The Mexican Ministry of Finance and Public Credit has issued a new decree affecting expats bringing foreign plated cars into Mexico: “New Requirements for Bringing Foreign-Plated Cars into Mexico: Banjercito”. From the Banjercito website:
“IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
The Ministry of Finance and Public Credit (SHCP) has issued a decree which states that beginning on June 11th, 2011 anyone applying for a temporary import permit for vehicles must make a deposit in the amount determined by the following table:
Vehicle Year Model:…….Amount to be paid in Mexican Pesos*
2007 and later…….USD $400
2001 until 2006…….USD $300
2000 and earlier…….USD $200
*Peso amounts are based on applicable exchange rate
This deposit is compulsory and can be paid by credit card, debit card, or cash (in US Dollars only).
Users must keep in mind that if the deposit is charged to a credit card, the charge will be made in Mexican Pesos and will be calculated based on the exchange rate of the day on which the payment is made. This deposit will be refunded to the same credit card on the next banking business day after the vehicle is fully returned and based on the exchange rate of that day.
Other Fees:
There is a one time $44 USD fee for getting a Temporary Import permit plus the IVA tax (typically about 16%), that can be paid on the internet or at the border. A number of web-reports from expats describe that their online payments were assigned to the wrong person or wrong vehicle, and they report that they had no way of recovering the money. This means that it may be worth it to stand in line at the Aduana/Banjercito lines at the border and apply for your Temporary Import permit in person, to avoid being permanently mis-charged.
Other Requirements:
The vehicle must be returned on time and within the time period stated on the temporary import permit. If the vehicle is returned after the stated time period, the entire deposit amount will be transferred to the Office of the Treasury on the day following the expected return date, as allowed by current law. The Temporary Import permit is kept from expiring by notifying Aduana of every INM visa renewal or change in residency status. The law requires notifying Aduana, in person, of INM visa status within 15 days of the renewal or change. See: “Moving to Mexico: FMM, FM2, or FM3“ Subsection: Added Rules for Keeping A Foreign Vehicle in Mexico: for the specific application letter and documents needed with the Aduana application to update your visa expiration date and visa status. (In reality Mexico does not issue visas, FMM, FM2/FM3 Inmigrante/No Imnigrante, Inmigrado are actually residency permits.)
Last Item:
Another clause in the new updated regulations requires FM2 Rentista and FM3 holders to notify Aduana within 15 days of when they renew their FM2 or FM3, otherwise Aduana is allowed to confiscate/keep these “new” deposits. Aduana’s address is listed in Yucalandia’s main article on cars in Mexico: “Importing & Driving a Car in Mexico”
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This post is meant as a public service announcement (not meant as legal advice), so, we here at Yucandia will keep the post updated with further understandings and clarifications as they develop.
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Feel free to copy while giving proper attribution: YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry
Read on, MacDuff.
Thanks for the heads-up on this, Steve.
I’ve now got a Capital One Platinum for such transactions, as it charges nothing for international transactions (no foreign funds fee). Of course, for stays longer than a month, the user will need to pay off the balance before it is refunded on departure, or interest will be charged.
~eric.
I wonder what you are supposed to do if you had the Permiso prior to June 11, 2011 and a deposit was not requred. Is the notification to Aduana upon renewal of FM2s and FM3s only for purposes of the deposit. If so, it seems as this does not affect those of us who were not required to pay the deposit.
I am remember, the deposit was always “on the books” but it was not enforced. I simply paid the $400 peso (or whaever) fee for the permit and was on my way.
Do I have this right?
TJ,
Fun, fun, fun… The old requirement for notifying Aduana of FM2/FM3 renewals (prior to June 11, 2011), only applied to people who made cash deposits. Now that they have clarified/updated the requirements, the new language makes it sound like the letters to Aduana are still needed on cash deposits and now also on credit card deposits made after June 11, 2011. We’ll keep monitoring reports from across Mexico on how the new rules are actually implemented.
steve
We have been coming and going into and from Mexico for over 12 years. We will be driving into Mexico on or around Nov. 11, 2011 and will obtain a tourist visa and car permit for 6 months. BUT, on Nov. 22 we will be FLYING to Los Angeles for 2 1/2 weeks and returning by air to Puerto Vallarta. We will have to turn our tourist visas in at the airport but our vehicle registration will be linked to that number. What can we do to insure that we will be able to cancel out our vehicle when we leave before the 6 month original permit expires. We will only be in Mexico for about 4 1/2 months total time. We will have to get new tourist visa when we reenter Mexico from Los Angeles.
Hi Doris,
A strict interpretation of Mexican law does not permit your plan. Are you planning to drive the car out of Mexico when you return to the US the 2′nd time? You can stop at the border and have Aduana (Customs) remove the sticker at that time, which will allow you to bring in a vehicle in the future. We’ve heard about several hundred traffic stops from expats where the police did not ever check the sticker with the visitor’s FMM, so, it is unlikely that you would have a problem driving a vehicle with a Visitor’s Visa that does not match your sticker’s Visa number. If you did have an accident or problem where the police checked the sticker vs. your visa, they do have the right to permanently confiscate your car permanently. Based on history, this is very unlikely, but possible, especially with their new computerized registration systems.
