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Vehicle permits are required for travel in Mainland Mexico,
but not in Baja. However, auto insurance is
required by Mexican authorities should you be involved in an accident,
even if you are not at fault.
Vehicle Permits Answers
1. Do I need vehicle insurance to
drive in Mexico?
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:
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
2. Do I need a vehicle permit to
drive in Baja and the border?
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.
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.
3. Do I need a vehicle permit to
visit Sonora?
Map of Border and Permit Free Zone
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.
Map of Border and Permit Free Zone
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.
4. Do I need a vehicle permit to
visit Mexico besides Baja, Sonora, and other border zones?
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).
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).
6. How much does a vehicle permit
cost?
USD $44.00 + IVA at the border, from Mexican consulates or online at the Banjercito website. A guarantee deposit is also required .
USD $44.00 + IVA at the border, from Mexican consulates or online at the Banjercito website. A guarantee deposit is also required .
7. How much does a vehicle permit
cost for a recreational vehicle (RV)?
$680.82 Pesos from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $50.58 as of 10/19/11). A guarantee deposit is also required .
$680.82 Pesos from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $50.58 as of 10/19/11). A guarantee deposit is also required .
8. How much does a permit cost to
import a boat?
$680.82 Pesos from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $50.58 as of 10/19/11). A guarantee deposit is also required .
$680.82 Pesos from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $50.58 as of 10/19/11). A guarantee deposit is also required .
9. 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!
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
10. 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.
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.
11. Is it easy to send my policy to
my bank or finance company?
Yes. If you purchase your policy online, you will have immediate access to your policy and may fax it through our system to your bank or email the policy in pdf format. Please call us at 1-888-552-2252 or email us if you would like assistance. We will 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.
Yes. If you purchase your policy online, you will have immediate access to your policy and may fax it through our system to your bank or email the policy in pdf format. Please call us at 1-888-552-2252 or email us if you would like assistance. We will 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
Pre-registered vehicle permits may be picked up at any Banjercito Module located at the border. See below for a list of locations.
14. 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.
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.
15. 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 card (FM-T) if you need one!
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 card (FM-T) if you need one!
16. What are the requirements to
get a vehicle permit in person at a Mexican consulate or Banjercito
office?
- 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
17. 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.
18. Which Mexican Consulates issue
temporary vehicle import permits?
- California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
- Arizona: Phoenix
- Texas: Dallas, Houston, Austin
- New Mexico: Albuquerque
- Colorado: Denver
- Illinois: Chicago
19. 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.
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.
20. 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.
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.
21. What are Banjercito's hours of
operation?
Unless noted otherwise, Banjercito offices are open on holidays and follow the same schedule listed below:
Baja California Norte (California Border Points)
Unless noted otherwise, Banjercito offices are open on holidays and follow the same schedule listed below:
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
22. 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@banjercito.com.mx
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@banjercito.com.mx
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