Traveling only to Baja or Rocky Point? No temporary import permit (TIP) is required! However if you are traveling outside the Sonora Free Zone or to mainland Mexico, this article is for you! Good news - apply for a permit online at Banjercito and the permit will be emailed to you within ten days.
Please do not allow anyone outside of the Banjercito office to assist you with getting your permit. Walk into the Banjercito office to obtain your permit. There are reports of fake permits being issued by individuals claiming to be Banjercito officials offering to assist in getting the permit and requesting the payment in cash.
Please Note: Baja Bound is an insurance agency and can answer any questions about auto insurance in Mexico. For questions about vehicle permits please call Banjercito at 011-52-555-626-0500 x2637
Article Summary
- Vehicle permits are not required to drive the entire Baja peninsula or Rocky Point.
- Vehicle permits are required if you travel outside of Baja, outside the border zones (generally further than 16 miles from the border) or outside the permit-free zones of Sonora.
- Looking for a Sonora Only permit? Read our article: Sonora Only Vehicle Permits
- Vehicle permits may be obtained through Banjercito's online process, at a Banjercito office at the border or at certain Mexican Consulates (listed below).
- Banjercito (Mexico's Banco Nacional del Ejército Fuerza Aérea y Armada) is the government authority who issues vehicle permits.
- To find contact information for a specific Banjercito office, download Banjercito's Directory from gob.mx.
- Don't forget your Mexican insurance policy!
Need a vehicle permit? Apply online!
Banjercito's online vehicle permit registration offers travelers to Mexico an easy way to get their digital temporary importation vehicle permit by email.
Banjercito's online application is for:
- Vehicle permits
- Boat permits
- Motorhome permits
- Sonora Only vehicle permits
Visit Banjercito's Online Permit Application
Tips and info about Banjercito's online application:
- Permits may be requested from 10 to 60 days prior to entering Mexico by vehicle.
- Permits may be requested for a vehicle that is registered in your name or that of your spouse, your children, your siblings, or your parents.
- Permits for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs) are not allowed.
- If you are a foreign citizen, before starting the vehicle permit application process, you must go to INM's (Instituto Nacional de Migración) website to apply for an immigration pre-authorization for your FMM, aka tourist card. The vehicle permit will be issued for the same period as that stated on your immigration pre-authorization. Once you‘ve entered Mexico it's required to visit the INM (Mexican Immigration) in order to exchange your pre-authorization form for the proper immigration document.
- Banjercito requires a guarantee deposit upfront which will be refunded once the vehicle permit is returned to them when leaving Mexico.
- Once the permit has been paid for, Banjercito will email the permit to your email address within 10 business days.
- The permit must be printed and kept in your vehicle at all times.
FAQs about vehicle permits:
Do I need a vehicle permit to drive in Baja and the border zones?
No permit is required if you plan to stay within 25 kilometers (16 miles) of the border, known as the "border zone", or anywhere in the Baja California peninsula.
Will I need a vehicle permit to travel to Baja California, Baja California Sur, or western Sonora with my motorhome?
Maybe. While there are no official regulations regarding motorhomes in the traditionally permit free zone, Mexican Customs may require you to get one. It is best to travel with the required documents for motorhome permits in the event you are told you need one to enter the country.
Do I need a vehicle permit to visit Sonora?
Maybe. If you are visiting Rocky Point, Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena and Santa Ana you will not need a vehicle permit. If you are visiting other cities that are further south or east of the 15, but will stay in Sonora, you qualify for the Sonora Only permit..
View Map of Border and Permit Free Zone
What about to drive in the rest of Mexico?
If you plan to drive south of the border zone, or outside of the Sonora permit-free area or outside Baja (to some destinations reached by ferry), you must obtain a temporary importation vehicle permit online, at the border, or from certain Mexican consulates (read below).
How much does a vehicle permit cost?
At the border, from Mexican consulates or online at the Banjercito website:
- $52.20 (USD) = $44.00 (USD) + IVA
- A guarantee deposit is also required
How much does a vehicle permit cost for a recreational vehicle (RV)?
Fees in USD, including IVA are:
- $52.20 from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $52.20)
How much does a permit cost to import a boat?
Fees in USD, including IVA are:
- $52.20 from the Banjercito website (about U.S. $52.20)
What is the guarantee deposit?
Banjercito charges a guarantee deposit to those applying for a permit. The deposit will be returned once the vehicle and permit are returned. If you do not return your vehicle and the permit by the time your permit expires, Banjercito will keep the deposit. Remember to return your vehicle and permit!
Note: Permits for Sonora Only, Motorhomes, and Boats do not require a deposit.
If I am making payments on my vehicle, what do I need in order to take my vehicle to Mexico?
Many banks and finance companies require you to take a letter of permission with you to Mexico. In order to issue the letter of permission, many companies will require proof of Mexican insurance first. Contact your bank or finance company for further information. Buy your policy online instantly.
Is it easy to send my Mexican insurance policy to my finance company?
Yes. If you purchase your Mexican insurance with us, you will have immediate access to your policy in pdf format to email to your finance company. Please call us at 1-888-552-2252 or email us if you would like assistance. We'll need the fax number or email address of your bank and any other information that will help us get it to the correct department or person.
What information do I need to apply for a vehicle permit online?
