What is a Mexican Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit?

To obtain a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, you will need:

• Proof of citizenship (passport, passport card, or resident card (“green card”)
• For non-Mexican citizens, a Mexican immigration permit — such as a Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM) tourist permit.
• A valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
• Vehicle registration documents in your name. If the registration is in the name of a spouse, the marriage certificate must be presented. Only the owner of the vehicle or their spouse can get a TIP.
• Proof of Mexican tourist auto insurance
• Payment for the permit fee

The cost of obtaining a TIP varies. It includes a processing fee and a deposit that depends on the vehicle type. The deposit is refundable upon the cancellation of the permit within the stipulated timeframe.

Presently, a the cost of a TIP will range from $51.00 USD at the border or $45.00 online, plus IVA (tax).

You can only purchase a TIP with cash or a credit card not issued from a Mexican bank or to a Mexican address. Note: these prices are as of December 2022 and can vary based on the changing currency exchange rates.

In addition to your fee, you will also pay refundable deposit based on your vehicles model year:

• $400 U.S. — 2007 model year and newer

• $300 U.S. — 2001 – 2006 model years

• $200 U.S. — 2000 model year or older

You will receive a full refund of your deposit if you cancel your permit within 180 days and have had no violations.

It is common for visitors to drive in leased or company-owned cars. If you are bringing a leased, financed, or company car into Mexico, you will need additional documentation:

• Leased Vehicles: Be ready to provide the lease agreement (contract) and a notarized letter of permission from the lender or leasing company.

• Financed Vehicles: For financed vehicles, you may be asked to provide the purchase or finance agreement and a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder, finance company, or bank.

• Company Car: When driving a company car into Mexico. You should provide a notarized letter of permission confirming your employment relationship with your employer. The letter should include authorization to import the vehicle into Mexico.

You can conveniently purchase a TIP online through the official Banjercito website. This process requires you to upload digital copies of the necessary documents and make payment via a credit card.

It is recommended to purchase your TIP online. Purchasing online is much more convenient as it will help you avoid lines at the border. Additionally, If you intend to purchase your TIP online, you need to buy it at least 10 days before your travel, but not over 60 days. You will receive your TIP by email. It’s important to print it and the payment receipt, and keep both with you while driving in Mexico. 

If you plan to buy your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit online, you will have to purchase your FMM online first.

When you purchase your FMM online, you are still required to stop at the border and receive your validation stamp from immigration. When getting stamped, bring both your printed FMM and the purchase receipt to demonstrate proof of payment.

You can also purchase your TIP at Banjercito locations located at the border, and certain Mexican Consulates in the U.S. offer the ability to process TIPs.

Consulates you can purchase a TIP from:

• Arizona: Phoenix
• California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
• Colorado: Denver
• Illinois: Chicago
• New Mexico: Albuquerque
• Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

Similar to purchasing online, Banjercito will give you your receipts and a copy of the TIP, which will also be sent to your email. Keep a copy with you at all times while driving in Mexico.

The cancelation of your temporary vehicle importation permit occurs during re-entry into the US. When you re-enter the United States you MUST cancel or surrender your TIP. If you fail to surrender or cancel your TIP upon re-entry, you will lose your deposit and be restricted from getting another TIP in the future.

Upon re-entry into the US, you will be able to surrender or cancel your permit at a Banjercito TIP return location located at the border.

Do not attempt to surrender or cancel your TIP anywhere in the interior of Mexico. Additionally, you cannot surrender your TIP online.

If you are stopped for a violation or random TIP verification, the officer will verify your temporary importation permit. Most highway patrol officers or local police will have the ability to scan a QR code on your TIP using a mobile device application.

In the event you are in a more remote area without cellular services, the officer will verify manually using the paper version of the TIP.

Once issued, the TIP allows your vehicle to be legally driven in Mexico for the duration of its validity, typically tied to your immigration status term. Always carry your TIP document while driving.

If you are stopped and asked to verify your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, that can be done using your mobile phone. If you cannot get cell phone service in Mexico, you can verify using your printed copies of the paperwork.

Your TIP allows for multiple entries into Mexico during its validity period as long as the permit remains active and you comply with its conditions.

If others are to drive the vehicle, similar rules apply to family members. Ensure all drivers have valid identification and are included in the Mexico tourist auto insurance policy.