How to Bring a Car to Mexico from the USA

When you want to drive to Mexico, in many cases, you need to get a Temporary Import Permit (TIP). 

There are many ways you can do it. You can apply directly at the US-Mexico border, do it online, or apply at the Mexican Consulate in the USA.

The whole process is very straightforward when you have all the right documentation.

In this article, I’m going to show you a step-by-step guide on how to bring a car to Mexico, including when you need it, the application process, where to get car insurance, and more. 

At the end of the article, you will also learn how to nationalize your car in Mexico. 

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Temporary Import Permit

First things first, you need to know about the Temporary Import Permit or TIP. It is a permit that allows you to legally import your foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico and drive within the country for a specific period of time.

Every time you want to drive to Mexico with your car, you need to get a TIP, with a few exceptions:

• You drive to free zones only, which we will discuss later in the article.
• You are a permanent resident of Mexico. If that’s the case, you’re not allowed to apply for or receive a TIP for a foreign-plated vehicle. Instead, you need to nationalize your car.

You can request a TIP for a vehicle registered in your name, your spouse’s, your child’s, or your parent’s name. However, you must provide proper documentation that proves your relationship with the person, such as a marriage license or birth certificate.

Where are the Free Zones in Mexico?

Free zones are areas within Mexico that do not require a TIP. These areas are as follows:

• All along the US/Mexico border within approximately 16 to 20 miles inside Mexico.
• Both North and South Baja Peninsula.
• A portion of Sonora, west of HWY 15 to Guaymas, and a portion that is east of HWY 15, north of HWY 2 (Agua Prieta).
• The state of Quintana Roo, but you will need to drive through other parts of Mexico to reach your destination in Quintana Roo. You can enter through the southern border with Belize without obtaining a TIP.

Remember, if you are driving in a Free Zone, you are required to have a valid FMM tourist card or temporary resident card. 

If you don’t, you and your car will be illegal, which will invalidate your car insurance.

What Government Agency Issues the TIP?

Banjercito is a military bank that helps individuals obtain Temporary Importation Permits for foreign-plated vehicles being brought into Mexico by people visiting the country. 

You can find them at many US-Mexico borders. 

Required Documents for the Temporary Import Permit

Here’s what you normally need to apply for the Temporary Import Permit. It’s also recommended to have the original and three copies when applying.

• Valid passport, passport card, temporary resident or student visa/card, or a valid FMM/Tourist Visa
• Non-Mexican driver’s license with a photograph
• Vehicle registration
• Vehicle title
• If you don’t own the vehicle, you will need your financing contract and a notarized letter of permission from your financing company stating they know you’re applying for a TIP.
• If you are leasing your vehicle, you will need the lease contract and a notarized letter from the leasing company stating they understand you’re applying for a TIP.
• If you’re an employee with a company car, you will need a notarized letter of permission confirming your employment association and allowing the employee to apply for a TIP.
• Receipt of payment to your DMV for vehicle registration and current insurance.
• Valid Mexican car insurance.

Please note that the list of required documents can change over time. You can check out the government website for the updated list. 

Where Do I Obtain My TIP?

There are three places you can obtain a TIP for your vehicle.

• Mexico/US borders
• Online
• Mexican Consulate in the USA

Let’s take a look at each one individually. 

Mexico/US Borders

The preferred method for obtaining a TIP is when you arrive at one of the Mexico/US border crossings that has a Banjercito office. 

You’ll find the immigration and Banjercito offices located next to each other at most Mexico/US border crossings.

There are 27 Mexico/US border crossing stations with a Banjercito office. 

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Here is a list of locations where you can receive your TIP while crossing the Mexico/US border:

• Arizona: San Luis-San Luis/San Luis Rio Colorado, Lukeville Sonoyta-Lukeville/Sonoyta, Nogales Mariposa-Nogales/Mariposa, Nogales Grand Avenue-Nogales/Grand Avenue, Nogales Morley Gate-Nogales/Nogales, Naco-Naco/Naco
• California: Otay Mesa-Mesa de Otay/Tijuana, San Ysidro-San Ysidro/Tijuana, Tecate-Tecate/Tecate, Calexico East-Calexico/Mexicali, Andrade-Andrade/Los Algodones
• Baja South: Pichilingue/Las Paz Ferry Terminal (Inside Mexico)
• New Mexico: Columbus Puerto Palomas-Columbus/Puerto Palomas, Santa Teresa Jeronimo-Santa Teresa/San Jeronimo
• Texas: El Paso Stanton-El Paso/Juarez, The Step BOOT-El Paso/Juárez, Presidio-Presidio/Ojinaga, River-Del Rio/Acuna City, Eagle Pass-Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras, Laredo Columbia Solidarity-Laredo/Columbia, Laredo Bridge 1-Laredo/ Nuevo Laredo, Laredo Juarez Lincoln-Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, Rome-Rome/Miguel Aleman City, Rio Grande City-Rio Grande City/Camargo, Gentleman-Hidalgo/Reynosa, Pharr-Pharr/Reynosa, Progress-Progresso/New Progress, The Indian-Los Indios/Lucio Blanco, Brownsville Veterans-Brownsville/Matamoros

Application Process

To process your TIP, you must first pass through immigration and get your passport stamped. Then you will proceed to the Banjercito office to process your TIP with the following steps: 

• A Banjercito officer will inspect your paperwork. 
• After inspecting your paperwork, the officer will inspect your VIN (usually located on the driver’s side door or on the dashboard). 
• You’ll sign your declaration, pay your fees, and deposit.
• The Banjercito officer will give you your TIP.

You may also consider making copies of your TIP in the Banjercito office. There is a copy machine located inside. Copies are usually US$1 per copy.

Wait Times

You can check wait times at these border crossings here.

Depending on your arrival time, you should be able to receive your TIP within an hour when crossing the Mexico/US border.

Recommended Mexico/US Border Crossings

Some of the preferred Mexico/US border crossings on social media include Nogales Mariposa-Nogales/Mariposa, Calexico East-Calexico/Mexicali, Eagle Pass-Eagle Pass/Piedras Negras, Laredo Bridge 1-Laredo/Nuevo Laredo, and Brownsville Veterans-Brownsville/Matamoros.

Be aware of third-party vendors at Mexico/US border crossings. 

**Remember, the only Mexican agency authorized to give you a TIP is Banjercito.

Online

You may apply for a TIP online only if your immigration status is a tourist (FFM VISA). Temporary residents and temporary students may not apply for a TIP online.

Steps for applying for a TIP online:

• You may apply for your TIP 10 to 60 days before you travel.
• Apply for an FFM Visa (Tourist Visa) here.
• Complete your TIP application here.

After submitting your application, paying, and official review of your application, you can expect to receive your TIP via email within 10 days.

Once you receive your TIP, print out the document and always keep a copy inside your vehicle while driving in Mexico.

When entering Mexico with a pre-approved online TIP, you must stop at immigration (with your approved online FFM Visa) and then register your vehicle at the Banjercito office at your point of entry.

There are drawbacks to online TIPS. If, for any reason, your vehicle doesn’t make it to Mexico, whether due to an accident on the road, illness, or a change of travel plans, your TIP is very hard to cancel.

Your vehicle will still be considered in Mexico. You will not be able to bring another vehicle into Mexico until your original TIP is canceled.

Mexican Consulate in the USA

There are a few select Mexican Consulates in the USA that will help you facilitate your application for a TIP with a Banjercito office.

Steps for applying for a TIP at a select Mexican Consulate:

• You must apply for your TIP six months before the date of entry to Mexico.
• Apply for an FFM Visa (Tourist Visa) here.
• Bring all the necessary documentation.
• Banjercito only accepts VISA, MASTERCARD, and debit cards. The cardholder’s name must be the same as on the TIP.

Locations of the Mexican Consulates with a Banjercito office: Chicago, Illinois; Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Texas; Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sacramento, California; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado, and Phoenix, Arizona.

Banjercito will issue your TIP onsite and email a copy of your TIP to you.

When entering Mexico with a pre-approved TIP from a Mexican Consulate office, you must stop at immigration (with your approved online FFM Visa) and then register your vehicle at the Banjercito office at your point of entry.

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Canceling Your TIP

You must cancel your TIP when you exit Mexico. You can only cancel your TIP at one of the above-mentioned Mexico/US border crossings that includes a Banjercito office.

You will receive a full refund for your deposit if you exit Mexico before your TIP expires and you have not had any problems, such as speeding tickets or accidents.

You can expect up to a 30-day delay for your credit card to be reimbursed.

If you do not cancel your TIP, you will lose your deposit and not be able to receive another TIP in the future.

