Whether you want to take your car to Mexico for an extended stay or because you’re relocating, you need to know ahead of time how to import a car to Mexico from the US and Canada.
You can’t just drive your car with a US or Canadian license plate around Mexico.
There are specific rules and permits for those looking to bring their car across the border.
Keep reading to learn all the ins and outs of how to import a car to Mexico from the US and Canada.
Understanding Free Zones – When You Don’t Have to Import a Car
The only way you can bring your car from the US and Canada to Mexico without needing permits is if your vehicle will remain in the border area Free Zones.
The Free Zones are defined areas within 20-26 km (12-16 miles) of the border.
The defined Free Zones are:
- Entire Baja California peninsula
- Defined areas in the state of Sonora
- State of Quintana Roo
Vehicles with US license plates that stay within these designated Free Zones do not need a temporary import permit (TIP) and can stay in Mexico indefinitely.
It’s important to note that you still need Mexican car insurance and your valid driver’s license – and you’re subject to Mexican laws and regulations.
However, if you plan to take your vehicle beyond these Free Zones, you will need to know how to import a car to Mexico from the US.
The first step is to apply for a temporary import permit (TIP).
What Is the Temporary Import Permit (TIP)?
The temporary import permit (TIP) allows you to drive your vehicle with US or Canadian license plates around Mexico beyond the Free Zones for a defined period of time.
It’s a legal document that allows you to temporarily import your vehicle to Mexico.
The maximum amount of time visitors are issued a temporary import permit (TIP) is 180 days.
The car with the license plates from the US or Canada (for which the TIP was issued) must be driven out of the country (or exported) by the expiration date of the TIP.
If you drive beyond the designated free zones without a temporary import permit (TIP), you may be fined or even have your vehicle confiscated.
NOTE – Make sure to keep your permit in your vehicle at ALL times.
Who Can Apply for a TIP?
Visitors to Mexico can apply for a visitor permit, which allows people to visit Mexico for business or leisure activities for no more than 180 days.
Anyone who has a visitor permit may apply for a temporary import permit (TIP).
In addition, this permit is granted to those who hold Residente Temporal (with or without work privileges) and Residente Temporal Estudiante residency cards.
If you have a temporary residency card, your TIP expiration date will correspond to that of your residency card.
NOTE – If you plan to become a permanent resident, you cannot apply for a TIP for a US- or Canada-plated car. Only holders of a visitor permit (FMM) and a Residente Temporal visa/card may obtain a TIP.
What Documents Are Required for a TIP?
The TIP is a legal document, which means you will be required to provide legal documents when you apply.
Here is the documentation you need to apply for a temporary import permit (TIP):
- A valid passport (or passport card)
- A Mexican immigration permit (tourist visitors should have an FMM – multiple immigration form or Residente Temporal visa/card)
- A driver’s license with a photo
- The original and a photocopy of the title and registration of the vehicle (NOTE – Only the titled owner of the vehicle can apply for a TIP)
- Proof of temporary Mexican auto insurance
What Is the Application Procedure for a TIP?
Once you have all your documentation ready, you can begin the application process for a TIP.
- Apply online at https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/# (60 to 70 days prior to entering Mexican territory) or at one of the accepted Mexican Consulates in the US. You can also apply at a Banjercito office located near one of the main border crossings. Be sure to confirm there is an office at the border where you will be crossing.
- You will then be asked to sign a declaration. You will declare that you will export your vehicle by the expiration date and not disobey TIP regulations.
- Next, you will pay an administrative fee of approximately $50 USD via cash or credit card in the name of the TIP applicant.
- Additionally, you will need to pay a deposit ranging from $200 to $400 USD. You will get this deposit back if you cancel or surrender your TIP before the expiration date and have not violated any rules. Canceling the TIP means exporting your car or driving your vehicle out of the country.
For those applying online:
If you plan to apply for your TIP online via https://www.banjercito.com.mx/registroVehiculos/#, you will need to apply for your FMM or have your temporary residency card issued first.
Your online FMM will need to be validated, which means getting it stamped by immigration at the border.
Can I Apply for a TIP at the Border?
You can also obtain a TIP at a border module.
There are Customs offices near US/Mexico borders in Arizona, California, New Mexico, and Texas.
You will need the same documentation as if you were applying online, and you will be expected to pay the same fees.
When you apply at a border location, Banjercito will send you an email containing your TIP and give you a printed copy.
