How can I take my car to Mexico?

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Mark The Latin Travel Dude

As usual, Charly is well-informed and his links are useful.

Here's how bringing a car into Mexico works:
1. Make sure you have all the right documents. The proof of vehicle ownership requirement is what most gringos seem to have trouble with.
2. Get your FMT and car permit at the border (you can also get car permit online before your trip, but you still need to show documents at Aduana).
3. Buy Mexican auto insurance.

Documents required:
* proof of citizenship (passport)
* proof of vehicle ownership (current registration and/or original state title)
* for leased vehicles or vehicles of which you are not the owner, notarized letter of permission to take vehicle to Mexico ("Letter of Authorization"), you MAY be asked to show the contract (usually the case for very new vehicles)
* driver's license issued by an authority OUTSIDE of Mexico (vehicle import requirements are different for Mexican nationals)
* valid credit card in vehicle owner's name (people have had problems using cards other than Visa/Mastercard). If you have no credit card, be prepared to post a cash surety deposit.
* passport and FMT (you will have to go through the Immigration line and have these stamped for both immigration and payment of the fee (US$20)

When you arrive at the border, you will:
* get the FMT form and fill it out, pay fee, and get it stamped
* have copies of every above-listed document made (including credit card, passport, etc.) There is a copy desk at every Aduana office where they will do this for you (usually 10 cents per page charge).
* get in the Banjercito line and they'll issue your permit
* affix import permit to your windshield and carry the certificate in the vehicle

About insurance:
You should definitely buy MEXICO insurance before you go. Your U.S. auto policy will not cover you in the interior of Mexico. You can do this at most Aduana offices, or you can save money and do it online before you leave. (I use Oscar Padilla's Mexican Insurance site...I have nothing but good things to say about Oscar's service.) I usually stay within the northern tier of Mexico, and Oscar has VERY cheap 6-month policies that are perfect for me.

Charlie

Just to visit , or to live here? If you are only going to be in the border areas, or in Baja or Sonora, you do not need a car permit. If you are going to be visiting in other areas, you need to get a car permit at the border and be very sure to return it when you leave. If you are moving here and have an FM3 visa, you get a car permit at the consulate before coming or at the border and it is good for as long as you keep your FM3 renewed...no need to register it or get tags here. See site below. You will also need Mexican car ins. See 2nd site for my favorite.

big j (tikvah)

I would make sure you get all the papers in order so a bored or corrupt cop down there can't cause problems for you.

also make sure you drive like Sister Wendy while you are there, keep it really clean okay? drive like you are taking your driving test.

I've been stopped by the cops twice and that is my recommendation to you. I'd agree with HeroinX, accept some friendly advice huh?

Mikey

Here is a link that will help you out.

http://www.rollybrook.com/article_106.htm

HeroinX

To Tijuana:
Drive down the 5
to return there are 2 border crossings...and a hell of a lot of line in either one...just follow the ''San Diego 5'' signs...
If you're going further south you would need a permit because the police....yes the police will steal your car....

Tony

Drive it!

Ian M

No problem. Just drive to San Diego then its a simple hop over the border.

Bringing it back might be a whole new ball game though.

Ian M

tha_munk2

If I were you I would fly it to England first. Then put it on a train to Norway. After you get to Norway with it ship it to Japan and ferry it back to the states. Once in the states just drive the stupid thing there! Good Lord!

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