Keeping Your Foreign Vehicle in Mexico

Keeping Your Foreign Vehicle in Mexico: Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for Legal Temporary and Permanent Residents
Temporary Residents (TR) of Mexico:
Legal temporary residents of Mexico can keep their foreign-plated vehicles in the country for the duration of their temporary residency. To retain their TIP deposit, they must notify Mexican customs (Aduana) by submitting a “TIP extension” at any international airport or the head office in CDMX. This requires providing a copy of their passport, residency card, and TIP document each time their residency status changes. This must be done within 15 days of their immigration visit and before the 30-day or 180-day TIP expiration.
For example, if you transition from a 30-day sticker to a 1-year card, or from an FMM tourist permit to a 4-year card, you must notify Aduana. Legal temporary residents must remove their foreign-plated vehicles from Mexico before becoming legal permanent residents, as permanent residents are not allowed to drive foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico. Options for compliance include removing the vehicle from Mexico, driving it to the border for permanent importation with Aduana, or “regularizing/legalizing” it within Mexico if it qualifies.
Permanent Residents (PR) of Mexico:
Permanent residents are generally not allowed to drive foreign-plated vehicles in Mexico. However, there is an exception for those entering on a 30-day PR sticker issued by a consulate; the foreign vehicle should be removed from Mexico within those 30 days. For those wanting to keep their vehicles in Mexico long-term or permanently, you can apply for permanent importation with Aduana upon entry into Mexico if the vehicle qualifies. This process allows for the vehicle to be sold in Mexico.
Updates and Important Information:
  1. Application Process and Fees: The TIP can be obtained online through the Banjercito website, at certain Mexican consulates in the U.S., or at Banjercito offices near major land border crossings. The application fee is approximately $51 USD at the border or $45 USD online, plus IVA (tax). Additionally, a deposit is required, which varies based on the vehicle’s age: $400 USD for 2007 and newer models, $300 USD for 2001-2006 models, and $200 USD for 2000 and older models​.
  2. Documentation: To apply for a TIP, you will need a valid passport, residency card, vehicle title, proof of address, and an international credit card (not issued in Mexico) in the name of the driver. Ensure all documents are accurate and up-to-date to avoid any issues during the application process​ .
  3. Cancellation of TIP: Upon leaving Mexico, you must cancel your TIP at a Banjercito office at the border. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your deposit, and you will be ineligible for a new TIP in the future. Ensure that the TIP is cancelled before its expiry date to avoid penalties​ (Mexpro)​.
  4. Driving Rules: Foreign-plated vehicles driven by visitors or temporary residents must comply with specific regulations. Permanent residents cannot drive foreign-plated vehicles outside of Free Zones unless they have completed the permanent importation process. It is crucial to stay updated with the latest rules and regulations to ensure compliance​
For further details and to apply for your TIP, visit the Banjercito website.
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