Mexico Temporary Vehicle Permit for Foreign Vehicles
This article covers details for purchasing a permit in person at a Mexican government installation. To read about details for pre-registering or purchasing a permit online, click here.
The Banjercito federal vehicle importation permit is permission to temporarily import vehicles and boats into the Republic of Mexico. The permit is issued for six months and requires a permit fee and a guarantee deposit. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, and the vehicle cannot have a gross weight of more than 3.5 metric tons (7,716 lbs).
Banjercito (bawn-hair-see-tow) is Mexico’s military banking institution, the Banco Nacional del Ejército Fuerza Aérea y Armada. It is responsible for administration of foreign vehicle importation programs and its branches at Mexican customs stations accept payments for travel visas, vehicle permits and other travel documentation, and issue permits.
In the state of Sonora, temporary vehicle importation options are federal importation permits and the Only Sonora vehicle importation program. If you plan to operate your vehicle in areas outside of the Sonora Free Zone, you must purchase either a federal permit or an Only Sonora permit.
You may complete the entire permit process at a Mexican consulate (in Arizona, the only consulate that issues permits is the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix) or a Mexican border customs station. Banjercito offers options to expedite the process via the internet by allowing you to purchase your permit or pre-register your travel and vehicle information online. Read more about Banjercito’s online services.
Getting a Vehicle Permit
Federal vehicle permits are issued at Mexico customs stations and some Mexican consulates. In Arizona, only the Phoenix consulate issues vehicle permits. And in Sonora, you can obtain a permit at customs stations located at customs checkpoints near Cananea and the border cities of San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Nogales, Naco and Agua Prieta.
Costs
Permit costs are in Mexican pesos, so the price can vary along with currency fluctuations. Typically, permits for autos, motorhomes and boats cost approximately $55, including the value-added tax (IVA).
In addition, a guarantee deposit will be charged in the form of a hold on your credit card. If you do not return the vehicle within the six months when it is valid, you will forfeit the deposit. Deposit amounts range from $200 to $400, depending on the model year of the vehicle: 2007 and newer – $400 deposit; 2001 – 2006 model years – $300 deposit; and older than 2001 – $200 dollars.
Documentation Requirements
When you arrive at the customs station, get an FMM or other tourist visa if you do not already have one.
Foreigners and Mexican nationals with residency in another country must present the following documentation at the Banjercito module to obtain a permit. Bring the original or a notarized copy of the vehicle documentation and two photocopies of residency and vehicle documents.
FMM tourist visa (or other form of tourist visa)
Proof of Citizenship or Residency
Passport or Passport Card, or
Proof of Residency*
Driver’s license
Vehicle title and registration
Credit card (in the name of the permit applicant and having an expiration date longer than three months from the application date)
(If applicable) Documentation that the vehicle can be driven in Mexico. This might include rental car vehicle leasing documents, or if the vehicle title has a lienholder or other co-owner the applicant should present correspondence with permission from the lienholder
(If applicable) If the vehicle is registered in the name of your spouse or another family member, bring a notarized document (and two copies), such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate, that proves your relationship to that person.
*For the passport requirement listed above, Mexicans who have legal residency in another country must present a passport, passport card or permanent resident card from the country where they have legal residency.
You can visit some unique and interesting areas of Sonora with your Banjercito federal temporary vehicle importation permit. From the very special magical pueblo of Alamos and nearby Navojoa to the charming and picturesque pueblos along the Rio Sonora, you can explore regions of Sonora on your own route and time schedule. Read more about driving in Sonora.
Do Not Forget to Return the Permit
This is very important. The term of the vehicle permit is six months, during which time you may enter and leave Mexico as many times as you like. But you must return the vehicle permit at one of the Sonora border customs stations before it expires. That way, Banjercito can cancel the permit and refund your guarantee deposit.
Safe travels.