There is one additional legal option: If your car becomes illegal due to visa changes or whatever reason, you can apply for a free temporary permit that gives you 3-5 days to remove the vehicle from Mexico. Check out Aduanas website for instructions on how to apply: “Safely Returning Autos”“
steve
My husband and I obtained our FM3 last March. We have driven down, from Wisconsin, for the past 12 years. This year we plan on driving down in Oct. We have tickets to fly home (US) in Nov. and fly back to PV in Jan. From then on it is our plan to leave our 7 year old car in Mexico. Is this legal? Do we have to pay the car deposit? Thank you for any information. Jerry and Margie
Hey Jerry and Margie,
The New Law on Immigration does not specify how Aduana must handle their policies on vehicles or importing household goods, because INM and Aduana are separate govt. agencies governed by different laws and different regulations. Aduana’s current official policy is that FM3 holders may keep their foreign plated cars here, where the car’s permission/sticker to stay is valid as long as the FM3 holder’s visa is valid.
Clearly, you guys are fine for another year (until your FM3′s expiration next March), and before next March, it looks like FM3′s will convert to Residente Temporal, which Aduana should recognize as a valid resident visa – allowing you to keep your foreign-plated vehicle under your new visa. “Surviving Yucatan: New Immigration Law Published for Mexico – The Article”
I will give myself one “out”:, though. Mexican govt. officials can certainly exercise their own personal judgment, and they can always upset our communal apple cart via some unexpected future rulings and future Regulation updates, but I doubt it in this case.
steve
I drove into Mexico through Nugalas, and was not stopped for a sticker to register my car, I have my car here in Mexico without a sticker and without being registered. What option do I have now? I do not want my car conficated if I get stopped.
Hi Robert,
First, Aduana does not stop anyone to make them get a sticker. Instead, when you cross into Mexico, you have to ask Customs or Immigration officials where the Banjercito office is for registering to import your car (each border crossing has the office in a different place, with some being 2-4 blocks from the crossing point).
You have 2 options to correct the problem:
1. Return to the border, hope that you do not get stopped by the police while driving, and hope that the police do not confiscate your car during a traffic stop. or
2. Make an application to Aduana for a free 3-5 day permit to return to the border, and get your temporary importation permit and sticker. If your car becomes illegal for whatever reason, you can apply for a free temporary permit that gives you 3-5 days to remove the vehicle from Mexico. Check out Aduana’s website for instructions on how to apply: “Safely Returning Autos”“
steve
All this says nothing about motorhomes, trailers and 5th wheels that were/have ten year permits on them. We turned out 10 year permit in just in case we did not bring our motorhome back.
Can we still get another 10 year permit?
Hi Carole,
I don’t know. I’ll do some research and report back on what I find.
steve
Hi i live on the border of Columbus NM and Las Palomas,Chihuahua called Puerto Palomas.I was in the Aduana just today.The $200 to $400 deposit applies to cars and trucks but NOT to RVs or Motorhomes.This is incredible!! and from head of aduana hereCYou can still get a ten year RV permit on motorhomes for just under $50 no deposit makes no sense but good for RV people.Again deposit on cars trucks but not RV ten year permit very odd!But head of aduana should know.No communication problem speak good Spanish.Hope this helps.John bigjohn1@rediffmail.com feel free to email me if you wish
Hey John,
WONDERFUL NEWS !
We love current, factual, up-to-date clear reports from knowlegeable posters of what’s actually happening and how knowlegeable officials are enforcing the rules.
Great post !
steve
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If you get your vehicle permit on-line with Fed-Ex delivery to your home before you leave, how is the permit number linked to the FMM which you get sometime later at the border?
Ellis,
The linkage comes when they enter your personal information for the FMM into the Mexcian Govt’s. database. Both the FMM number and the vehicle permit get registered with your passport # and personal info as the vehicle’s owner. Have you registered online? We have not included the on-line registration information because of the number of problems ex-pats have reported. A number of ex-pats are finding that when they reach the border, their payments are not properly recorded (lost / mis-assigned to another unknown person), and the applicant has to pay twice.
We’ll include the online option in our instructions when it is working better.
steve
I originally got the 10 year permit for the motorhome on-line–delivered right to the door. But this year we are towing a car so need to get a 6 month one for it.
Just our luck. They are doing everything they can to discourage tourism!
On the banajerito website it still has the classification for the 10 year permit for a motorhome. It has the same fee schedule as a car so I assume it is up to date. It seems you can still bring a motorhome for 10 years. I am going to apply on line this season. I know someone who did for their boat and they got the sticker within 4 days!
Carole,
Great!
We have the new FM-3 plastic cards.
In the past, prior to June 10th, 2011, we have never made a deposit either by cash or credit card to bring our car into Mexico …. we have paid a flat fee of $400 pesos for the car permit and used our credit card to pay this fee.
This year we are going back to the US in August for a few months and plan to return with a different ( traded up ) car. We will of course turn in the sticker and permit for our current car when we cross the border..
Am I reading this new law right …….to where it means we will now have to make a deposit of $400 US to bring the new car in ?
If yes,
1) Can we make this payment with a credit card.
2) Is the charge of $400 debited to my c.c. immediately, or is it just a hold ( guarantee ) to insure that I eventually take the car back to the U.S. ……. If I default, then and only then do they actually debit my c.c.
3) The law ( 106 ) states that my car permit is valid as long as my FM-3 is valid so am I bound by the other part of the new law that seems to say I must notify Aduana within 15 days of renewing my FM-3 every yuear.
4) If I dont notify Aduana of the renewal am I in violation of the law and subject to losing my deposit. ……… how would the other govt agencies know whther I have or havent ?
5) If I do notify Aduana, do they automatically, by computer notify Immigration and Banjercito that I have complied and under law 106 my car is still legal and I am not subject to losing my deposit
OR …… do I have to notify them myself ?
