Taking my car to and from Mexico

[little01]

thank you so much for that info..big help...since i am ready to go...and you hear so much...i am not planning to stay no longer than 6mos...will have to come back for dr. appts and such...and each person i have asked have given me a different ans...going to double up on payments so vehicle should be paid in full by dec. (6mos.)...thanks again

[G.Bledsoe]

Just remember to get your FMT visa first, have one copy of everything except your credit card, and be patient. It is like the DMV.

Where do you intend to cross the border? Laredo?

Try to avoid holidays and Fridays. Most big border stations are open 24/7. But some are only open during the day.

[little01]

going to matomoros...so crossing at the brownsville tx border....i wanted to go to tequisquiapan near queretaro/san juan del rio but i was told i couldn't go into the interior of mexico w/o clear title....i had rented a home and everything...i was told if i went 20 miles w/n the border that was not the case but i could not purchase any property...which i wasn't going to do anyway....but if i stayed beyond the 72hrs. which is time allowed for visitors.. i would need to get a fmt and insure the vehiclea and get the stamp for the car...so i am going there until i get the car paid in full just a small change in plans...smile

[G.Bledsoe]

Yes, you need a tourist visa and a permit for your car. If you have a letter from the finance company allowing you to enter Mexico, you do not need clear title. Matamoros offers 24/7 service.

[RVGRINGO]

Of course, once you have both an FMT and an 'importada temporal' for the vehicle, you are no longer restricted to the 'zona frontera' and may travel anywhere in Mexico.

[RVGRINGO]

Immigration are now enforcing the requirement that you get stamped in and out with your FM2/3 and also obtain the FME form when you leave Mexico and present it with your FM2/3 when you return.
In addition, they are also enforcing the requirement that you have your 'importada temporal' sticker removed from your car whenever you leave Mexico, even briefly. Be sure to do those things because nobody is going to remind you on the way out, and it could result in confiscation of your FM2/3 if you return and are found out of compliance.
Recent tightening of US, and now Canadian, visa procedures are probably causing a backlash.

[rickholden]

Moving to MX September, my car is registered to my corporation. What documents would I need to cross over on an FMT? I'm the only shareholder.

[RVGRINGO]

I would guess that you will have to prepare a letter of permission, to yourself, on corporate stationery, translated into Spanish, and present that with the registration when you apply for the importada temporal. Your nearest Mexican consulate may be able to help with more detailed information.

[f3drivr]

Originally Posted by G.Bledsoe

The Banjercito (the place that sells the car stickers) is supposed to accept a bill of sale from a dealer, if you just bought the car (say in Texas) do not have a title OR registration in your name.

I do not recommend taking a car with temporary tags or no front tag into Mexico.

I always wondered if it would be possible for a Canadian to buy a car in the US for use in Mexico without first importing the car to Canada and paying for Canadian import duties, taxes, Mechanical Inspection and registration/insurance. If Mexico does allow you to bring in the car with only a bill of sale from a dealer then it sounds like it would be possible. I wonder if putting old expired plates from Canada on the car would be an issue?

[RVGRINGO]

Wrong plates? Not a good idea anywhere. Your hypothetical Canadian must eventually remove the car from Mexico and would need current registration in order to do that.