I want to take my car to Mexico what do I have to do ?

Question

What permits and paper work work I have to have ?

Answer 1

I´m a foreigner living in Mexico so I can give you a tip. When you get to the border you´ll need to declare your car as a "importacion temporal".
Basically, all you´ll need are the papers of the car, driving license and your passport, but a proof of residence like a phone bill may be asked of you. They will put a sticker on your windshield that can be checked against the documents of the car. The proceedings go like this:
When you get to the border you´ll stop and start the "tramite" it shouldn´t take more than 45 minutes if there are not too many people. They will check your license and the documents of the car and they will either take an open voucher on your credit card that you should claim back when you go back to the US, or you can leave a deposit in cash that shouldn´t go over US$500.00. You get that deposit back when you go back to the US. This deposit or voucher makes sure that you don´t sell your car in Mexico where the prices are higher. The deposit is paid at a bank teller within the facilities (several banks are available). Mainly you go from one officer to the other to get everything done. The order in which you have to go is explained in spanish and english so you can´t miss. The permit is valid for the duration of your visa. Be aware though, that you SHOULD NOT extend your stay beyond the visa because the proceedings are extremely bureaucratic and are subjected to fines. If you want to stay longer, go to the closest immigration office and make sure that you get an extension before your present visa´s validity ends. (Actually that´s the catch because the immigration officers are very slow and most of the time they don´t deliver in time, resulting in possibly more fines for you). You should have all your documents with you at all times because the SVT (Secretaria Vial y de Transito), the cops, the "Federal de Caminos" are corrupt and WILL take your car away from you if you are impressionable enough and if you cannot produce the documents that go with your passport and the documents of the car. I will go as far as advising against giving your documents to any officer that asks for them, try first to show them through the windshield. Some would take them away from you and it´d be a hassle to get them back. If they invoke laws to take away your car. Say that those are not laws but "normas aministrativas" written by the municipality, and thus cannot be enforced. Of course, you should not threaten them in any way but claim that you´d go and make a "denuncia" to the "Derechos Humanos". I´m telling you all this not to freak you out because the chances that it´d happen to you are remote, but they do happen and some officers are real pieces of sh.. So remain firm but respectful, say that you haven´t broken any law and that you´re disposed to defend your rights.
If you need any extra info, just contact me.
Regards

Answer 2

I have traveled many, many times by vehicle into Mexico. I have gone through Tijuana, Nogles and Cd. Juarez. First of all I suggest that you go through Tijuana or Cd. Juarez to get your temporary permit for your vehicle. Now, you need to make sure that the vehicle is in YOUR NAME, or the name of someone traveling with you. You will need both the Title and Registration for your vehicle. The next thing that you will need is your 180 day tourist visa issued by the Mexican Immigration Office (you want to get that before you try to get your vehicle permit). If you are a citizen of the US you will need your passport and/or Valid Drivers License. If you are a Legal US Resident, you will need your valid greencard and US immigration documentation along with your Mexican Passport or Matricula Consular. You will also need to pay a small fee (I believe that it is somewhere between $100-200 pesos mexicanos) using a valid credit card, again it has to be in YOUR NAME, or the name of the person getting the vehicle permit. Mexican Car Insurance is OPTIONAL but not necessary. This last time that I went, I had a few problems with my vehicle and tried to get the Insurance company to pay for the damages.. The pamplet/book that I received listed everything that this insurance supposedly covered but I found in the end that it was all just a scam. I paid them for 6 months of insurance that cost me quite a bit of money and I didn't get anything in return. All i'm trying to say is that if you get insurance make sure that you know exactly what you are paying for. Don't wait to the last minute to find out about the insurance. Do some research on here and find a reputable Mexican Insurance Co. that is going to live up to its promises. Now, going back to what I was saying earlier. I have found in some places that some of the customs officials who give out these temporary vehicle permits like to make their own rules up. Make sure you look at the official Mexican Govts website to educate and see for yourself what the requirements are so that these corrupt individuals will not want to try to take advantage of you. I almost forgot! You will also need to get copies of all your documents. Its alot better if you get them ahead of time. This will save you so much time and you won't have to stand in line. I don't think that I have left anything else. I have included some links for you at the bottom. Check them out and you will see for yourself. I hope that I didn't leave anything else. Be careful driving, its very different from driving here. I'm not sure if you've been down there before but just trying to be nice and warning you of the potential dangers that are there. Roads can be poorly paved, I have encountered huge pot holes and no danger signs. Also watch out for livestock roaming free on roads and highways. I have often found that people run stop signs and stop lights. Always drive defensively. You can never be too safe especially with your baby in the car. Try to always drive on the Cuota roads (Toll roads). I have also found that street signs can be confusing, make sure to pay attention and to take a map with you. Well, I think I covered everything. Have fun and be safe. Goodluck!!

Answer 3

Taking your car into Mexico will be no big deal, but bringing it back into the US might be! You should check with a DMV in a border state.

Good luck!

Answer 4

in addition to your registration. you will have to purchase a temporary mexican auto insurace policy. talk to your insurance broker. thay should be able to help you find a good policy. or even issue it .
other than that all you need is your drivers license and the registration.

Answer 5

Simple, all you need are proof of ownership, registration and your driver's license.

Answer 6

Just drive it and have proof of ownership.

Answer 7

Mexican Insurance!

Answer 8

drive it you can get temp. insurance at the border - get it by all means.