6) …. a bit ouit of srquence, but what happens if you use a credit card to make the deposit and then you get a new card with a different number ? …. when you leave and want your deposit back, …. how would this be done ? This would happen if you wanted to turn in your sticker again to buy a different car in the US
7) In the past, as long as our FM-3 has been current ( and by association our car permit is also valid ) we have driven back and forth across the border ( came back in nothing to decale lane ) and never asked for any special permission. Whats going to happen now if you get stopped to be checked at the border and you car permit is outdated ? Is this going to be a violation that might cause you to lose your deposit ? We have been stopped by policia many times and we show them our copy of Ley 106 and they send us on our way sin problemas… will this now also change ?
8) Any updates on how tyhis is going to affect motor homes under their 10 year permits ??
A lot of questions but I am sure the answers will benefirt many other people besides me
Thank you
David
Hey David.
Good Questions.
~~See answers below:
We have the new FM-3 plastic cards.
This year we are going back to the US in August for a few months and plan to return with a different ( traded up ) car.
Am I reading this new law right …….to where it means we will now have to make a deposit of $400 US to bring the new car in ?
~~ As the article says above, yes , Aduana/Banjercito will bill your card the $200 – $400 USD fee, at that day’s exchange rate in Pesos.
~~ When you return the car the the United States on time, they will re-imburse that credit card in Pesos for the same US Dollar amount at that day’s exchange rate.
If yes,
1) Can we make this payment with a credit card.
~~ As the article says above, yes .
2) Is the charge of $400 debited to my c.c. immediately, or is it just a hold ( guarantee ) to insure that I eventually take the car back to the U.S.
~~ As the article says above, yes , they bill your card. This change in Aduana policy is why Yucalandia wrote the article.
3) The law ( 106 ) states that my car permit is valid as long as my FM-3 is valid so am I bound by the other part of the new law that seems to say I must notify Aduana within 15 days of renewing my FM-3 every yuear.
~~ yes Under the previous (old) Aduana and INM laws, you have always been required notify Aduana of changes in your visa status. The law was only sporadically enforced in the past 20 years. Now that INM and Aduana both have national computerized data bases that make your data easily accessible to agents, ex-pats may no longer be able to skirt the law. There are internet reports of expats who are being caught and fined for these violations. The bulk of the reports are that the expats who go to their local Aduana office with their letter and documents are not having any problems, even when they are past due.
~~ ~~ I realize that this can all sound a bit harsh, but one of the main reasons we started this Yucalandia blog because I could not find current or timely information on the web about how these things are done properly and legally.
4) If I dont notify Aduana of the renewal am I in violation of the law and subject to losing my deposit. ……… how would the other govt agencies know whther I have or havent ?
~~ Yes , they can bill your card, and there are internet reports of people losing their deposit for not following the law. These records either are now computerized in national databases or are being entered, so, the old loopholes for evading the law are closing . I wish it weren’t true, but just like in Canada and the USA, ignorance of the law is not an acceptable excuse.
5) If I do notify Aduana, do they automatically, by computer notify Immigration and Banjercito that I have complied and under law 106 my car is still legal and I am not subject to losing my deposit
OR …… do I have to notify them myself ?
~~ INM currently does not care whether you have paid your Aduana fees nor do they care if you have notified Aduana of your visa status change. Since Aduana and INM are separate agencies with different functions, it would be like being stopped for speeding, and expecting the a police officer to also check if you had any old unpaid back income tax bills and vice versa (the IRS does not care if you have unpaid parking tickets). Simply notify Aduana of visa changes, and it’s all good.
6) …. a bit ouit of srquence, but what happens if you use a credit card to make the deposit and then you get a new card with a different number ? …. when you leave and want your deposit back, …. how would this be done ? This would happen if you wanted to turn in your sticker again to buy a different car in the US
~~ If you change cards, or your old card expires, then give them your current card to receive the credit/re-imbursal.
7) In the past, as long as our FM-3 has been current ( and by association our car permit is also valid ) we have driven back and forth across the border ( came back in nothing to decale lane ) and never asked for any special permission.
~~ As the Yucalandia’s Article says (Importing and Driving a Car in Mexico): When leaving Mexico, vehicles with Temporary Import permits must stop at the border and either apply for a “Partial Return” permit or have Banjercito remove the sticker. This requirement has only been loosely enforced in the past, but there are internet reports that the Mex. officials are now enforcing this rule, and fining expats when they attempt to return to Mexico.
~~ I realize that this can all sound a bit harsh, but one of the main reasons we started this Yucalandia blog was that I could not find current or timely information on the web about how these things are done properly and legally.
…Whats going to happen now if you get stopped to be checked at the border and you car permit is outdated ? Is this going to be a violation that might cause you to lose your deposit ?
~~ Most likely, they will remove your old sticker as you leave, smile and wave. They might bill your deposit fee to your credit card. We have not heard any web reports of how it is currently handled for people & cars who were being tracked by paper records in the past. It is clear that the national computerized databases allow them to easily enforce the rules now.
….We have been stopped by policia many times and we show them our copy of Ley 106 and they send us on our way sin problemas… will this now also change ?
~~ This is again just like the US and Canada. When a traffic officer stops you for a broken tail light, he doesn’t check with the Tax Authorities (like IRS), to see if you have any outstanding back income tax warrants. The only officer that can legally enforce this would be an Aduana officer, and yes, the Federal, State, or Municipal police (in theory) can hold you and your car unitl Aduana gets there, and Aduana could then confiscate your car. There are internet reports of Federales confiscating expat’s Temporary Import permitted cars, when they did not follow the rules, but this seems to be the exception.
