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However, you must obtain a temporary importation vehicle permit if you wish to take a vehicle south of the border zone, or outside of Sonora or Baja. You can get this permit at the border or online from the Mexican Banjercito (Banco Nacional del Ejercito). For the convenience of English-speaking visitors, the online process has information, instructions and requirements in English. Mind you, even if you apply online, you still have to show required documentation, and pay for the permit at the Mexican border crossing.
The state of Sonora runs a program called "Sonora Only" for visitors who stay only in that state. The "Sonora Only" permit needs less documentation than the standard 'Mainland Mexico Vehicle Permit', and the 'Sonora Only' permit is free. One does not also need to have a credit card in Sonora.
For obtaining a vehicle permit, the fees one has to pay including 10% IVA are: US$29.70 at the border, US$39.60 from Banjercito offices in the US and $49.50 from Banjercito web site. Other requirements for the permit include the original (or a notorized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents: valid proof of citizenship (such as passport, birth certificate, sworn statement, naturalization certificate and voter's registration), a Vehicle Registration Certificate or Vehicle Title or "Pink Slip" (vehicle registration must be in the drivers name), a lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented, a notorized letter of permission in case you owe money on the vehicle through a lien holder, a visa (FM2/3) or tourist card (FMT) for travel in Mexico.
You must ensure that you have Mexico auto insurance. You must also look for the "Modulo de Control Vehicular" where you are crossing. The owner of the vehicle has to be present in the vehicle when it crosses the border. If you possess an international credit card such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Diner's Club, the credit card must be in the name of whoever is listed on the vehicle registration. You have to charge a non-refundable fee of $16.50 (including the IVA) to your credit card at the Banjercito which is within the customs area. In case you do not have an international credit card, consider the option of making a cash deposit. Cash deposits for 2002 and newer models are USD$400.00; 1995-1999 models, USD$300.00; and models previous to 1995, USD$200.00.
These temporary vehicle importation permits are valid for up to six months. Within this period you are free to enter and exit the country with your vehicle as many times as you like. You must ensure that you get the full six months worth stamped on your permit, even if you have no plans of staying that long. This is more of a precautionary measure, because if your vehicle is in the country for longer than the permit allows, it is likely to be seized by the Mexican authorities.
For the convenience of visitors, Banjercito offices are usually open
on holidays and are spread over a wide area. You can also contact a
Mexican consulate for the most recent and accurate information.
