Hi Everyone,
I thought that I would stir up the pot for some fun and confusion. Seriously this is why there is so much confusion.
This is just a little of what I did a copy and paste. I have the page links to where you can read the whole thing yourself.
For those who are going to the Copper Canyon Adventure with me I do believe you have read what I posted about what you need to bring and do. Documentation Required for Vehicle Import Permit
Foreigners will need to show::bigbossHL:
Proof of nationality (e.g. Passport)
Their Mexican visa or tourist card
Proof of ownership of the vehicle
A valid driver’s license with photo
Read this short excerpts from the pages; then read the whole website for fun. If you are scratching your head it is not from the lice. It starts with the home page;
https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/transport/driving-in-mexico/
It said some where in the maze that this was updated about August 2017
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https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/transport/driving-in-mexico/#3
Bringing Your Own Car to Mexico
Driving Within the “Free Zone”
If you drive a non-Mexican plated car across the border, but remain within the “Free Zone” (which is a defined area approximately 22 miles/35 km from the land border), you do not need to apply for and obtain a temporary import permit for your vehicle.
All roads leading south have guarded check-points, where vehicles without Mexican licence plates must purchase a temporary import permit for the vehicle. Foreign vehicle import permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico. You must arrange the permit ahead of time, or at the border crossing. See “Driving Beyond the Free Zone”, below.
Special arrangements for Baja Peninsula and Sonora state
Special arrangements apply for cars driving into the Baja Peninsula and the State of Sonora – see ‘Special Arrangements,‘ below
Special Car Import Arrangements for Sonora State and Baja Peninsula
Taking Your Car to Sonora
The border state of Sonora has a special arrangement, waiving the fees, deposits and other requirements for visitors who intend to stay in Sonora state, provided that the vehicle passes into Mexico at the Nogales border crossing. See the Banjercito website for details about this program.
Taking Your Car to the Baja Peninsula
If you take your car into Mexico and stay in the Baja California peninsula, there is no need to undertake the “import” arrangements or pay any fees as described above. Instead, your vehicle must have valid and current US or Canadian license plates, and the plates/stickers must be kept current during the vehicle’s stay on the Mexican Baja peninsula. Many foreign residents keep their US/CA plated cars in Baja and have the plates/stickers/documentation mailed to them as required.
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Driving in Mexico Beyond the “Free Zone”
Foreigners driving into Mexico beyond the ‘Free Zone’ are allowed to bring their vehicles into the country after meeting certain documentary requirements including the payment of a Temporary Import Permit (TIP).
Foreign retirees or those in Mexico on working permits holding Residente Temporal visas/cards may bring in one car (their own) for the duration of their visas and subsequent extensions. Tourists may also bring in one car, even if it’s not their own; but they must show documentation to demonstrate that they have permission to take the car to Mexico.
One Vehicle Per Eligible Person
Only one vehicle can be imported into Mexico per person. If you are traveling with your spouse or adult child (18 years or older), they may each register one car in their name.
There is one exception to the one-person, one-car rule: If you tow a car behind your RV, there is no need for second person to be traveling with you; but you must show proof of ownership for both vehicles, and both vehicles must be taken out of the country together when you leave.
Trailers
A trailer does not count as a vehicle, but you need to show ownership of it and it must be exported with the vehicle towing it when you leave Mexico.
Motorcycles, ATVs, etc.
If you are towing or carrying other single-passenger motorized vehicles these may be registered with the car that is towing or carrying them. You must show proof of ownership of all vehicles and you can only bring up-to three single-passenger vehicles—one each for up to three passengers traveling in the main vehicle. All vehicles must be exported together when you leave Mexico.
Duration of Vehicle Temporary Import Permit
The Temporary Import Permit (TIP) lasts for as long as your current visa lasts. If this this a FMM (Visitor’s Permit) the period is 180 days. If you are living in Mexico on a temporary resident visa (Residente Temporal), your car import permit will be valid for as long as your visa is valid—including any visa extensions. If you are entering Mexico on a permanent resident visa (Residente Permanente) you cannot import your own vehicle using a TIP. See the Immigration page for details of different visa types and see this article about importing foreign-plated vehicles to Mexico.
Note: If your immigration status changes while you have a vehicle in Mexico, you do not need to apply for a new vehicle permit. For example, if you entered Mexico on a FMM, and subsequently apply for and are granted a temporary resident visa, your vehicle permit does not have to be renewed and will last so long as your temporary resident visa is current. (See also note above about car import restrictions when entering on permanent residency visas.) See also “Taking Your Car Out of Mexico” below, for details about what to do when you leave Mexico.
Proof of Ownership: Financed Vehicles, Rental Cars and Company Cars
In the event the vehicle is being financed or leased, a letter of credit or invoice from the corresponding financial institution will need to be presented.
If the vehicle is rented, the hire contract in the driver’s name and a description of the vehicle.
If it’s a company car, the importer will need to show documented proof of a working relationship with the company (e.g. letter on headed paper signed by a company official), as well as the company’s proof of vehicle ownership.
Payment of Import Bond
The Mexican authorities require that the driver also deposits a bond, which is forfeited if the car is not exported by the expiry date printed on the import permit. Holders of American Express, Visa or MasterCard credit cards can provide a card’s details as security for the bond. If you are leaving a cash deposit, the amount asked will be between US$200 and US$400, depending on the make, model and age of the vehicle.
Recovering Your Bond Payment
In order to recover your cash deposit or avoid credit card charges, you must go to any Mexican Customs office located along the border immediately prior to departing Mexico
How to Obtain Your Temporary Import Permit
Contrary to any advice you may hear, foreign vehicle import permits cannot be obtained at checkpoints in the interior of Mexico. You must arrange the permit ahead of time or at the border crossing.
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https://www.mexperience.com/lifestyle/transport/driving-in-mexico/#31
See Also: Driving Out of Mexico with Your Car
Special Car Import Arrangements for Sonora State and Baja Peninsula
Taking Your Car to Sonora
The border state of Sonora has a special arrangement, waiving the fees, deposits and other requirements for visitors who intend to stay in Sonora state, provided that the vehicle passes into Mexico at the Nogales border crossing. See the Banjercito website for details about this program.
Taking Your Car to the Baja Peninsula
If you take your car into Mexico and stay in the Baja California peninsula, there is no need to undertake the “import” arrangements or pay any fees as described above. Instead, your vehicle must have valid and current US or Canadian license plates, and the plates/stickers must be kept current during the vehicle’s stay on the Mexican Baja peninsula. Many foreign residents keep their US/CA plated cars in Baja and have the plates/stickers/documentation mailed to them as required.
My thoughts; :wavey:
This is only a small part of the information you have thrown at you to figure out what to do and bring with you to get your vehicle into Mexico.
All of this is followed to the letter except when it is not! Personally I do not sweat this and do as I always have.
I just thought you should know. :wings:
