Article Features
- NO VEHICLE IMPORT PERMIT IS NECESSARY TO DRIVE IN THE ENTIRE BAJA PENINSULA.
- Vehicle import permits are needed if you travel outside of Baja or outside the border zones (generally further than 16 miles from the border) or outside the permit-free zones of Sonora.
- Looking for a Sonora Only permit? Read our article: Sonora Only Vehicle Permits
- Vehicle permits may be obtained thru Banjercito's online process, at a Banjercito office at the border or at certain Mexican Consulates (listed below).
- Don't forget your Mexican insurance policy. Quick quote and buy online instantly.
Need a Mexican Vehicle Permit? Get One Online at Banjercito!
Banjercito's online vehicle permit registration offers travelers to Mexico an easy way to get their temporary importation vehicle permit by mail (if time allows) or to pre-register online and save time picking it up at Banjercito later.
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 pre-registration code will be issued for you to take to a Banjercito office
- Bring all required documentation so it can be verified
- After your trip, remember to return with the vehicle to the Banjercito office 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 60 days in advance
- Requires at least 7-10 days lead time before your trip
- After your trip, remember to return with the vehicle to the Banjercito office to return the permit
Access Banjercito's online application directly
Visit Banjercito's temporary vehicle import permit page. You may also begin the process here by looking for "Para iniciar su Trámite de clic AQUI" (in blue text in the center of the page), click for either the Flash version (Versión Flash) or text version (Versión sólo texto) and then you will be able to begin the process in English.
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.
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.
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?
Fees for a vehicle permit in $USD, including IVA are:- $29.70 at Banjercito offices at the border
- $39.60 from Mexican consulates
- $49.50 from Banjercito website
How much does a vehicle permit cost for a recreational vehicle (RV)?
Fees in $USD, including IVA are:- $51.75 at Banjercito offices at the border
- $49.50 from Mexican consulates
- $49.50 from Banjercito website
How much does a permit cost to import a boat?
Fees in $USD, including IVA are:- $51.75 at Banjercito offices at the border
- $49.50 from Mexican consulates
- $49.50 from Banjercito website
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.
Will you send my policy to my bank or finance company?
Yes. Please call us at 1-888-552-2252 or email us. We will need the fax number of your bank and any other information that will help us get it to the correct department or person. If you purchase your policy online, you will have immediate access to your policy and may fax it through our system to your bank.
What information do I need to get a vehicle permit online?
- 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.
If I pre-register, where do I pick up my vehicle permit?
Pre-registered vehicle permits may be picked up at any Banjercito Module located at the border. See below for a list of locations.If I pre-register, what documents do I need to bring with me to pick up my permit?
The documents you used to complete the online application will be required to pick up your permit (bring a copy or two along). These documents could include your passport or passport card and vehicle registration or title. Remember to bring your pre-registration code. If you need permission to take the vehicle to Mexico, i.e. if you are making payments or the vehicle is rented, it is important to bring the proof that the vehicle may leave the country in the form of a letter from your bank or a car rental agreement that states the vehicle may be in Mexico. Remember to buy Mexican insurance before your trip. It is easier to buy online than at the border.
If I receive my permit by mail, what documents do I need to take with me to Mexico?
Bring all documents used to complete the online application, i.e. passport, and a copy or two of those documents as well as your vehicle registration or title, the vehicle permit you received from Banjercito and the sticker to adhere to your windshield. If you were required to get a letter of permission from your bank to take the vehicle into Mexico, it is important to bring the letter with you. Remember to buy Mexican insurance before your trip. It is easier to buy Mexican insurance online than at the border. Remember to stop at the border for your tourist visa (FM-T) if you need one!
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 notorized 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.
- 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 (FM-T) or visa for travel in Mexico
Now that I have all the necessary documents, what do I do next?
- Make sure you have Mexican Auto Insurance
- Look for the "Módulo de Control Vehícular" or Mexican Customs (Aduana México) signs that say "Importación Temporal de Vehículos" where you are crossing.
- This next 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
Which Mexican Consulates issue temporary vehicle import permits?
California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, SacramentoArizona: Phoenix
Texas: Dallas, Houston, Austin
New Mexico: Albuquerque
Colorado: Denver
Illinois: Chicago
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.
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, the permit and the sticker 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.
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.
What are Banjercito's 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 - Agua 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