You cannot cancel your TIP at a Mexican Consulate office.

‘Safe Return’ Procedure

If your vehicle is currently illegal in Mexico because your TIP has expired or because your immigration status has changed from temporary resident to permanent resident, you can apply for a ‘Safe Return’ or ‘Retorno Seguro’ permit from SAT.

This special permit allows you five days to exit Mexico through the US or Belize with your vehicle. You can find how to follow the procedure here.

TIP Cost 

To get the Temporary Import Permit, there’s an administration fee of around US$51. 

You need to pay with cash or an international credit card (Mexican-issued credit cards are not accepted). 

The credit card must have the same name as the person who is applying for the TIP.

TIP Deposit

When applying for the Temporary Import Permit, you need to pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit mainly depends on the age of your car as follows: 

• US$400/ 2007 model year and newer
• US$300/ 2001-2006 model years
• US$200/ 2000 model year or older

Your deposit will be refunded to your credit card at the time of departure when canceling your TIP. You must depart before your TIP expires and have had no violations within Mexico.

Your credit card number might be held or charged for the import amount. 

Contact your credit card company when you return to ensure you’ve received your refund.

Car Insurance for Temporary Import Permit

You must buy and keep valid Mexican car insurance while driving in the country. Liability insurance is mandatory in Mexico. The minimum requirements for liability insurance coverage are:

• A minimum of MXN$100,000 pesos (around US$5,000) for bodily injury and death liability coverage is required. 
• A minimum of MXN$50,000 pesos (around US$2,500) for property damage liability coverage is required. 

The cost of car insurance in Mexico ranges from US$2-40 per day, depending on the following:

• The make, model, and year of your vehicle. 
• The type of coverage (comprehensive or liability only) and dollar limits.
• The amount of your deductible.
• The length of your policy. You can purchase Mexican car insurance for a day, week, month, or a year. 

There are three places you can buy car insurance for the TIP:

• Car insurance kiosks at the US/Mexico borders
• Online through a broker or Mexican car insurance companies

If you’re in an accident while driving in Mexico without valid car insurance, you will go to jail, and your vehicle will be confiscated.

Here’s more information about Mexican Car Insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

The section below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Mexican Temporary Import Permit. 

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What Types of Vehicles Are Allowed to Get a TIP? 

Any foreign-plated vehicle, including motorcycles, can obtain a TIP.

Recreational Vehicles like motorhomes may receive a TIP for up to 10 years.

Exceptions to the rule include:

• Vehicles with a salvage, flood, or stolen title.
• On occasion, Banjercito will check CarFax if they believe your vehicle has had structural damage in the past.
• Vehicles that weigh more than 7,716 lbs. GVRW (3.5 metric tons).

If you have questions concerning your vehicle’s eligibility for a TIP, check with Banjercito at one of these email addresses: [email protected] or [email protected]

Who is legal to drive my foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico?

Your foreign-plated vehicle with a TIP can be driven by yourself, and the following people can drive your vehicle if you’re not in the vehicle:

• Spouses, parents, grandparents, siblings, children, or grandchildren.
• Other foreign tourists or temporary residents.
• Mexican nationals may only drive your vehicle when there is an authorized driver in the vehicle.
• You cannot allow a mechanic, gardener, maid, or other people to drive your vehicle unless you’re in the vehicle with them.
• It is a good idea to have documentation inside the vehicle or on the driver, like marriage certificates or birth certificates.

How to Check the Status of Your TIP

You can check the status of your TIP here.

How Long Is the TIP Valid? 

Your Temporary Import Permit is directly correlated with the expiration date of your immigration status.

Tourist

For example, if you are traveling to Mexico as a tourist and your FMM/Tourist Visa is valid for 90 days from the date of entry, your TIP is valid for 90 days from your date of entry.

On the other hand, if it’s valid for 180 days, which is the maximum time you’re allowed to be in Mexico as a visitor, then the TIP will be valid for 180 days. 

Temporary Resident

If you’re using your Temporary Resident or Temporary Resident Student Card to receive a TIP for your vehicle, your TIP is valid until your status as a temporary resident or student expires.

For example, if your Temporary Resident Card expires in two years, you can receive a TIP for two years.

Exit Before TIP’s Expiration Date

It’s also important to know that you must exit Mexico with your vehicle before your TIP’s expiration date. 

