consulted July 29, 2026.

What do I do if I already paid and the ticket still shows up?

Here comes the system’s biggest frustration: SIMIT doesn’t generate the information on its own; it reflects what local transit bodies report, such as mobility secretariats.

If you paid a fine via PSE and the system doesn’t update, the record may take time to reflect the payment. Save your proof very carefully and check again. If the inconsistency persists, contact or file an update request (PQR) with the specific transit authority that reported the infraction. That authority must review and correct the report when applicable.

Validation before the transfer (and how the market moves)

The used vehicle market in the country moves fast, but buyers are increasingly cautious. According to Colombia Move data from July 2026, the vehicles section had 834 views and an active offer of 12 ads. There is buyer activity, but the supply is still limited.

If you’re going to sell, don’t wait for the buyer to ask you for the papers. Keep a recent document generated by SIMIT printed or on your phone. This helps provide clarity about the consulted status and speeds up the document review.

The mobile alternative: SIMIT App

If you prefer to do everything from your phone, the Colombian Federation of Municipalities has an official application on Google Play called “SIMIT”. Although the interface is basic, it serves its purpose: it lets you check tickets, make payments, and download or send associated documents, including account status and certificate of clearance. The app listing was consulted July 29, 2026.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Is the SIMIT clearance certificate checked by ID card number or by license plate?

You can start the lookup with either of the two pieces of information on the official portal. It’s best to review both options because the search by identification and the search by plate may return information associated with different references within the system.

❓ Do I need SIMIT clearance to sell a car or motorcycle?

Yes. To register the transfer, both buyer and seller must have clearance for fines or infractions. This is what the Ministry of Transport indicates in its official information consulted July 29, 2026; it also confirms the other requirements with the agency where you’ll complete the procedure.

❓ What do I do if I already paid and the ticket is still showing?

Save the receipt, check again, and request the update if the report persists. The correction must be handled with the transit authority that reported the infraction, since SIMIT reflects the information sent by those authorities, according to MinTransporte consulted July 29, 2026.

❓ Is SIMIT the same as the RUNT?

No. SIMIT focuses on looking up fines, tickets, and payment agreements, while the RUNT compiles information about the vehicle, the driver, and other procedures. Checking one does not replace the checks that should be done in the other.

❓ Does downloading the SIMIT clearance certificate cost money?

This article does not verify a fixed fee to generate the clearance certificate. Before paying, confirm any charges directly on the official SIMIT portal during the request and avoid giving money or personal data to intermediaries without verifying.

❓ Can I do a transfer if I have a current payment agreement?

You must verify how your exact status is shown in SIMIT before starting the procedure. A payment agreement does not, by itself, mean you already meet the requirement; confirm it with the competent transit authority for your case.