Vehicle Import Permits for Mexico (2024)

FAQs

Vehicle Import Permits for Mexico? ›

Permits may be requested from 10 to 60 days prior to entering Mexico by vehicle. Permits may be requested for a vehicle that is registered in your name or that of your spouse, your children, your siblings, or your parents. Permits for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs) are not allowed.

Vehicle permits may be obtained through Banjercito's online process, at a Banjercito office at the border or at certain Mexican Consulates (listed below). Banjercito (Mexico's Banco Nacional del Ejército Fuerza Aérea y Armada) is the government authority who issues vehicle permits.

What is the cost of a Vehicle Importation Permit? The cost of a Vehicle Importation Permit is USD 59.15, at the exchange rate to Mexican Pesos at the time of the process, and the importer will have to leave a guarantee deposit depending on the year of the vehicle.

To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance. If your car is financed, you'll also need a letter of permission from your lender.

The pardon, which allows owners of “chocolate nauts” to pay a one-time fee of 2,500 pesos ($124) to officially legalize and register their vehicles, only applies to cars that were already in the country when the decree went into effect on Oct. 19, 2021.

If your vehicle has a Salvage Title they are denying the TIP. You will need to have the Salvage Title changed to a Rebuilt or Reconditioned Title in your jurisdiction before entering Mexico. We recommend using the button below to obtain the TIP online 10-60 days before your trip. You must enter within that 60 days.

Valid driving licences from most countries are legal in Mexico, including UK, EU, Canadian and US licenses. However, you may be required to purchase an International Driving Permit if your license is not printed in English. This will allow you to drive in Mexico for two year after it is issued.

Only cars, vans, trucks, and SUV's that are manufactured in North America are allowed to be registered in Mexico. The first digit of your vehicle identification number (VIN) begins with a 1 – 5, then you are made in North America. When you import a car to Mexico, the model/year must be 8 years old or older.

When crossing by land, you are allowed to take your personal belongings and $75 worth of merchandise, duty free. People over the age of 18 may bring three liters of liquor or beer and up to six liters of wine. For more details, see our Mexican Customs section.

How long can I keep my US car in Mexico? ›

Tourists and Temporary Residents are allowed to bring ONE car per person into Mexico, for their use as long as they keep that immigration status, including renewals. Hence, a tourist can bring a car into Mexico for 90 or 180 days (according to its immigration form).

The short answer to the titled question is yes, it is safe to drive in Mexico with US plates. No major issues will present themselves.

Fee for Mexico's Visitor Visa (FMM)

If you arrive by land and leave Mexico within 7 days of your arrival date, there is no fee for the permit. If you fly into Mexico from overseas, the fee is usually included within your air ticket's “fees and surcharges.” The fee is approximately US$35.

1. By internet at the Banjército website from 60 to 7 days prior to entering Mexican territory. (https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/) 2. Directly at the border module (CIITEV).

Bring original and copy of your passport, residence visa, Proof of address, a utility bill, title deed, or rental contract. CURP Clave Única de Registro de Población (Unique Population Registry Code). Buy insurance; it is mandatory to have liability insurance for your vehicle.

The term “chocolate cars” is derived from the Spanish word chueco, which means crooked. The program was supposed to be for vehicles never registered and brought to Mexico before October 2021. But Macías Jiménez says the state has allowed the registration of cars imported since then.

Driving Your Own Vehicle into Mexico

Most financing companies have strict policies regarding taking your leased or financed car over the border. Some allow it if you've been in good standing with them for at least 6 months. On rare occasions, they may prohibit it entirely. Check with your financing company first.

Citizens of the USA and legal residents of the USA do not need visas to enter México. However, according to Mexican federal law, they must have a valid tourist permit, FMM, unless they are legal residents of México with residence visas. For stays of 7 days or less, the FMM is free.