8) Any updates on how tyhis is going to affect motor homes under their 10 year permits ??
~~ Nothing to be updated, the expats with Temporarily Imported RVs are still required to notify Aduana of changes in Immigration status.
Big John reports in a post (below) that his local Aduana border crossing officials told him that the deposit system for RV’s has not changed, CC number without $$ charges is sufficient.
~~ I hope this all helps.
On the face of it, it may seem harsh, but ignorance of the law is no excuse. For the 25 years that I have traveled internationally, I have been perplexed at why so many Americans and Canadians think it is ok to travel-in or move-to a place, and not follow nor learn the laws that govern their travel, their cars and their visas. Forums and news reports from Canada and the US have decades of routine reports by Americans and Canadians complaining about how “Costa Ricans, Guatamaltecans, Hondurans, and Mexican immigrants MUST follow OUR laws“, accompanied by grousing about how immigrants try to get-by and get-around the laws.
We personally prefer smooth sailing, especially when we can avoid un-necessary hassles by learning and following the rules up-front. Call me crazy, but I just don’t like looking over my shoulder or waiting for the shoe to drop.
Except for the occasional confiscation of an ex-pats car, almost all the internet reports show Mexican Officials being very tolerant and even accepting of past US and Canadian offenses in these areas. Now that INM records are computerized at a national level, and Aduana/Banjercito records are similarly being entered into national databases, the days of sliding-by Mexican laws appear to be quickly passing, which is a good thing.
We all like a level playing field, honest referees, and clear rules that are evenly enforced.
Yucalandia was started as guide to help us all know and follow the rules, so we can continue to ENJOY “the game”, and not spill our beer over some unnecessary dispute.
Thanks, Dave, for an excellent post with clear, well-stated, and pertinent questions !
steve
Thanks for the in depth answer to all my questions Steve.
There is howvwer one point that still confuses me.
If we frollow the rules ( which we will ) and notify Aduana every time we renew our FM-3 s and we also apply for ( and get ) a Partial Returns permit ot a multiple entry permit, ……… will the law 106 still apply to where as long as the FM-3 is valid,then so is the car permit.
For example we want to go to the U.S: for a short shopping trip …. we have a current FM-3 in hand as well the Partial Return Permit and the letter to Adana advising them of the renewal
( BUT THE ACTUAL CAR PERMIT IS OUTDATED ) ….do we have to stop on the way ouit and show our papers, or do we breeze right through ?
Then on the way back in and we get the ghreen light … aqain just keep going. ? If we gert the red light are we stil legal because of the current FM.3, the Partial Teturn Permit and the letter to Aduana …. or are we in trouble abecause the car permit is outdaqted.
IF YOU ARE ILLEGAL because the car permit is outdated, how do we solve this problem ?
Despite what law 106 says, do you have to buy a new permit every 180 days ( $400 US,
or the old $400 pesos ) and do you have to drive back to the border to get it ?
The old law in theory allows you to have a car in Mexico indefinitely ( without ever having to pay the $400 pesos permit fee again ) as long as your FM-3 is valid and your Partial return is valid and you have your letter to Aduana ……….. so now with the new law is your car permit still valid indefinitely if you have your receipt for the $400 US deposit and a current FM-3 or just what is the situation ?
Hi David,
With your current FM3 and current Retorno Partial permit, (neither expired), you can re-enter Mexico in the normal way. As long as you did not allow your FM3 to lapse, your vehicle’s Temporary Import permit remains legal.
The question about how the new vehicle deposit system with Banjercito works with your situation is a good one, though.
Since you have a CC number on record with Banjercito to guarantee your promise to take the vehicle out of Mexico before the ultimate expiration date, I understand that you have met the ongoing Temporary Import deposit requirements. Since Mexican officials seem to have broad discretion in how they interpret these rules (due to the varying policies applied at different locations), it is possible that they might ask you to meet the new $400 USD deposit requirements, but I think this is very unlikely.
Please give us a shout, and tell us how it all worked out when you return. We read some web reports that a few Mexican border crossings are not eager to give the Partial Return permits, and that they just “wave the cars through” and welcome them back on the return trip, with either removing the sticker or getting/giving a Partial Return permit…
Happy Trails,
steve
Thanks very much. It is amazing. Hopefully they will not notice their omision and put it in later.
I am going to be driving a Canadian plated car back to Canada. The vehicle belongs to a fellow Canadian, who brought it in under her FM3 many years ago. She is selling it to me, but as it is illegal to sell it in Mexico, I need to present it in Canada to make the transfer of registration. She is presently in Canada. She has a valid FM3 and so do I. I have a letter from her giving me permission to drive the vehicle, and requesting that it be removed from her name when I drive it out., as well as a copy of her valid FM3. The Mexican Auto insurance is in my name, as well as a temporary “binder” in my name from the Motor vehicle registration/insurance corporation in Canada so I can legally drive it up. I have all her original paperwork- importation permit, registration, sticker (on broken glass, I have the windshield replacement receipt). When I get to the Banjercito module in Nogales, will they just ask for the sticker and the import permit , or will they check it against my name? If so, with all the paperwork I have, how likely are they to make a big hassle or try to impound the vehicle? How likely is it that if I tuck a $50 bill in with the paperwork (if they start to hassle me) that will facilitate the process? I have been in Mexico for 11 years and have always managed to talk my way politely out of any vehicle hassles, and my Spanish is good. Please reply ASAP. Need to leave next week. Thank you for your wonderfull website.
Sarah,
You have made good efforts! I don´t know the exact details of how that can work, but the the letter in Spanish where she formally requests that the vehicle be removed from her FM3 should be the key. If she could include a notarized power of attorney in Spanish (notarized in Canada) that authorizes you to be her agent, representing her in removing the car from Mexico and authorizing you to to take the car out of Mexico, and authorizing you to represent her in abandoning-cancelling the car´s Temporary Importation permit would seem to support the deal if they don´t accept her letter, or if they check your ID- Those suggestions are not meant to be legal advice. You could also contact Aduana to find out what their official policy is for people removing a Temporarily Imported vehicle from Mexico.
Best of luck, and tell us how it works out – to help others,
steve
Steve,
Thank you so much for your reply. Will work on getting that notarized letter in Spanish. I have another question. I have read Article 106 on several websites. The original in Spanish. One version states that in addition to immediate family members being allowed to drive your car, another foreigner with the same migratory status as the owner (in our case FM3s) is allowed to drive it. In another version of Article 106 this option is missing. Is one of these versions outdated, or was that part just accidentally left out?
Sarah,
I don’t know what version of Aduana Ley Articulo 106 you have, but the current official version on the web says your ascendents and descendents may drive the vehicle:
“Los vehículos podrán ser conducidos en territorio nacional por el importador, su cónyuge, sus ascendientes, descendientes o hermanos, aun cuando éstos no sean extranjeros, por un extranjero que tenga alguna de las calidades migratorias a que se refiere este inciso, o por un nacional, siempre que en este último caso, viaje a bordo del mismo cualquiera de las personas autorizadas para conducir el vehículo y podrán efectuar entradas y salidas”
Adequate Google Translate English Version:
“Vehicles may be driven in national territory (Mexico), by the importer, his spouse, ascendants, descendants or siblings, even if they are not aliens, an alien who has the same INM visa status, or by a national provided that in the latter case, the same trip aboard any of the persons authorized to drive the vehicle and may make multiple entries and exits. ”
http://www.aduanas-mexico.com.mx/claa/ctar/leyes/la.html#art106 see Section IV Item a .
steve
A supplementary question – can Mexican nationals who are friends be named to drive the foreign plated vehicle as well???
Wes,
See the answer I provided to Sarah.
steve
Hola Steve,
I hope that some new info has come up in regards to permit acquired prior to June this year!
I acquired my permit in 2006 and my 1999 car has never been out of MX since then. I, as others, was told that if your FM was current then your permit was current. I have never taken the car and or paperwork to the Aduana’s office for any reason. I renew my FM the end of each year.
You stated in a earlier response that “Now that they have clarified/updated the requirements, the new language makes it sound like the letters to Aduana are still needed on cash deposits and now also on credit card deposits made after June 11, 2011.”
So I’m curious about how this will affect an existing permit? If I am understanding all this correctly……when I get ready to renew my FM the end of this year I am now required to go to the Aduana’s office, 15 days prior, with my permit paperwork and tell them that I am renewing my FM as this will be the first change in my FM since the June 11, 2011 new decree start date? The decree states that “anyone applying for a temporary import permit for vehicles must make a deposit in the amount determined by their posted fees”. Since I am not applying for a temporary permit will I be required to pay the new fee ($200.00US)? Or do they consider a “renewal” the same as “applying”?
Thanks,
Tom
Tom,
Since you have an existing permit, from before the June 11, 2011 change, Aduana continues to accept the previous deposits made for existing Temporary Import permits as sufficient to meet the requirements. You could register your current INM FM_ Rentista with Aduana now, to get your current proper expiration date into their databases.
I think you have mis-typed or mis-read the requirement for when to notify Aduana of changes or renewals of INM visas. The rule says 15 days after you are given the new visa or extension:
“Si su plazo se prorroga por ampliación o refrendo a su calidad o cambio en la calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante rentista (siempre que exista continuidad en las calidades migratorias), para que la garantía que dejó no se haga efectiva, debe presentar en cualquiera de las 49 aduanas del país, un escrito en formato libre, dando aviso de dicha circunstancia, dentro de los 15 días hábiles siguientes a aquél en que se le hubiera otorgado la prórroga, ampliación, refrendo o cambio en la calidad migratoria de no inmigrante a inmigrante rentista, debiendo anexar copia del comprobante de dicho trámite, así como del permiso de importación temporal del vehículo y, en su caso, la tarjeta de internación.”
http://www.aduanas.sat.gob.mx/aduana_mexico/2008/vehiculos/141_11220.html
I think this answers your questions and issues(?),
steve
Thanx for the wealth of information. We brought our car into Mexico, under my name, about 7 years ago where it has remained. I have held an FM-3 for over 10 years (renewing each year). My wife now holds a Mexican Passport. I have never informed Aduana when I renewed my FM3. I will be renewing my FM3 in December. Should I do anything at this point with Aduana ? Do I understand that I will need to inform them within 15 days of receiving my new FM3 in December ? I am presently in the US for a few months (via Air) and will return to Mexico in Nov.
Hey Larry,
Based on expats’ comments from across Mexico, Aduana does not seem to be penalizing anyone (yet?) for not registering their INM visa changes & renewals with Aduana. This would mean registering your new (renewed?) FM3 with Aduana – BUT INM is supposed to be changing to the NEW Residente Temporal or Residente Permanente categories by mid-November, which means NO MORE FM3 nor No Inmigrante Residente. INM has also not announced how they will be handling Temporary Imported Car permits yet under the new visa system.
steve
Just crossed the border going into the States on August 20th,2011and if I understood the official correctly, old auto permits ( if your FM-3 is current ) will continue to be honored indefinitely.
The new deposit requirements ( either cash or credit card ) only apply to bringing in autos after July 11th, if they have not entered Mexico previously and have not obtained the old style entry permit.
Note: even if you have entered Mexico previously and quote: ” established an account by using your credit card to buy the old style permit ” , that does NOT get you out of having to pay the new deposit ( up to $400 depending on year of vehicle ) to bring in a different vehicle
Scenario: …. if you go back to the U.S. temporarily and surrender the sticker on your auto and while in the U.S., you trade up or buy a new car, …. when you come back to Mexico you WILL have to pay the new deposit.
The question I forgot to ask was …… if you surrender the sticker, in anticipation of getting a new vehicle and then for whatever reason, you don’t get a new vehicle and you come back to Mexico with your old car, … what do you have to pay, ? …. the old $400 pesos or the new $400
If anybody has info on this situation, please post it.
Hi David,
Your information fits our understandings.
When you bring a vehicle back into Mexico after having the old sticker removed, you will pay the $400 USD under the new systems’ rules.
steve
Yucalandia or anyone else …….. do you have an answer to my question posted Sept 4th
“The question I forgot to ask was …… if you surrender your car sticker when leaving Mexico , in anticipation of getting a new vehicle and then for whatever reason, you don’t get a new vehicle and you come back to Mexico with your old car, ( which was permitted under the old rules 400 pesos )… what do you have to pay, ? …. the old $400 pesos or the new $400
If anybody has info on this situation, please post it.
Hi David,
Sorry for the delay in answering (see below). I’m currently traveling, and have not had a chance to answer correspondence & questions,
steve
My Mexican car permit was obtained when I entered Mexico in the fall of 2010 using my then acquired FMM (180 days). In February 2011 I obtained the updated Visa card, termed “non-inmigrante, rentista”. Following instructions on Rolly’s site, I notified Aduanas in Mexico City, in writing of the change in my visa. This letter, dated within 15 days of my visa status change, but was not dropped off at a Mexican post office until nearly 30 days later. The letter was accompanied by all of the visa and vehicle related documentation mentioned on Rolly’s site.
I returned to the US in this permitted vehicle three weeks after the original expiration date of the permit (tied in with the original 180 day FMM). Deciding that I’d prefer to have a new permit tied into my “upgraded” visa, I turned in the old car permit at the border at Nuevo Progreso. Immediately the bank agent responsible for cancelling my permit said that I owed a fine. I quickly produced a copy of Ley 106, along with a copy of the notification of change letter mailed to Aduanas in DF, and the guy still said that I owed a fine. I requested assistance of a local aduana’s agent, and that person quickly explained to the bank clerk, that I was indeed in compliance with the law, and no fine was owed.
When I returned to Mexico in July 2011 I obtained a new permit for that same vehicle using my “non inmigrante” rentista visa obtained in February 2011. I paid the “under $50 US registration (paperwork fee) + IVA for that vehicle, as well as the $200 US (pre 2000 vintage vehicle). It was made clear to me that the $200 would be refunded only if the vehicle permit was cancelled and turned in when the car left Mexico, prior to the expiration date (or that associated with current visas or renewed visas.) Knowing that I might obtain a new credit card with a different number subsequent to obtaining this car permit, I elected to pay $200 US in cash, rather than dealing with anticipated hassles associated with different a different credit card.
The visa to which my car permit is linked, expires in Feb. 2012, was subsequently misplaced or lost. Shortly thereafter, I did the paperwork and obtained from the Xalapa INM office, a replacement of it, with the same Feb. 2012 expiration date. I did not send “aduanas” in DF notifying them of this replacement, since the expiration date is the same.
Question 1: SHOULD I, now, even though it has been longer than any 15 days, send a letter to “aduanas” notifiying them of the replacement (same expiration date) non inmigrante visa, or simply do so within 15 days of having my existing visa renewed in February 2012?
Recently someone smashed a portion of my vehicle windshield while the car was parked on the street. Currently the smashed part is small and in a location that does not obstruct vision of the driver, nor does it allow any water in.
Question 2: If the windshield must be replaced in either Mexico or the US (I’ll be returning to the US soon for a couple of months), what should be done with the Mexican car permit that is actually “valid” to minimize hassles, if the “windshield” replacing company does not have solvent and the ability to easily remove and readhere Mexican car permit as well as the US state inspection sticker?
Many THANKS in ADVANCE for suggestions.
PS: Three days after returning to Veracruz in July, a Mexican postman arrived at the door with the equivalent of either a certified letter, or “return receipt requested” letter from Mexican ADUANAS in DF, for which I had to sign. This letter advised me of “aduanas” receipt of my letter advising of change in my visa status, as linked to my permitted car. THEN, the letter advised me that the “car permit” mentioned in my letter was cancelled in Nuevo Progreso on a particular date.
So, even though snail mail took nearly five weeks for the “aduanas” letter to get from DF to Veracruz, there computer systems were well linked and they knew that my car permit was cancelled after I mailed the “notification” of change letter.
Xiquena,
First, the current Aduana requirements are that the Temporary Permit holder visit an Aduana office in person, deliver the letter requesting the change in expiration date, fill out a form, supply any documentation they request, and return in a day or two to receive a paper documenting that the change in expiration date (INM visa renewal or change in status) has been registered with Aduana.
Second, our reading of the current Aduana rules on filing applies to: changes in INM status – or for renewals. Since your case is neither a change in status nor renewal, you simply go to an Aduana office within 15 days of renewing your No Inmigrante visa next February – which will likely be a Residente Temporal visa under the new INM law.
Third, you must maintain the sticker with the car. In the case of wrecks or broken windshields, take a picture of the broken windshield, and then save the sticker by either removing it intact very carefully or better still, keep the piece of the windshield with the sticker still attached, stored in your glove box. Another expat with exactly this problem report that the police and Aduana are content to see the sticker attached to the remaining piece of the windshield. – use care in handling the broken glass…
steve
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We applied for and got our permiso a few weeks ago, and made the deposit payment on our credit card. Since then, the card was lost and the company issued a new card with a new number. The VISA company said that any refund/credit applied to the old number will be transferred to the new number (although no new charges are allowed) however, will this be a problem when returning the car. Do we have to actually present the old card (the one that was lost) to get the credit- or will they go off the number on the application, or can we just give them the new card?
CM,
You need to check your Temporary Vehicle Importation-Guarantee Deposit Receipt, because it explains what to do.
A copy from another person’s receipt states: (Google Translate?)
“The amount will be reimbursed into the same credit card which was originally used to make the deposit. Should the credit card be cancelled before the reimbursement takes place, I will notify Banjercito of this fact and provide an alternate account number where the money can be reimbursed.”
This makes sense: notify Banjercito (in writing) of the fact that your card was lost and supply them an alternate account number. I personally would try to do this before reaching the border, to expedite any other issues that crop up. (?)
steve
All of the comments are very informitive and now i have a question/situation. I have had a vehicle in playa del carmen for 2 years and i see many other vehicles with colorado license plates. Somebody has sold or bought these vehicles, any insight in how it is being done?
Now for my situation, i brought in my jeep , which is in a company name, not mine. I have letters of authorization to use this and it is imported in my name. would it work to drive into Belize and then have the person that wants to buy it simply import it to mexico with a new authorization letter to them.Leaving the title in the business name. Anybody done this?
Hey Joel,
There are lots of people who write on the internet saying that it’s OK to sell your Temporary Import permit car to other gringos, so, there are people who either don’t know the law or they ignore the law. If buyer and seller don’t care, then they just swap $$$ for vehicles.
How did you bring in your vehicle the first time? Did Aduana/Banjercito require that you have a letter from your company (the vehicle owner) authorizing you to import it into Mexico? If that worked the first time, it should work for whoever you sell it to – having them exit Mexico and then return – enjoy some shopping or gambling in the “free zone” – and get a permit in their name.
steve
I should have added “legally” after my question of how the vehicles are being sold.
Yes i had a notarized letter in english authorizing me to drive the vehicle.
In april I was in Chiapas close to the border , getting into my vehicle at a restaurant, and was stopped by Federal police traveling with Aduana and Migracion all wearing uniforms, and they checked everything. Checked the sticker too. Checked Vehicle papers and mine too. Checked my FM3.
Maybe found a loophole, Put the vehicle in an LLC before driving in.
Just a quick update on importing your vehicles into Mexico.
We crossed into Mexico on December 14th, 2011 at the Matamoros crossing.
Our 2005 vehicle cost $300 deposit + the $44 permit fee and was charged to our c.c. with no problems whatsoever. However, when the agent at Banjercito was asked about automatic renewal of your vehicle permit when you renew your FM-3 status he stated ( and was confirmed by Aduana ) that you have to notify Aduana of your change/update of status within 20 days of the change and that it must be done by phone to Aduana in Mexico City ( Ph. 1-800-46-36-728 ) and that it cannot be done at a local Aduana office.
Doesn’t sound right to me, as you would have no written proof that you have done it.
Has anybody actually renewed their status and their auto permit since July 2011 ? What did you do and what proof did you get that you have complied with the law ?
2nd …. when questioned about motorhomes, they are still saying there is no change.
A motorhome already in the country under the 10 year permit is good and that new entries will also still be able to bring in a motorhome and get a 10 year permit for just the permit fee and NO deposit.
As you all know ….each office seems to have their own interpretation …. has anyone brought in motorhome for the first time since July 2011 ….. what was your experience ?
Our Aduana office in Progreso has been issuing an official letter to every expat who visits the office with their letter and documents that prove their INM renewal and new expiration date – all since June 2011. Several of these people have written exactly how things worked for them, and they are NOT required to call Aduana in Mexico City.
Any other readers out there hear of a need to call Aduana in Mexico City?
We have neither seen nor read of any changes in how motorhomes are handled.
steve
Steve,
We don’t have to renew our FM-3 ( which I understand will now be classified as something else ) until April and we will be doing it in Tuxpan, which also has an Aduana Office. However they are off the beaten tourist track and may not be familiar with the requirements.
Would it be possible to post a copy of the ” official letter ” they gave you when you notified them of your status change, so I could show it to the Tuxpan officials to say this is what I need from you.
If you prefer, you could e-mail me a copy to Dave at cidrni2002@yahoo.com
Thanks
Hey Dave,
Check your yahoo mail – I sent you a redacted pdf file of the Aduana letter for you to show to your office.
While the letter is handy to show to the police, when stopped, what you really need is for them to update your Temporary Permit’s expiration date in their Aduana database to show the expiration date of your renewed FM3.
steve
I know it has appeared before on this forum somewhere but I can’t find it right now.
