What You Need, to Drive Across the Mexican Border

There are a few steps you need to take if you decide to drive across the border into Mexico. By following these rules, you will be sure, you can legally drive your car into Mexico.

If you travel within the Border Zone (considered to be up to 20 kilometers south of the U.S.-Mexico Border) or the Free Trade Zone (which includes the Baja California Peninsula and the Sonora Free Trade Zone) there are no procedures you must comply with.

Applying for your permit at any Mexican Border Crossing

Documents to Bring from Home: * Note you will need 2 copies of each and the original

1. Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate). If you have dual citizenship, the applicant must present his or her Mexican passport or proof of Mexican nationality.

2. The valid vehicle registration certificate, such as the original title that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle. This document must be in the driver’s name.

3. The leasing contract (if the vehicle is leased or rented), which must be in the name of the person importing the car. If the vehicle belongs to a company, you will need to present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.

4. A valid driver’s license, issued outside Mexico.

5. If the documentation shows the vehicle is registered in the name of the spouse, the importation can be done as long as the marriage certificate is presented to the customs office.

6. An international credit or debit card, also issued outside Mexico (such as American Express, Mastercard or Visa), in the name of the driver of the vehicle.

Once your have crossed the border:

1. Go to the Mexican Customs office, called “Aduana”, Vehicle Control Check Point.

It is usually located very near the border.

2. Fill out the forms; “Temporary Import Permit”, “Vehicle Return Promise”, “Tourist

Card” or “FMT”

3. Go to Banjercito (Mexican Army Bank) with all the above forms and copies and

Originals. * Note in they are located within the Aduana office.

4. Complete vehicle security deposit procedure by using any of the three available

Methods, credit card, cash deposit or “Vehicle Value Bond” (see above)

The “Temporary Import Application” and “The Vehicle Return Promise” are available at any AAA office in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California.

Paying with a Credit Card:

You can pay with a Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Diner’s Card. It must be in the name of the person importing the vehicle and can’t be issued in Mexico. The charge is approximately $27 USD.

Paying with a Bond:

If you don’t have a credit card or don’t want to charge it, you can post a bond to the Federal Treasury of Mexico. This is issued by an authorized company in Mexico. You can purchase this at the border at most Sanborn’s. Call for more information 1-800-222-0158.

The amount of the bond varies depending on the year and make of your car. It can range from $500 to $20,000. They change frequently, so call Sanborns for current values.

Paying with Cash:

You can pay with cash, in the amount equal to 100% of the value of your car, according to “table of Vehicle Values for Bonding Companies.” The following information gives you an idea of what this amount in USD would be:

2001-2007 = $400

1996-2000 = $300

1996 and older models = $200

Banco del Ejercito has a website, where you can obtain the most recent rates and regulations. http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitv_ing.jsp

You can apply for your temporary vehicle permit online

at the Banco Ejercito website:

http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/tramiteitv_ing.jsp

The request must be made 20-60 days prior to the vehicle border crossing. Your permit will either be sent electronically or by mail.

You will still need to stop at the Aduana office and give the same information as above and still pay $27 USD.

INSURANCE

U.S. and Canadian auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Mexican auto insurance is mandatory in many states and cities. Therefore, you should not drive without it because if you are in an accident or other vehicle related problem and you do not have insurance, you may be arrested and your vehicle impounded until the authorities can figure out the situation. There are many insurance companies once you have crossed the border or AAA or Sanborns also sell it.

The important facts:

1. The temporarily imported vehicle maybe driven across the border multiple times during the authorized period.

2. When leaving Mexico, return to the Aduana office to get your deposit back.

3. Always remember to carry the importation permit on you when driving your vehicle in Mexico.

4. Do not leave this document in the vehicle; it is indispensable in the case of damage, theft, or accident.

5. Other drivers are allowed only if the permit holder is in the car.

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