Only Sonora Travel Information for Traveling in the State of Sonora Mexico

“Only Sonora” vehicle checkpoint location makes it easier to visit Sonora.

Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Kino Bay, Magdalena and Santa Ana without the time-consuming process of obtaining a car permit.

With the relocation of the “Only Sonora” vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales.

Sonora ONLY Vehicle Importation Permit

*Please note: A Temporary Importation Permit (TIP) can ONLY be obtained through Mexico’s Banjercito government agency. On the Road In has no affiliation, authority or connections with this organization.

There are many parts of Sonora that are covered under the “Mexico Free Zone” and do not require a Vehicle Import Permit. The cities of Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco), Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana are all part of the Sonora, Mexico free zone and do not require import permits.

You are only required to obtain a permit if driving further than kilometer 98 of Mexican Federal Highway No. 15. If you do drive into Sonora, outside the free zone, you have the option to purchase a “Sonora Only” Vehicle Import Permit for a reduced price (unless you buy online).

Obtain a vehicle import permit the same way you do for going to any location in Mexico.

Obtaining a Sonora ONLY Vehicle Import Permit Via the Internet

Apply online on the Banjercito Website. After submitting the required information to the website, you will receive a pass code. After 24 hours and within 15 days of obtaining the pass code, you can visit any Banjercito location to obtain your permit document.

Purchasing a Sonora ONLY Vehicle Import Permit Online: You have the option to purchase your Mexican vehicle import permit online.

• Mexico import permits may be purchased online for auto, RV and boat/watercraft.
• The permit will be mailed to you.
• The permit may be purchased up to 60 days before you depart to Mexico.
• When purchased online, you do NOT get the Sonora ONLY price discount on your vehicle import permit.
• You need a minimum of 10 days between when you apply online and pay for your permit via credit card and your departure to Mexico date.
• You must cancel your permit at a Banjercito location on the border upon your return to the US.

Applying for a Permit Online: You have the option to apply for a Mexican vehicle import permit online.

• Mexico import permits may be applied for online for auto, RV and boat/watercraft.
• Speeds up the process of obtaining your permit at the Banjercito location at the border.
• The permit may be applied for up to 1 day before you depart to Mexico.
• You will be issued a pre-registration code which you will need to take with you to the Bajercito location at the border.
• When you pick up your permit at the Banjercito location at the border you will pay the discounted Sonora ONLY price.
• You must cancel your permit at a Banjercito location on the border upon your return to the US.

Only Sonora” requires motorists to show proof of US/Canadian residency; a visa to visit Mexico; a driver’s license and proof of vehicle ownership.