Vehicle Permits

Do I need a permit to bring my vehicle into Mexico?

Driving in Baja, Sonora, and Border Zones

You do not need a permit for your vehicle if you do not plan to drive south of 25 kilometers (16 miles) from the border, known as the "border zone", or anywhere in the Baja California peninsula or western Sonora.

Map of Border and Permit Free Zone

Driving in the Rest of the Country

If you plan to take a vehicle south of the border zone, or outside of Sonora or Baja, you must obtain a temporary importation vehicle permit online, at the border, or from a Mexican consulate.

Get your vehicle permit online from Banjercito

The Banjercito web site has an online application for the temporary importation vehicle permit. The online process has information, instructions and requirements in English or Spanish. They give you the option to either pre-register or to complete the entire process including payment online.

Features of pre-registration:

• Vehicles, motorhomes and boats may be pre-registered
• Accelerates the process of picking up your permit at a Banjercito office
• This feature may be used up until the day before you go to Mexico
• A code will be issued to you that you take with you to the Banjercito office
• Bring all required documentation so it can be verified
• Remember to return to the Banjercito office with the vehicle to return the permit

• Available for vehicles, motorhomes and boats
• May be mailed to you by FedEx or another courier service
• May be completed as far as 180 days in advance
• Requires at least 10 days lead time before your trip
• Remember to return to the Banjercito office with the vehicle to return the permit

Here are the requirements for a Vehicle Permit:

• Fees in $USD, including 10% IVA are:
  • $29.70 at Banjercito offices at the border
  • $39.60 from Mexican consulates
  • $49.50 from Banjercito website
• Make sure you have the original (or a notorized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents:
  1. Valid proof of citizenship. This can be any of the following:
     1. Passport
     2. Birth Certificate
     3. Sworn Statement
     4. Naturalization Certificate
     5. Voter's Registration
  2. A Vehicle Registration Certificate or Vehicle Title ("Pink Slip")- Vehicle registration must be in the drivers name
  3. A lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented
  4. If you owe money on the vehicle through a lien holder, you must provide a notorized letter of permission
  5. A Visa (FM2/3) or Tourist Card (FMT) for Travel in Mexico
• Make sure you have Mexican Auto Insurance
• Look for the "Modulo de Control Vehicular" where you are crossing.The owner of the vehicle must be in the vehicle when it crosses the border.
• This step is determined by whether or not you have an internationally accepted credit card. If you have an international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diner's Club) the next part is easy. The credit card must be in the name of whoever is listed on the vehicle registration! You will be required to charge a non-refundable fee of $16.50 (including the IVA) to your credit card at the Banjercito which is within the Customs area. Banjercito hours of operation at different border crossings are listed below. If you do not have an international credit card, read about making a cash deposit.

Making a cash deposit for your permit:

Only required if you do not have a credit card

• 2000 and newer models, USD$400.00;
• 1995-1999 models, USD$300.00;
• models previous to 1995, USD$200.00

How long can you keep your car in Mexico?

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits are valid for up to six months. Within this period you may enter and exit the country with your vehicle as many times as you want. Make sure that you get the full six months worth stamped on your permit- its probably wise to do so even if you don't plan to stay that long. If your vehicle is in the country for longer than the permit allows, it can be confiscated by the Mexican authorities.

Banjercito Hours of Operation:

Unless noted otherwise, Banjercito offices are open on holidays and follow the same schedule listed below

Banjercito Office - Nogales, Sonora

Baja California Norte (California Border Points)

• Tijuana
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Otay Mesa
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Tecate
  8am-8pm Monday-Friday
  10am-2pm Saturday
  Closed on Sunday
• Mexicali
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Mexicali - Annex
  8am-4pm Monday-Friday
  10am-2pm Saturday
  Closed on Sunday

Baja California Sur

• La Paz (Pichilingue)
  9am-2pm - 7 days a week

Sonora (Arizona Border Points)

• San Luis Rio Colorado
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• San Emeterio (Sonoyta)
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Nogales (Km 21)
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Naco - Anexo
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Aqua Prieta
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Cananea
  8am-6pm Monday-Friday
  8am-1pm Saturday & Sunday

Chihuahua (Texas Border Points)

• Cd. Juarez (Km. 30)
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Palomas
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Pte. Int. Ojinaga
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Piedras Negras (Km. 54.3)
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Acuña
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• San Jeronimo
  24 hrs - 7 days a week

Tamaulipas

• Nuevo Laredo (Patio Fiscal)
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Nuevo Laredo (Puente Internacional I & II)
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Reynosa
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Nuevo Amanecer
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• Ciudad Camargo
  8am-12am - 7 days a week
• San Jeronimo
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Matamoros Pta. Dos
  9am-6pm Monday-Friday
  9am-4pm Saturday
  Closed Sunday
• Puente Nuevo
  24 hrs - 7 days a week
• Puente Ignacio Zaragoza
  9am-9pm - 7 days a week
• Puente TLC
  9am-6pm Monday-Friday
  9am-4pm Saturday
  Closed Sunday