Traveling only to Baja or Rocky Point? No temporary import permit (TIP) is required! However if you are traveling outside the Sonora Free Zone or to mainland Mexico, this article is for you! Good news - apply for a permit online at Banjercito and the permit will be emailed to you within ten days.
Do I need a vehicle permit to drive in Baja and the border zones?
No permit is required if you plan to stay within 25 kilometers (16 miles) of the border, known as the "border zone", or anywhere in the Baja California peninsula.
Will I need a vehicle permit to travel to Baja California, Baja California Sur, or western Sonora with my motorhome?
Maybe. While there are no official regulations regarding motorhomes in the traditionally permit free zone, Mexican Customs may require you to get one. It is best to travel with the required documents for motorhome permits in the event you are told you need one to enter the country.
Do I need a vehicle permit to visit Sonora?
Maybe. If you are visiting Rocky Point, Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana you will
not need a vehicle permit. If you are visiting other cities that are further south or east of the 15, but will stay in Sonora, you qualify for the Sonora Only permit..
View Map of Border and Permit Free Zone
What about to drive in the rest of Mexico?
If you plan to drive south of the border zone, or outside of the Sonora permit-free area or outside Baja (to some destinations reached by ferry), you must obtain a temporary importation vehicle permit
online, at the border, or from certain Mexican consulates (read below).
How much does a vehicle permit cost?
At the border, from Mexican consulates or
online at the Banjercito website:
- $52.20 (USD) = $44.00 (USD) + IVA
- A guarantee deposit is also required
How much does a vehicle permit cost for a recreational vehicle (RV)?
Fees in USD, including IVA are:
How much does a permit cost to import a boat?
Fees in USD, including IVA are:
What is the guarantee deposit?
Banjercito charges a guarantee deposit to those applying for a permit. The deposit will be returned once the vehicle and permit are returned. If you do not return your vehicle and the permit by the time your permit expires, Banjercito will keep the deposit. Remember to return your vehicle and permit!
2007 and newer models, USD $400.00 deposit required
2001 - 2006 models, USD $300.00 deposit required
models previous to 2000, USD $200.00 deposit required
Note: Permits for Sonora Only, Motorhomes, and Boats do not require a deposit. If I am making payments on my vehicle, what do I need in order to take my vehicle to Mexico?
Many banks and finance companies require you to take a letter of permission with you to Mexico. In order to issue the letter of permission, many companies will require proof of
Mexican insurance first. Contact your
bank or finance company for further information.
Buy your policy online instantly.Is it easy to send my Mexican insurance policy to my finance company?
Yes. If you purchase your Mexican insurance with us, you will have immediate access to your policy in pdf format to email to your finance company. Please call us at 1-888-552-2252 or
email us if you would like assistance. We'll need the fax number or email address of your bank and any other information that will help us get it to the correct department or person.
What information do I need to apply for a vehicle permit online?
- Your INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) online pre-authorization for FMM - tourist card
- A document that proves your citizenship (you will need to enter the document number):
- Passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Resident alien card
- Date you will enter Mexico
- Email address - Will be used to send a confirmation email with a reference number
- Number of passengers in your vehicle
- Address - This is the address the permit will be mailed to
- Your vehicle's VIN number
- Credit or debit card that allows foreign transactions
*Note: To apply for a vehicle permit online, you cannot use a birth certificate as proof of citizenship, but this is accepted if you apply in person.
What are the requirements to get a vehicle permit in person at a Mexican consulate or Banjercito office?
Make sure you have the original (or a notarized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents:
- One of the following documents that prove your citizenship:
- Passport or passport card
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of naturalization
- Your vehicle registration or vehicle title (pink slip) - The vehicle registration must be in the driver's name. Additionally parents, children, siblings, or the husband or wife of the owner of the vehicle may apply for a permit without the owner present as long as they have a birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove their relationship.
- A lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented
- If you owe money on the vehicle through a lien holder, you must provide a notarized letter of permission
- A Mexican tourist card (FMM) or visa for travel in Mexico
If I'd like to get my permit at a Mexican Consulate, which Consulates issue them?
- California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sacramento
- Arizona: Phoenix
- Texas: Austin, Dallas, and Houston
- New Mexico: Albuquerque
- Colorado: Denver
- Illinois: Chicago
How can I get an appointment to get a vehicle permit at a Mexican Consulate?
Banjercito has an
online appointment scheduling system to help you make your appointment. The appointment may be for a vehicle, boat, motorhome or Sonora Only permit.
How long can I keep my 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.
Permits for motorhomes and boats are valid for up to ten years.
What happens if we want to tow a second vehicle behind our RV or motorhome? Do we need two different permits?
Motorhomes are allowed to tow a second vehicle. The second (towed) vehicle is eligible for a 6 month temporary import permit. One driver may now use their valid U.S. drivers license, credit card with Visa/AMEX/Mastercard logo and original citizenship documentation to bond both vehicles (RV and towed vehicle) at the same time.
Why do I have to return my vehicle permit when I leave Mexico?
The vehicle permit must be returned to authorities when you leave Mexico so that the permit is canceled and authorities know the vehicle is no longer in Mexico. It is important to bring your vehicle and the permit with you. Vehicle permits may NOT be canceled any other way. If you drive home without canceling your permit, you risk having to drive all the way back to Mexico to return the permit.
What if my permit expires and I am still in Mexico?
Mexican Customs can issue a permit called a "Retorno Seguro" or Safe Return that will allow you to drive the vehicle to the border. The permit is free of charge and is valid for five business days.
Can I renew my permit online?
The
only permits that are able to be renewed online are for:
- Motorhomes - as long as you renew 15 days prior to expiration
- Boats - as long as you renew 90 days prior to expiration
You may renew them online at
Banjercito's website.
I have more questions. How can I find out more information?
You may like to read a courtesy translation on our website of
Banjercito's FAQs. If you need to contact Banjercito directly, we suggest emailing them at permisovehiculos(at)banjercito.com.mx.
To view the Mexican government's official user manual in Spanish,
click here.
What are Banjercito's hours of operation?
Banjercito offices are open on holidays unless noted otherwise below