Does anybody have a copy of the letter required to present to Aduana ( along with your papers from the FM-3 renewal )
I assume it’s a standard form letter where you just fill in the blanks with your personal data
Thanks if someone has this
David
From: http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/living-in-yucatan-mexico/moving-to-mexico-fmm-fm2-or-fm3/
Date
Address of your Aduana office
Por medio de la presente me permito informarle a used que El Instituto Nacional de Migración de este país me ha concedido prorroga en mi calidad migratoria por el tiempo de __*__ días para permanecer en México, con vencimiento del día __**____. [*= number of days of your FM3 renewal – usually 365] [**= expiration date of your renewal] Lo que estoy avisando a esta autoridad para los efectos del Articulo 106, fracción IV, inciso a de la Ley Aduanera, con respecto a la importación temporal de mi vehículo:
Marca:_____________________ [Make of car]
Modelo: ___________________ [Model of car]
No de serie_________________ [VIN]
Efectuada por la Aduana de _______________________ [where you got the permit]
Amparo del Permiso de Importación Temporal No. _______ [hologram number]
Fecha de Entrada del vehículo: _______________ [date of entry with vehicle]
Fecha de Vencimiento del Permiso: ___________ [expiration date of permit]
Para que pueda prolongarse el plazo del vehículo mientras dure mi calidad migratoria.
Atentamente,
[Your signature]
[Your name]
Many thanks for the copy of the form for Aduana
Hey there Yucalandia. I have a friend who lives in Mexico and also a resident in the US. We want to leave a van down there at his place, in hopes of flying in and using it on vacations. From what I am gathering, this is highly illegal. Are there any ways around that? Is it possible to have him buy our van in the US, take it over and we buy it back once it is registered? Thanks so much, Cash
Cash,
What is the residency status of your friend who lives in Mexico? If he is a citizen, then he could consider permanently importing the van by paying the appropriate import duties. If you want to leave your van here, you would need to apply for and maintain residency here as either No Inmigrante FM3 or Inmigrante FM2 status and bring the van in under a Temporary Import Permit – and renew your FM3 or FM2 visa every year in the future.
steve
Hey there Steve, he is a citizen…If he was to register and pay the duties, could we then buy the van from him and operate it legally? Also, would we need an FM2/3 to do that, or could we use the van under our FMM status? Thank you, I really appreciate the help, Cash
Hi there Cash Struxness. Shoot me an email. I have friends who stay in Baja and frequently cross over the border. You could easily just leave the van at their condo building. The garage is pretty much always empty and nobody really cares who parks there. email is public inbox at hot mail dot com … no hyphens or underscores.
Hi Steve, did my email get through? Take care,Cash
Hi Steve,
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the fantastic information on your website! I see also see from the commentary that you reply to questions and give feedback. Thanks for that too!
I would love some feedback from you just to make sure I really am clear on this whole process. Here’s what I’m thinking:
I’ve fallen in love with Mexico and would like to return (to the Nayarit area for now) and plan on doing that from Florida (where I’m currently visiting for the next 2 months). I plan on driving to MX in early May.
I’d like to purchase a used car here in FL rather than in MX since I have mechanics and a car dealer in the family. I don’t have such contacts in MX and given that I know nothing about cars, I’d feel more comfortable doing this here. Or, should I just bite the bullet and avoid importation fees, the trouble of renewing importation permits by purchasing a used vehicle there?
Okay, continuing with the I BUY A CAR IN THE USA AND DRIVE IT TO MX scenario…. So, I get myself to the border in May.
1) I pay fill out my FMM basico form and pay 20 USD for my 180 visitor’s permit.
2) I go to the banjercito with all my docs (registration, insurance (American and Mexican), bill of sale, ANYTHING ELSE?)
3) I fill out the required forms,
– pay 44USD fee for the temporary importation permit and 16% tax on that 44USD (?)
– pay the 200, 300 or 400 USD for the deposit (which will be returned to me when I drive over the border back to the States.
Steve, what happens if I live happily ever after in MX and not go back over the border to sell that car?
4) I drive off to Nayarit, set up my business with my Mexican friend, apply for my FM3/no immigrante visa (before my 180 days are up)
5) Once I get my FM3/no immigrante, I have to notify the banjercito.
Steve, can it be any banjercito? And do I have to drive to the border to do this?
Once I notify the banjercito, my car is good for as long as my FM3 is and I have to go through this process every year (renewal, notification)?
Thanks a bunch, Steve.
Diane
Hi Diane,
1) I pay fill out my FMM basico form and pay 20 USD for my 180 visitor’s permit.
2) I go to the banjercito with all my docs (registration, insurance (American and Mexican), bill of sale, ANYTHING ELSE?)
~ If the car has a lien on it, you need a letter from the lienholder approving you taking the car into Mexico- and originals and copies of all those documents, including the title. ~
3) I fill out the required forms,
– pay 44USD fee for the temporary importation permit and 16% tax on that 44USD (?)
– pay the 200, 300 or 400 USD for the deposit (which will be returned to me when I drive over the border back to the States.
~ correct ~
Steve, what happens if I live happily ever after in MX and not go back over the border to sell that car?
~ Follow the advice in the article: notify Aduana with every INM permit change or renewal to get your Aduana letter to carry in the car verifying that your TIP continues to be current. ~
4) I drive off to Nayarit, set up my business with my Mexican friend, apply for my FM3/no immigrante visa (before my 180 days are up)
5) Once I get my FM3/no immigrante, I have to notify the banjercito.
Steve, can it be any banjercito? And do I have to drive to the border to do this?
~ Not Banjercito, instead notify Aduana – any Aduana office that is not in an airport ~
Once I notify the banjercito, my car is good for as long as my FM3 is and I have to go through this process every year (renewal, notification)?
correct
Thanks a bunch, Steve.
Diane