Vehicle Permits for Driving in Sonora, Mexico
The Only Sonora temporary vehicle importation program allows foreigners and Mexican nationals with foreign residency to obtain permits to take a vehicle into the areas of Sonora, Mexico not designated as a Free Trade Zone. The Mexican federal military bank Banjercito administers this state-specific foreign vehicle importation program.
Important note: The Only Sonora permit is only for use in the state of Sonora and cannot be used outside of the state. If you plan to drive to other parts of Mexico you will need to obtain a federal Temporary Importation Permit for a Foreign Vehicle – Permiso de Importación Temporal para Vehículo Extranjero.
Only Sonora vehicle permits may be obtained at a Banjercito branch located in customs stations at the Agua Prieta or Cananea customs station, or at the Empalme Only Sonora station located on Mexico highway 15 at kilometer 98 between Empalme and Ciudad Obregon. They may also be purchased online or obtained at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.
Vehicles operating in Free Trade Zones of Sonora are not required to get a vehicle permit. However, Banjercito permits are still required for boats and towed vehicles, like motorcycles and jet skis (up to three are allowed). These must be obtained at one of Sonora’s border customs stations or the Mexican consulate in Phoenix.
Cost
The Only Sonora Permit costs approximately $30 if you purchase it from a Banjercito station in Agua Prieta, Cananea or Empalme. If you purchase the permit online, it costs approximately $50. The price is established in pesos and will fluctuate due to currency fluctuations.
And unlike the Banjercito temporary federal vehicle importation permit, the Only Sonora permit does not require a deposit.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation requirements are the same for Only Sonora and federal vehicle permits. They include citizenship or residency documents and vehicle ownership and registration documentation. Read more.
Only Sonora Pre-Registration
Applicants may pre-register their information for an Only Sonora permit online at the Banjercito website and pick up the permit at the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix or the Banjercito branch in Agua Prieta, Cananea or Empalme. Read more about pre-registration.
Only Sonora Permit Purchase and Issuance
The procedures are the same as those for obtaining a federal temporary vehicle importation permit, although issuance of an Only Sonora permit is limited to the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix or the Banjercito offices in Agua Prieta, Cananea or Empalme. For in-person procedures and information, click here. For online pre-registration and permit purchase procedures and information, click here.
Permit Returns
It is very important that you return your Only Sonora permit at a border customs station before leaving Mexico.
