Jun 20, 2011
Mexico Vehicle Permit – NEW INFO
On June 11, 2011 the Mexican Government signed into law some very important changes which will affect those of us who travel into Mexico via vehicle. I’m sure it will also affect those who live in Mexico and have US or Canadian plated vehicles. This involves cars and trucks, RV’s are not affected. Your 10 year permit is still valid.
As before cars and trucks will need to apply for a permit at the Banjercito office. Before the permit is issued:
~your vehicle will be checked to see if it is stolen
~your vehicle will also be checked to be sure that it has no problem of any kind ( this is suppose to take only 5 minutes ????)
~you will pay the permit fee, similar to last years’ price
~you now have to pay a deposit that will be reimbursed when you leave Mexico.
The deposit can be paid by either VI or MC ( AX not accepted). When you return your vehicle permit at the end of your visit, the deposit will be reimbursed to your credit card the next day. If you pay by cash when you enter Mexico, your deposit will be reimbursed in dollars at the Banjercito office when you turn in your vehicle permit.
The vehicle permit will be issued for the same amount of time that your Mexican tourist card, FMT is good for, usually 180 days. Of course if you have an FM3 etc, the time will be different as per your Visa.
The deposit cost is as follows:
~a vehicle which is 2007 or newer is $400.00USD
~a vehicle which is 2006 to 2001 is $300.00USD
~ a vehicle which is 2000 and under is $200.00USD
Please be sure to pass this important information on to all your friends who drive to Mexico, whether an RVer or not. Personally we will pay by US cash as by using a VISA credit card you often lose in the bank exchange rate.
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Hello Contessa,
Great informational post! I have driven down to Mexico several times with a temporary permit.
Not sure if it is still the same but if you use the Banjercito site to get the permit you will receive it in the mail and we would place the permit on the truck after driving over the border. When you go through the checkpoints the federales and police see the sticker and they just wave you on which is nice.
The new procedure of requiring a refundable deposit is understandable as many people do not return the permits; including yours truly but that is a whole other story. I have an open permit and it is my understanding they will not issue me another permit under any circumstances. I am willing to pay any fees for not returning the permit but I don’t think they will allow it, especially since the truck is still sitting in Mexico waiting to be legalized, again a whole other story.
Since we will be legalizing the truck upon entry into Mexico we wont need a temporary permit. However, if something goes wrong (I pray it doesn’t) I will be faced to address my open permit with Banjercito. I will most likely be posting about this soon.
Thanks for the update on the new permit fees, handy information to have.
I have to say I am surprised at the lack of comments. I thought there would be a negative reaction. Many Americans are saying that this will be the end of tourism to Mexico. I guess us Canadians will go no matter what.
I have been home for a few days and my deposit has not been refunded on my credit card. What do I do now?
Good question. I’ll see what I can dig up and get back to you.
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