Can You Take Your Car To Mexico?
Posted on : Jan-10-2010 | By : Barbie | In : Traveling In Mexico
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A lot of people have asked me, “Barbie, can we take our car to Mexico?”
The answer is a simple, “YES! YOU CAN.”
Assuming you have your FM3 Visa (180 day stay with limitless renewals) or your FMT Visa (more than 72 hour stay and no more than 180 days) it’s really quite easy to take your car with you.
When you get to the border, you simply register your car. This gives you permission to use your vehicle in Mexico. Here is what you will need:
- Proof of ownership
- Title
- Registration
- If you are still making payments on the vehicle – you need a notarized letter from the lein-holder (financial institution) granting you permission to bring that specific vehicle into Mexico.
- Driver’s license
- A Visa or MasterCard credit card or check/debit card in the name of the person registering the vehicle. The charge will be approximately $30US. The alternative to putting this charge on your card is to post a refundable cash bond of around $400, depending on the age of your vehicle. I suggest using the good old credit card for the $30.
- Passport (click for more information)
- Your FMT or FM3
That’s all there is to it!
And while not required, it’s highly recommended that you purchase Mexican Auto insurance the instant you enter Mexico with your vehicle. Luckily that’s also incredibly easy. In fact, you can pre-purchase online or stop at one of the many little buildings offering insurance before crossing the border.
Also if you’re concerned about saftey or wondering how safe it is to drive around Mexico, read this article. You’ll be surprised — plus there’s a video tour at the end that I shot in our car while we were driving in and around Mazatlan, one of the hottest retirement havens in the world.
Ever since the economy started tanking, it seems like more and more people are writing me and telling me they are checking out Mexico as a way to make their dollars stretch.
What about you?
Are you ready?
Do you need more information?
Is there a question I can answer for you?
Just ask me! If you don’t see the “make a comment” section below, click on Read Full Article and scroll down. Share your thoughts and concerns with me. I will always reply to you personally.
Remember, I am here to help you make all the right decisions. I’m always here to help.
Sincerely,
Barbie Parks
Webmaster, Author, and Retiree! :)
Barbie,
What with all the drug/gang problems in Mexico and USA, how safe is it and does it happen much around the retirement resorts area?
mark
Hi Mark, please get busy and read the free articles I have on my site – you’ll feel much better about heading to Mexico. Barbie
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After the 180 days in Mexico , how long do you have to return to the states for? Can you keep your residence in Mexico when you spend this time in the U.S.
[Reply]
Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
Hi – You will need to apply for your permit again – anytime you want. Yes, you can keep your residence in Mexico.
Barbie
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Barbie,
When moving to Mexico what do epats do about renewing a drivers license? How do they go about renewing the annual auto license? If you make a trek back to the US to visit you want everything current.
Dana
[Reply]
Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Dear Dana:
You will have to return to the states to renew a U.S. driver’s license.
If you’re considering driving to Mexico from the States, I have some good news for you: Your American driver’s license is valid in Mexico! This is just part of the process of entering Mainland Mexico…
At the border you will need to get a temporary car-importation permit. It’s relatively easy. All you need is a valid driver’s license, your current, original car registration registered in your name, a copy of the original car title, and a valid international major credit card.
Sincerely,
Barbie
[Reply]
Hi Barbie,
I just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to write these newsletters each month. They are very helpful and you always include useful tips.
Thanks again,
Brandi Dauzat
[Reply]
Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 6:44 pm
Hi Brandi, Thanks for writing :) Barbie
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Barbie,
We plan on driving from Seattle to the Lake Chapala area in the fall. We will cross at Nogales AZ, I know you do the drive to Mazatlan, what can we expect to pay using the toll roads? When driving down where do you stop for the night and any heads up on hotels/motels?
Thanks for the info.
Dana
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Barbie Reply:
February 10th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
Hi Dana, The tolls will be around $60 each way – well worth it. Get familiar with Mexican money and it’s convenient and quick if you have the correct change – there are several “pay” stations. Convenient stop-overs are the San Carlos/Guaymas area, and C. Obregon is also a good place – depends on how long you want to drive. Motels vary in price – I hesitate to suggest one over the other. The total distance is about 725 miles. Yes, possible to make in one day, but wouldn’t suggest it – that would mean driving in the dark in Mexico. My book, Retire In Luxury, tells all about why that’s not a good idea.
Have fun!
Barbie
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