SRI e-invoicing for auto repair shops in Ecuador, step by step

For: Auto repair shops and automotive businesses in Ecuador · Updated October 25, 2026

Short answer

To invoice electronically with the SRI you need your RUC, a valid electronic signature (.p12 file and its password) and the SRI's emission authorization: you request it in SRI en Línea under Facturación electrónica → Solicitud de emisión, ticking "Factura", first in the test environment and then in production. With that, your system signs each invoice, sends it to the SRI, gets the authorization and sends it to your customer with the PDF (RIDE) and the XML.

What you need

  • An active RUC with your legal name exactly as registered (usually surnames first for individuals).
  • A valid electronic signature: the .p12 file and its password, issued by an authorized provider.
  • Your establishment and emission point (for example, 001-001).
  • A system that signs the invoice and sends it to the SRI.

Step by step

  1. Log in to SRI en Línea with your RUC and go to Facturación electrónica.
  2. In the test environment, open "Solicitud de emisión", tick Factura (and Notas de crédito) and save: it's usually approved instantly.
  3. Load your .p12 signature and your details (RUC, legal name, address, establishment and emission point) into your system, with the environment set to test.
  4. Issue a low-value test invoice and check the SRI authorizes it.
  5. Repeat the emission request in the production environment and switch your system to production: from then on your invoices are legally valid.

Common SRI errors and how to fix them

  • "No existe un contribuyente registrado con el RUC…": the emission request is missing in that environment (test or production).
  • The legal name doesn't match: it must be identical to the RUC's.
  • Expired signature or wrong password: renew the signature or upload it again.
  • Invoice returned over a data error: fix it and resend with the same number; a returned invoice isn't registered.

How to deliver the invoice to the customer

The customer must receive their document: the usual way is emailing the PDF (RIDE) and the authorized XML. If they're a final consumer with no email, you can send it on WhatsApp.

How Sherom does it

  • One-click invoice from the order, with its jobs and parts, signed with your .p12 (stored encrypted) and sent to the SRI.
  • It shows whether it was authorized and, if the SRI returns it, why; you fix it and retry with the same number.
  • Once authorized, it goes to the customer on its own: email with PDF and XML, WhatsApp, and a link where they can view and download it.
  • You start in the test environment and switch to production when you're ready; we walk you through the setup.
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Frequently asked questions

Do I need an accountant to invoice electronically?

Not to issue invoices. But your accountant should confirm your tax regime (RIMPE or other) and the VAT that applies to you.

Is a test invoice valid?

No. The test environment only checks that everything works; valid invoices come from production.

What if the SRI is down?

The invoice stays pending and you resend it when the SRI is back, with the same number.

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SRI e-invoicing for auto repair shops in Ecuador, step by step | Sherom