TIP in Mexico: How to get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico

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TIP in Mexico: How to get a 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico

As you may remember from a previous article that we wrote on how to import a car to Mexico, there is an area along the US-Mexico border where regulations are far less strict than the rest of Mexico. You might want to review the US Border Zone in the article, but it includes the entire Baja Peninsula.

However, if you are looking to temporarily import a car to Mexico beyond this border zone, then you will need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico. This article is about how to get a TIP in Mexico. 

*If you are driving in the Sonora Free Zone, you must get a permit if you exceed kilometer 98 of the Mexican Federal Highway number 15. To get a Sonora Vehicle permit which is only valid in the state of Sonora, click here. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – TIP in Mexico Facts:

If you need to get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico, then it needs to be conducted through Banjercito. Banjercito is the Mexican government agency that issues the TIP in Mexico. 

*You can view their website by clicking here. 

All Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico are only valid for vehicles that weigh less than 3 tons. 

If you are traveling through Mexico, then you can purchase a TIP in Mexico anywhere between 2 months (60 days) and a week (7 days) before your trip. 

Your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico is valid for up to 6 months (180 days). This will be the length of your tourist visa.

Once you have your TIP in Mexico, you can enter and leave as many times as you need during the allotted time period.

If the car is registered in the name of your spouse, you can drive it with a marriage certificate. You will also need to bring a copy of the marriage certificate. 

If your spouse or children (who are of legal age to drive) have the same immigration status as you, they will also be allowed to drive the vehicle. Have them bring a copy of their marriage certificate or birth certificate. Other people may not drive the car unless the vehicle importer is in the vehicle. 

*Note: Contrary to the popular myth, you cannot get your vehicle permits at a checkpoint once you are beyond the border zone of Mexico. 

*Note: You cannot renew your TIP once you are within Mexico. You must exit the country to renew your TIP in Mexico. 

*Note: If your vehicle has any restrictions placed on it by Canada or the United States, then you cannot get a TIP in Mexico. This will be verified by checking the VIN or Vehicle Identification Number. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – Payments and Declarations that are Required for your TIP in Mexico:

1. You must pay $44 USD plus IVA (tax) for the permit processing. It can be paid in cash or through a credit card that is issued outside of Mexico. 

2. You must pay a deposit based on the age of your car. Your deposit will be refunded if the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico is returned without any violations and within the 180-day allotted time period. You will be expected to pay: 

• $200 USD for a year-2000 model or older
• $300 USD for a year-2001 – year-2006 model
• $400 USD for a year-2007 model or newer

*Note: These figures can vary slightly because of the USD dollar to MXN peso exchange rate.

*Note: these fees listed above will have to be paid by a non-Mexican credit card (Mastercard, Visa, AMEX) and the card must be in the name of the importer and driver of the vehicle. Your card may be charged the amount, or the border might simply hold your card numbers. After your trip, be sure to contact your credit card company to ensure that you got your refund.

3. You must sign a declaration that you pledge to return the vehicle within the allotted 180 days that your TIP in Mexico is valid. You must also pledge to obey all other regulations. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – Documents that are Required for your TIP in Mexico:

*You will need three copies of the following documents: 

• Driver’s License issued from any country except Mexico
• Your passport
• Your visa allowing you to be in Mexico (such as a tourist visa, business temporary visa, or a permanent visa)
• Proof of Mexican auto insurance for your vehicle. 
• Paperwork for the car, including:
  • Original and photocopy of the Bill of Sale
  • Original and photocopy of the Deed to Property
  • Original and photocopy of the Vehicle Registration issued by a foreign country in the name of the applicant
  • If the vehicle is in a relative’s name, bring a birth certificate or marriage license.

*Note: If you have any prior temporary importation permits in Mexico, then you must have a certificate of a canceled import permit. If you have not returned your vehicle to the Banjercito offices at the border locations, then a new permit cannot be issued to you.

If you have any of the following vehicles, you will also need: 

Company Car: A notarized letter of permission confirming current employment and authorization to import the vehicle into Mexico 

Financed Vehicles: Credit contract and a notarized letter of permission from the lending institution or lienholder

Leased Vehicles: Lease contract and a notarized letter of permission from the company that you have leased through. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – Getting Your TIP Online:

You may speed up the process by applying online to the Banjercito website. This can help cut down some of the long lines that you might face at the border. 

*To see their website, click here. 

After submitting all the information that is required, then you will be given a passcode. This passcode is valid within 24 hours of being issued, and it expires after 15 days.

Once you have your valid passcode, you can visit any Banjercito location along the US/Mexico border to get your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico. 

Some facts about getting your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico online:

• Your permit is mailed to you, this is why you need at least 7 days to apply before you plan on crossing the border.
• However, you can purchase it up to 60 days before you plan on crossing the US-Mexico border. 
• TIP in Mexico may be purchased online for RV, automobile, and watercraft (boat). 
• You need to cancel your permit at a Banjercito location when returning to the United States

*Note: You cannot renew your TIP online. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – Getting Your TIP in Person:

You can purchase your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit at any CIITEV offices which are located at customs (aduanas) in various US/Mexico cities. You can find their locations in Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona. 

*For information on Texas, click here. 

*For information on New Mexico, click here. 

*For information on California, click here.

*For information on Arizona, click here.  

You can also purchase a TIP in person at Mexican Consulates in the following locations in the United States: 

• San Bernardino
• Sacramento
• Phoenix
• Los Angeles
• Houston
• Denver
• Dallas
• Chicago
• Austin
• Albuquerque

*Note: You cannot renew your TIP from these consulates. 

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico – Canceling Your TIP in Mexico:

You must cancel your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in Mexico before your final reentry to the United States. If you do not cancel, there may be restrictions (or you may not be allowed to drive in Mexico again) on your next visit to Mexico.

*Note: You can exit through any Banjercito location in Texas, New Mexico, California, and Arizona. It does not have to be through your port of entry. 

You will be in violation of your TIP in Mexico if: 

• You drive your vehicle with an expired TIP in Mexico
• You sell an imported vehicle in Mexico
• You do not return your imported vehicle within the allotted time period (180 days)

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