If you don’t exit Mexico before your TIP expires and submit/cancel your TIP, you forfeit your deposit, and you’re not permitted to import another vehicle in the future. 

You may receive fines, and your vehicle may be confiscated if you drive without a valid TIP within Mexico.

How Many Vehicles Can I Receive a TIP for?

You’re allowed to import one foreign-plated vehicle per person.

When you’re traveling with your spouse or children who are 18 years of age or older, they may apply for a TIP for one vehicle in their name. 

There is no limit on the number of TIPs for families, as each TIP is provided for each individual vehicle and person.

• There is one exception to the one vehicle rule: If you’re driving an RV and towing a foreign-plated vehicle, you can receive a TIP for both foreign-plated vehicles. However, both your RV and the foreign-plated vehicle must exit Mexico together at the same time.

What Other Types of Units Are Allowed to Be Imported with My TIP and Vehicle?

A maximum of three extra units can be imported on your vehicle’s TIP. These units include the following:

• A trailer with a boat less than four and a half meters in length.
• A trailer with up to three motorcycles, jet skis, or all-terrain vehicles that are not intended to be driven on a federal, state, or municipal roadway.

You will need to provide proof of ownership for the units that are attached to your TIP. The ownership and registration records of the units must be in the same name as the owner of the TIP.

All units attached to your TIP must exit Mexico at the same time as the vehicle with your TIP.

What You Don’t Want to Do with Your Foreign-Plated Car in Mexico

There are several things you don’t want to do with a vehicle that has a TIP.

• Selling your vehicle. This is illegal.
• You cannot donate your vehicle.
• If your vehicle becomes inoperable in Mexico, you must tow your car to the border. You cannot leave your foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico.
• Don’t scrap your vehicle. There are only a few legal places to scrap your car in Mexico. You must pay the cost. Once scrapped, Mexican authorities will ask for proof that the vehicle was destroyed. The paperwork is very specific, detailed, and costly.

How Can I Nationalize or Legalize My Foreign-Plated Vehicle to Mexico?

A citizen, temporary resident, or permanent resident can nationalize, also known as legalize, their foreign-plated vehicle when living in Mexico. 

General Requirements

The process of nationalizing a foreign-plated vehicle includes paying import taxes and duties that confirm the foreign-plated vehicle adheres to specific standards. 

You will receive the necessary legal documentation from Mexican Customs, known as SAT or Aduana.

Here are the general requirements for nationalizing your vehicle in Mexico:

• Proof of Ownership – Many times, SAT (Aduana) will want a bill of sale with both signatures of the buyer and seller.
• Original Title must be clean. No stolen, salvaged, or flooded titles are accepted.
• Your vehicle must have been manufactured in North America under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) or the newer MUSCA trade agreement.
• Your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) must start with a 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
• You must present proof that the vehicle has passed an emissions test from any US state. The certificate must be verified online through the US state’s Department of Motor Vehicles website.
• Used vehicles must be no more than eight years older than the year of nationalization.

For example, in 2024, vehicles manufactured in 2016 or later can be nationalized.

• Your import duties will range from 10-75% based on the year, model, and condition of your vehicle.
• You will pay an additional 16% IVA tax and a 0.8% customs fee.

Be cautious of individuals offering to nationalize your vehicle while you are in Mexico. Remember, this is illegal.

The process takes around two days at your port of entry. You are advised to hire a customs broker.

Where to Do It?

The process can only take place at a port of entry. You cannot nationalize a foreign-plated vehicle that is already in Mexico.

Be cautious of individuals offering to nationalize your vehicle while you are in Mexico. Remember, this is illegal.

Is It Worth It to Nationalize Your Vehicle? 

In general, it isn’t worth it unless the vehicle has some special meaning to you. You might find it easier and cheaper to buy a vehicle in Mexico instead of nationalizing your vehicle.

Now, on to You?

If you follow the steps provided in this article, you’ll make the process of bringing a car to Mexico from the USA easy. There are no shortcuts to bringing a foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico from the USA.

If you enter Mexico driving a foreign-plated vehicle without proper documentation, you’ll be subjected to fines, penalties, confiscation, and possibly jail time.

Remember, while driving in Mexico, always have a copy of your Temporary Import Permit, your Mexican insurance documents, driver’s license, passport, and immigration status handy.

Please drive carefully and follow all applicable Mexican driving laws.