What Is the Maximum Amount of Time a TIP Is Valid?
The TIP is a legal document that allows visitors to Mexico to drive a car with foreign license plates for a maximum of 180 days from the date of entry into the country.
If you have a temporary residency card, your TIP expiration date will be the same as your residency card.
How to Extend the TIP beyond 180 Days
If you plan to get a temporary residency card rather than just an FMM, you will need to take additional steps to extend the TIP beyond 180 days.
Those with a temporary residency sticker in their passport will need to submit paperwork within 30 days for a true temporary residency card and expiration date.
Once your temporary residency card is submitted to the Customs office, your TIP expiration date will be changed to your residency card’s expiration date.
If you plan to become or are a permanent resident, you cannot apply for a TIP for a US- or Canada-plated car.
Do You Need to Cancel the TIP When You Leave Mexico?
A TIP must be canceled before the expiration date.
This means the person with the TIP must drive the vehicle out of Mexico before the expiration date and stop at the border to cancel the permit.
This step lets Customs know you have exported the car and obeyed the regulations.
Your deposit will then be refunded.
If you forget to stop at the border and surrender your TIP, you will need to drive the same vehicle back to a border crossing to do so unless you can find a TIP Cancellation service via a Mexican consulate.
If not, you will face consequences.
However, as long as the TIP remains current and has not expired, you can leave your vehicle in Mexico.
For example, if you need to fly elsewhere during your temporary visit to Mexico, your vehicle will still be legally allowed to remain in-country.
But your vehicle is not legally allowed in Mexico past the TIP expiration date.
If you do not drive your vehicle out of the country by the expiration date, your insurance coverage will be invalid, your vehicle may be confiscated, and you will lose your deposit.
What Are the Consequences of Cars Remaining in Mexico Past the TIP Expiration Date?
If you do not drive your vehicle out of the country by the expiration date:
- It will become illegal.
- Your insurance coverage will be invalid.
- Your vehicle may be confiscated.
- And you will lose your deposit.
If you abandon your vehicle in Mexico, you will be required to pay Mexican Customs 40% tax on the car’s value.
How to Import a Car to Mexico Permanently
Mexican Customs does not allow permanent residents to drive vehicles with license plates from another country.
You cannot apply for a TIP.
In this case, you must begin the permanent import process.
This process is complicated, so people relocating to Mexico must work with a Customs broker or agent.
After your car is imported successfully, you will need to get Mexican license plates and insurance.
Steps to Import a Car to Mexico as an Expat
If you plan to only drive your US vehicle in the designated Free Zones, you do not need to worry about permanently importing a car to Mexico.
However, if you ever drive beyond the Free Zones and have a Residente Permanente permit, you will need to legally import your car.
- Contact a Customs agent or broker to help you with the process (required).
- Provide the Customs agent or broker with the necessary documents (ID, vehicle title, etc.).
- The Customs agent or broker will make sure the vehicle meets permanent import requirements and present the title deed to US Customs for export clearance.
- Submit your import request to the Customs authority and pay all taxes and fees.
- Then, you can begin registering your car in Mexico at the Public Vehicle Registry.
If you have a Residente Temporal visa/card, you may obtain a TIP.
What Types of Cars Are Allowed in Mexico? Mexico Car Import Requirements
Mexican Customs has strict rules regarding which types of vehicles may be imported.
Here are some of the basic rules for the types of cars allowed in Mexico:
- Vehicles must be manufactured in North America. The VIN number should begin with a 1-5.
- The model/year must be eight years old or older.
- The vehicle cannot be restricted or prohibited in the owner’s home country.
In addition, some cars, such as armored vehicles or luxury vehicles, will not be allowed to be imported.
What Choices Do You Have Regarding Permanently Importing a Vehicle?
If you have a Residente Permanente permit, you have some choices regarding what you do with your vehicle.
- Export your car permanently (drive it out of Mexico).
- Export and then legally re-import your car using a Customs broker, though this could cost anywhere from $16,000 – $40,000 USD.
- Buy a new vehicle in Mexico. Some expats find it easier to buy a vehicle in Mexico rather than deal with the complicated import process.
If your situation changes from temporary to permanent and your vehicle is now illegal (past the TIP expiration date), and you want to export it, you can apply for the Safe Return procedure.
This gives you 5 days to get your vehicle out of the country without repercussions.