- Your INM (Instituto Nacional de Migración) online pre-authorization for FMM - tourist card
- A document that proves your citizenship (you will need to enter the document number):
- Passport or passport card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Resident alien card
- Date you will enter Mexico
- Email address - Will be used to send a confirmation email with a reference number
- Number of passengers in your vehicle
- Address - This is the address the permit will be mailed to
- Your vehicle's VIN number
- Credit or debit card that allows foreign transactions
*Note: To apply for a vehicle permit online, you cannot use a birth certificate as proof of citizenship, but this is accepted if you apply in person.
What are the requirements to get a vehicle permit in person at a Mexican consulate or Banjercito office?
Make sure you have the original (or a notarized copy) and two photocopies of the following documents:
- One of the following documents that prove your citizenship:
- Passport or passport card
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of naturalization
- Your vehicle registration or vehicle title (pink slip) - The vehicle registration must be in the driver's name. Additionally parents, children, siblings, or the husband or wife of the owner of the vehicle may apply for a permit without the owner present as long as they have a birth certificate or marriage certificate to prove their relationship.
- A lease contract if the vehicle is leased or a rental contract if it rented
- If you owe money on the vehicle through a lien holder, you must provide a notarized letter of permission
- A Mexican tourist card (FMM) or visa for travel in Mexico
If I'd like to get my permit at a Mexican Consulate, which Consulates issue them?
- California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Sacramento
- Arizona: Phoenix
- Texas: Austin, Dallas, and Houston
- New Mexico: Albuquerque
- Colorado: Denver
- Illinois: Chicago
How can I get an appointment to get a vehicle permit at a Mexican Consulate?
Banjercito has an online appointment scheduling system to help you make your appointment. The appointment may be for a vehicle, boat, motorhome or Sonora Only permit.
How long can I keep my car in Mexico?
Temporary vehicle importation permits are valid for up to six months. Within this period you may enter and exit the country with your vehicle as many times as you want. Make sure that you get the full six months worth stamped on your permit- its probably wise to do so even if you don't plan to stay that long. If your vehicle is in the country for longer than the permit allows, it can be confiscated by the Mexican authorities.
Permits for motorhomes and boats are valid for up to ten years.
What happens if we want to tow a second vehicle behind our RV or motorhome? Do we need two different permits?
Motorhomes are allowed to tow a second vehicle. The second (towed) vehicle is eligible for a 6 month temporary import permit. One driver may now use their valid U.S. drivers license, credit card with Visa/AMEX/Mastercard logo and original citizenship documentation to bond both vehicles (RV and towed vehicle) at the same time.
Why do I have to return my vehicle permit when I leave Mexico?
The vehicle permit must be returned to authorities when you leave Mexico so that the permit is canceled and authorities know the vehicle is no longer in Mexico. It is important to bring your vehicle and the permit with you. Vehicle permits may NOT be canceled any other way. If you drive home without canceling your permit, you risk having to drive all the way back to Mexico to return the permit.
What if my permit expires and I am still in Mexico?
Mexican Customs can issue a permit called a "Retorno Seguro" or Safe Return that will allow you to drive the vehicle to the border. The permit is free of charge and is valid for five business days.
Can I renew my permit online?
The only permits that are able to be renewed online are for:
- Motorhomes - as long as you renew 15 days prior to expiration
- Boats - as long as you renew 90 days prior to expiration
You may renew them online at Banjercito's website.
I have more questions. How can I find out more information?
You may like to read a courtesy translation on our website of Banjercito's FAQs. If you need to contact Banjercito directly, we suggest emailing them at permisovehiculos(at)banjercito.com.mx.To view the Mexican government's official user manual in Spanish, click here.
What are Banjercito's hours of operation?
Banjercito offices are open on holidays unless noted otherwise below
Baja California Norte (California Border Points)
- Tijuana
7am-11pm - 7 days a week - Otay Mesa
8am-9pm - 7 days a week - Tecate
8am-8pm Monday-Friday
8am-4pm Saturday and Sunday
- Mexicali
6am-10pm - 7 days a week - Mexicali - Annex
8am-4pm Monday-Friday
10am-2pm Saturday
Closed on Sunday
Baja California Sur
- La Paz (Pichilingue)
7am- 3pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday
7am-6pm Tuesday and Thursday
7am-3pm; 6:30pm-10:30pm Saturday
8:30-4:30 Sunday
Sonora (Arizona Border Points)
- San Luis Rio Colorado
8am-12am - 7 days a week - San Emeterio (Sonoyta)
8am-12am - 7 days a week - Nogales (Km 21)
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Naco - Anexo
4pm-10pm Thursday
10am-10pm Friday-Sunday - Agua Prieta
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Cananea
8am-6pm Monday-Friday
8am-4pm Saturday & Sunday
Chihuahua (Texas & New Mexico Border Points)
- Cd. Juarez (Km. 30)
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Palomas
8am-12am - 7 days a week - Pte. Int. Ojinaga
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Piedras Negras (Km. 54.3)
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Acuña
24 hrs - 7 days a week - San Jeronimo
6am-10pm - 7 days a week
Tamaulipas (Texas Border Points)
- Nuevo Laredo (Patio Fiscal)
8am-4pm Monday-Saturday
Closed Sunday - Nuevo Laredo (Puente Internacional I & II)
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Reynosa
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Nuevo Amanecer
8am-12am - 7 days a week - Ciudad Camargo
8am-6pm - 7 days a week - San Jeronimo
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Matamoros Pta. Dos
6am-10pm Monday-Sunday - Puente Nuevo
24 hrs - 7 days a week - Puente Ignacio Zaragoza
8am-9pm - Monday-Friday
9am-7pm - Saturday and Sunday - Puente TLC
9am-6pm Monday-Friday
9am-4pm Saturday
Closed Sunday
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