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309,000 plates still waiting: City Hall stretches weekend pickup hours

If you bought a car, finished a transfer, or still drive on a temporary paper while the metal plate sits in a municipal vault, this weekend’s schedule matters. The Alcaldía de Panamá said 309,098 plates remain in storage at the Centro de Atención al Contribuyente in parque Francisco Arias Paredes, Calidonia, Telemetro reported on 2–3 October 2026. To clear the queue, City Hall opened extended hours: Saturday 3 October 7:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. and Sunday 4 October 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.

Municipal treasury messaging (via Telemetro) also flags about B/.3.3 million in unpaid Impuesto de Circulación 2026. Drivers are told to check vehicle status on the municipal Tributos Panamá platform before lining up, so they know whether the plate is actually ready. City Hall also advertises a plate delivery option that it says can arrive in under 24 hours.

Motor Show backup window

For anyone who cannot make Calidonia this weekend, Telemetro reported that the Alcaldía is staffing stand 203 at the Panamá Motor Show 2026 in the Panamá Convention Center, Amador. Services listed: transfers, plate payments, payment plans, and plate/balance queries. Hours cited for 3 Oct: noon–9:00 p.m.; 4 Oct: noon–7:00 p.m. The show also runs 7–11 October, with municipal stand hours again Saturday 10 Oct noon–9:00 p.m. and Sunday 11 Oct noon–7:00 p.m.

Bottom line for expats

Treat this as a paperwork and compliance chore, not a news curiosity. Uncollected plates and circulation-tax arrears can complicate insurance, resale, and traffic stops. Verify status online first, bring ID and ownership documents the Alcaldía asks for, and use delivery or the Motor Show stand if Calidonia hours do not fit. Confirm current hours on the municipality’s own channels before you go; weekend windows are short.

Sources

  • Telemetro - Horario especial retiro placas 3–4 Oct; 309,098 pendientes; Motor Show stand - 3 Oct 2026 - https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/retiro-placas-panama-horario-especial-este-sabado-3-y-domingo-4-octubre-n6093921
  • Telemetro - Horarios Alcaldía; B/.3.3M Impuesto de Circulación 2026; Tributos Panamá; delivery <24h - 2 Oct 2026 - https://www.telemetro.com/nacionales/retiro-placas-panama-horarios-la-alcaldia-este-sabado-3-y-domingo-4-octubre-n6093781
  • Crítica - Alcaldía extiende horario fin de semana; 309,098 placas; B/.3.3M - 1 Oct 2026 - https://www.critica.com.pa/nacional/alcaldia-extiende-horario-este-fin-de-semana-para-entrega-de-placas-517382