The essentials
- Foreigners with visitor or temporary resident status can bring one foreign-plated vehicle for as long as their immigration status lasts, including renewals (Customs Law, Article 106-IV).
- Permanent residents aren't covered — plan what to do with the car before you switch.
- You pay a permit fee plus a refundable deposit: US$400 for 2007 and newer vehicles, US$300 for 2001–2006 and US$200 for 2000 and older.
More things to know
- Apply online up to six months before you enter Mexico, or at a Banjercito office at the border.
- Cancel the permit at a Banjercito office when the car leaves Mexico for good, or you risk losing the deposit.
In this guide
Driving your own car to Mexico is popular with retirees and families, but foreign-plated vehicles need a temporary import permit (TIP) issued by Banjercito, the army's bank. The legal basis is Article 106 of Mexico's Customs Law; the practical details come from Banjercito and Mexican consulates.
Who can get a TIP, and for how long
| Your status | Can you have a TIP? | How long |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor (tourist) | Yes, one vehicle | As long as your authorized stay |
| Temporary resident | Yes, one vehicle | As long as your residency, including renewals |
| Permanent resident | No — not among the statuses the law covers | — |
Who else can drive the car
- You, the importer
- Your spouse, parents or grandparents, children or siblings — even if they aren't foreigners
- Another foreigner who holds visitor or temporary resident status
- A Mexican national, but only with one of the people above riding in the vehicle
Fee and refundable deposit
| Vehicle model year | Refundable deposit |
|---|---|
| 2007 and newer | US$400 |
| 2001–2006 | US$300 |
| 2000 and older | US$200 |
The permit fee itself is set by Banjercito and varies by where you apply; the Mexican consulate in Denver lists US$59.16. The deposit is refunded the same way you paid it once the permit is cancelled — for card payments, by the next business day.
How to apply
- Apply online through Banjercito up to six months before you enter Mexico, or at a Banjercito office at the border crossing.
- Have your passport and your immigration document ready — your resident visa or card, or your visitor entry record.
- Bring the vehicle's title or registration, original and a copy, in your name.
- Pay the fee and deposit by card, and keep the permit and its sticker with the vehicle.
You'll also need Mexican auto insurance: policies from the US and Canada generally don't cover liability in Mexico.
Cancelling the permit
When the vehicle leaves Mexico for good, or before your status ends, have the permit cancelled at a Banjercito office at the border so the return is officially recorded. That's what triggers the deposit refund — and leaving a permit open past its validity can cost you the deposit and cause problems importing a vehicle later.
Keep reading
Logistics
Car, pets & belongings
What to bring when you move to Mexico, and how: temporary import permits for cars, the 2026 pet entry rules, importing household goods (menaje de casa) under the Customs Law, and what's cheaper to buy locally.
Residency · Permanent
Permanent residency
How to become a permanent resident of Mexico: the seven routes in the Migration Law, 2026 income and savings thresholds for retirees, switching after four years of temporary residency, costs, your rights, and the path to citizenship.
Logistics · Pets
Moving with pets
What Mexico requires to bring a dog or cat in 2026 — by the country you're coming from — including the new screwworm inspection for dogs from the US, what happens at the airport, and what not to pack.
Residency · Temporary
Temporary residency
Everything about Mexican temporary residency in 2026: who qualifies, the income and savings each consulate asks for, the documents, the consulate interview, the 30-day canje, what the status lets you do, renewals and the switch to permanent.
Frequently asked questions
Can a temporary resident drive a US car in Mexico?
Yes. Under Article 106-IV of the Customs Law, a foreigner with temporary resident status can import one vehicle temporarily for as long as their status lasts, including renewals, with a Banjercito permit.
Can permanent residents have a temporary import permit?
No. The law covers visitors and temporary residents only, so permanent residents can't keep a foreign-plated car on a TIP outside the free zones.
How much is the TIP deposit?
US$400 for vehicles from 2007 or newer, US$300 for 2001–2006 and US$200 for 2000 or older. It's refunded when the permit is cancelled.
Can my spouse drive my TIP car?
Yes. Your spouse, parents, children and siblings can drive it, as can another foreigner with visitor or temporary resident status. A Mexican national can drive only with one of those people aboard.
Sources & official references
- Ley Aduanera (last reform DOF 19-11-2025), Article 106
- Consulate of Mexico in Denver — Permiso de importación temporal de vehículos
- Banjercito
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Consulates interpret rules differently — confirm with your consulate or a licensed professional before acting.