Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

No. You can ONLY get a Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) through Mexico's Banjercito government agency. Mexpro has no affiliation, authority or connections with this organization.

Anytime you drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone, you will need to purchase a Mexico Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, also called a TIP. The Mexico Free Zone (also known as the Liberated Zone, Perimeter Zone or Free Trade Zone) includes the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Quintana Roo, the northwest portion of Sonora (the area west of the 15 highway and north of KM 98), and the areas within 25 kilometers (16 miles) of the border.

Travelers without the proper permit may be incarcerated, fined and/or have their vehicle seized at immigration/customs checkpoints within the interior of Mexico.

Maybe. In Sonora, you are only required to obtain a TIP if you will be driving outside of the Sonora Free Zone. The Sonora Free Zone includes that portion of Sonora west of the 15 highway and north of KM 98. If you are planning to travel only in Sonora, you can buy a Sonora Only temporary permit for a reduced price for a reduced price at the Mexico border.

The fee for importation of a vehicle is about $51.00 USD including IVA (tax), however, if you process online, the fee is about $45.00 USD including IVA. The price can vary depending on the peso exchange rate and will likely increase from time to time.

You must also pay a deposit guaranteeing you will return your vehicle to the U.S. The guarantee deposit is charged to all vehicles. The amount is determined by the vehicle year.

• 2007 - Newer $400 USD
• 2001 - 2006 $300 USD
• 2000 - Older $200 USD

The guarantee deposit will be refunded if the vehicle import permit is canceled within the 180-day period and no violations have taken place.

If the vehicle is financed, leased, and/or a company car, a notarized letter of permission is required from the lien holder or lending institution. It is not possible to get a TIP on a rental car.

Only U.S. and Canadian citizens can apply for a temporary vehicle import permit online.

You can apply for a temporary vehicle import permit up to six months before you plan to travel to Mexico. You should not apply online for a permit less than 10 days before you plan to travel to Mexico. Remember you can always purchase your vehicle import permit at the border, but it may take more time.

In order to purchase a temporary importation permit you will need the following:

1. Passport, passport card, or green card
2. If you are not a Mexican citizen, a Mexican immigration permit — such as a tourist (FMM), business or immigrant permit/visa.
3. A non-Mexican driver's license with photo.
4. Original and photocopy of the vehicle's title and registration in the applicant's name. If the title of the vehicle is in the name of a spouse, child, or parent, a birth certificate or marriage license must be presented.
5. For leased, financed or company vehicles you will need a notarized letter of permission for taking the vehicle into Mexico.
6. Proof of Mexican insurance for the vehicle.

No. Proof of a previously canceled permit should be in the Banjercito computer system, as long as it was properly surrendered. It is a good idea, however, to carry a copy just in case there is a question.

You should receive your permit immediately via email. Print a copy and keep it with you while you travel in Mexico. If you are stopped for TIP verification the officer should scan your email with the TIP using a cell phone application. Sometimes there will be no cell service so you will need to verify using your paperwork.

Your TIP should be emailed immediately. You should also receive a print out of the TIP, other relevant pages, and your receipt.

No. There is no need to stop at either Aduana or Banjercito if you bought your TIP online. However, since you also will have bought your FMM online (needed to purchase the TIP), you still need to stop and get the FMM stamped for it to be valid. Bring the receipt you were emailed for proof of payment.

The vehicle import permit is good for up to 180 days. You can enter and exit Mexico as many times as you wish during the period your permit is valid.

You must cancel your permit so Mexico knows the vehicle has left the country. This is why they hold the guarantee deposit. You will lose your deposit and will not be allowed to get another permit to drive in Mexico if you do not return and cancel before the expiration date.

No. You must stop and surrender the TIP at a Mexico border before it expires. There is no automatic cancellation.

You must cancel and surrender your permit at an approved Banjercito TIP return location on the border. It does not have to be the same border location where you entered Mexico. Find border locations in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas on our blog.

Yes. You will need the vehicle, your copy of the permit, and your deposit receipt to cancel the permit and get your deposit back.

Mexpro's MexVisit® travel assistance will assist with canceling your permit, if requested when you make a claim.

You will need to contact Mexico customs at these phone numbers: (from Mexico) 800-463-6728, press option 7 for "comercio exterior" (from U.S.) 1-800-475-2393; or at this email address: CIITEVAduanaMexico@sat.gob.mx.

If you are not able to get help using the above information, you can also try to email permitvehiculos@banjercito.com.mx or call 011-52-55-53-28-23-29.

No. It is not possible to "renew" a TIP. You must surrender and cancel your TIP and get a new one. This can only be done at the Mexico border.

You can sell your car to another FMM holder or Temporary Resident. You will need to get the TIP in your name canceled, the registration transferred, and the new owner will need to get a TIP in their name. You cannot sell your car to someone who is ineligible for a TIP.

Yes, if the boat is over 4.5 meters long, you will need to get a boat TIP in addition to your vehicle TIP. Boat TIPs are good for ten years.

The boat TIP costs the same as a regular vehicle TIP; about $51.00 USD including IVA (tax), or about $45.00 USD online. There is no deposit.

Vehicle and Motorcycle – No

Vehicle and Vehicle – No

Vehicle and RV – Yes

Vehicle and Boat – Yes

RV and Boat – Yes