What is a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit and Do I Need One for a Road Trip to Mexico?
Are you planning to drive into Mexico for some fun in the sun? If so, you will need a temporary permit to bring your vehicle into the country. A temporary importation permit (TIP) is necessary if you plan to drive into Mexico. 
You won’t need a TIP in what is called the Mexico free zone, which is where Baja and other cities close to the border are located. However, if you are going for a deeper dive into Mexican culture and geography, you’ll need to get a TIP.
Keep reading to find out more about a TIP, such as how much it costs and where to get it. In addition to a TIP, you will need cheap Mexican car insurance to legally drive in Mexico. You can always check in with the experts at Sanborn’s Mexico Auto Insurance to find out more – and purchase your insurance online. Your TIP may also be purchased online or in person at the border from the proper authority.
Where Do I Get a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit?
The TIP permit may only be purchased from Banjercito, a military bank. In most cases, you can purchase your TIP online before you go, which will save you time at the border crossing. Don’t leave this till the last minute, however. If you are unable to purchase online, some Mexican Consulates in certain U.S. cities will let you make an appointment to purchase your TIP.
If none of these options work, you can purchase your TIP at the border crossing at the Banjercito office located there.
How Much Does a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit Cost?
Depending on the current exchange rate, the non-refundable fee for a TIP is somewhere between $40-$60. Additionally, you must leave a guaranteed deposit when you receive your TIP and the amount is based on the age of the vehicle. This money will be refunded when you go back across the border from Mexico and return your TIP - as long as it is before your visitor’s permit expires. Deposit amounts are:
· 2007 and newer: $400
· 2001-2006: $300
· Older than 2001: 200
In most cases, you also need to get a TIP for a towed trailer, boat, RV or motorcycle.
NOTE: If you are caught driving in Mexico without a TIP, your vehicle may be impounded. Don’t drive home without canceling your TIP. To do so will be to forfeit your deposit. You also will not be able to get another TIP or drive into Mexico until you get things cleared up, which could take more time than you want to spend.
What Documents do I Need to Get a TIP
If you are applying online, you’ll need to apply for and receive an Immigration Pre-Authorization for your Multiple Immigration Form (FMM). This document will be used by Banjercito to determine the dates you (and your vehicle) will be traveling in Mexico. After you cross the border, you can swap your pre-authorization form for the proper immigration form. You will need to specify where you will be crossing the border.
You’ll need to prove you own the vehicle (or are legally leasing it). Your backseat full of 5 years of receipts and fast-food wrappers won’t do it. Mexican authorities are going to want to see the following documents:
· Vehicle registration
· Driver’s license
· Title
· A notarized letter of permission from the owner for financed, leased, rented or borrowed vehicles
Do I Need Anything Other Than a TIP to Cross the Border in My Vehicle?
Yes, you need to bring several other documents when you cross into Mexico. Mexico is our friendly neighbor to the south, but it’s still a foreign country. Bring your passport, because even though you don’t need it to enter Mexico by car, you’ll most likely need it to come back to the states. Other than that, you’ll need:
· Mexican Car Insurance
· Multiple Immigration Form (FMM) or your pre-authorization form
Don’t forget, driving in Mexico without Mexican car insurance is illegal. Your American car insurance is “no bueno” across the border.
FAQs About the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit
Here are a few oft-asked questions about taking a vehicle into Mexico.
Who Can Drive the Vehicle While It’s in Mexico?
You may only have one TIP per vehicle and one TIP per person in their name. Immediate family members may drive the vehicle as long as they have a non-Mexican driver’s license and are not permanent residents of Mexico. Other people who have a non-Mexican driver’s license may drive as long the TIP owner is in the vehicle.
What Happens if I Cross into Mexico at a Different Border Crossing?
One of the drawbacks of doing everything online ahead of time is it is hard to make changes. On your FMM, you will need to specify where you plan to cross the border. If this changes, you may run into problems when you try to cross.
Can I Keep My TIP and Cross Multiple Times?
Yes. As long as you turn it in and cancel it prior to the date your tourist visa (FMM) expires. This is typically 6 months.
How Do I Cancel My TIP?
Stop in the Banjercito at the border crossing and surrender your TIP. Only the person whose name is on the TIP can do this. Your refund will be processed.
Do I Have to Cross Back at the Same Border Crossing?
No. You can cross back into the U.S. anywhere. Just check in advance to make sure there is a Banjercito office at the location.
What if I Don’t Cancel My TIP?
If you do not cancel your TIP before your visa (FMM) expires, you will lose your deposit. If you never cancel it, you will never be able to get one again in your name and your vehicle will never be able to cross the border again. You can cancel your TIP after it has expired, and you will only forfeit your deposit in this case.
I’m Staying Longer than I Planned. Can I Extend My TIP?
No. Your TIP is tied to your FMM and will expire when that document does.
Find Mexican Insurance Quotes Online
With over 75 years of experience helping travelers, our agents at Sanborn's Mexico Insurance will work with you to customize the coverage you need while driving into Mexico. We can help you make sense of the confusing requirements to get the necessary documents, such as a TIP and FMM.
You can get a quick quote for car insurance online or call 800-222-0158. We also have offices all along the border in California, Arizona and Texas, so regardless of where you are crossing, you can stop in and get everything you need with an agent’s help. Visit with us today!