Can I take my financed car to Mexico? (2024)

Can I take my financed car to Mexico?

To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance. If your car is financed, you'll also need a letter of permission from your lender.

How long can I drive my financed car in Mexico?

Individual banks and financial services have different procedures for how you should go about obtaining a letter of permission. It is also important to note that many companies will not allow you to travel in Mexico with your financed vehicle for a period longer than 30 days.

Can I take my leased car to Mexico?

Get Permission to Take Your Financed or Leased Vehicle Across the Border – The Mexican government requires drivers of financed vehicles to obtain a permission letter from the lien holder if the vehicle will be taken outside the country's commercial-free zones.

Can you take a financed car overseas?

As the titleholder of your vehicle, the lender possesses legal rights to the car until the loan is fully paid off. And for this very reason, most lending institutions will require you to get their written permission before shipping your car overseas.

Can I keep my American car in Mexico?

You can take your America car into the Mexican Free Zones without a permit. You cannot legally sell that vehicle there. If you are traveling beyond the free zone, you need a Temporary Import Permit and you need to get that before you arrive at the border. Your American auto insurance will not cover you in Mexico.

How long can I keep my US car in Mexico?

Tourists and Temporary Residents are allowed to bring ONE car per person into Mexico, for their use as long as they keep that immigration status, including renewals. Hence, a tourist can bring a car into Mexico for 90 or 180 days (according to its immigration form).

How do I take my car to Mexico permanently?

You must go to a customs agent when crossing the border, to get the import request and pay all fees and taxes. It is best to contact your agent a few weeks before you want to import your car to Mexico. Any other method of taking a car to Mexico permanently is illegal. These fees will vary between person and company.

How much is Mexican car insurance?

How Much is Mexican Car Insurance Per Day? The costs average between $2 and $40 a day. The cost depend on several factors including type of vehicle, length of stay and the type of coverage you choose. You can purchase a policy for a day, a month, or a year.

Can I transfer a car to Mexico?

You can legally import SOME cars from the United States to Mexico. To import a car you must use the services of a Mexican Customs broker who will review the history of your car and see if it qualifies. You cannot import a car older than 9 years old and there are some makes of cars that are prohibited.

How much is a vehicle permit to Mexico?

For 2022, the Banjercito vehicle permits (TIPS) online cost MXN $1063.84, which figures to USD $52-$55 using their exchange rate of a little over 20 pesos to the dollar. The permit fee is the same for Only Sonora, motorhomes, motorcycles as well as all-Mexico cars and pickups.

Can I export a financed car from USA?

For those vehicles that are still being financed, you may present a certified copy of the title, along with an original letter from the finance company that states that the vehicle can be exported.

Can I export my financed car?

While your contract isn't likely to allow shipping a financed car overseas, you can still try and negotiate with your bank or loan institution. If you are in good standing with your bank and have given them no indication that you'll default on your loan, there's a chance they will allow you to transport the collateral.

Can I bring a financed car to Puerto Rico?

A quick guide to send your car to Puerto Rico

In the case of financed vehicles, an authorization letter from the entity that is financing the unit is additionally required to make the shipment.

What happens if I take my car to Mexico?

To drive into Mexico from the U.S., you're required to bring the appropriate identification, a couple permits (depending on how far into Mexico you're going), and your proof of Mexico auto insurance. If your car is financed, you'll also need a letter of permission from your lender.

How do I transfer my car from USA to Mexico?

What is hassle free zone in Mexico?

The “hassle-free zone” or “Sonora free zone” refers to an area near the U.S. – Mexico border where travelers can drive without obtaining a vehicle import permit. This zone typically extends about 20 to 30 kilometers from the border.

What is the car rule in Mexico?

Mexico Driving Rules and Regulations

In Mexico, they drive on the right-hand side of the road and over take on the left. The legal driving age is 18. Using a seatbelt is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle. Drink driving – driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal.

What happens if I stay in Mexico more than 6 months?

If instead they wish to stay longer than 6 months, they may have to apply for a new visa or leave the country temporarily and obtain a new FMM as they return to the Mexican border. Keep in mind that visitor visas do not allow the traveler to undertake paid work while in Mexico.

Can a permanent resident in Mexico drive a US plated car?

Permanent Residents Cannot Get Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits (TIPs) With some exceptions, when someone has permanent resident status in México, they cannot legally drive a non-Mexican plated vehicle inside México.

Do I need permission to take my car to Mexico?

However, if travelling with additional items whose value exceeds $75.00 USD, foreigners must pass through the “self-declaration” lane. In order to bring a foreign vehicle into Mexico, it is necessary to obtain a temporary import permit.

Can I buy a car in Mexico then drive and register it in the US?

Once you have imported your car from Mexico, there are some more steps you'll have to take to get legal. Start by getting insurance on the vehicle. Then, take all your paperwork to the State DOT office and apply for registration. At that time you'll have to pay any state taxes and fees associated with the registration.

What is a chocolate car in Mexico?

These cars, known as “chocolate cars,” are considered illegal because most owners never bothered to register them and pay import fees when they first brought them to Baja. Drivers caught with an unregistered car faced expensive fines and repossession.

Does Mexico accept U.S. insurance?

Can I Use My US Health Insurance in Mexico? No, in most cases, you will not be able to use the health insurance you have in the US for treatment in Mexico. Your American health insurance policy, such as Medicare, will not extend outside the borders.

Does my AAA insurance cover me in Mexico?

Since U.S. liability insurance is invalid in Mexico, you'll need proof of Mexico auto insurance for a road trip south of the border. AAA can help you get what's required through one of Mexico's largest and most reputable insurance companies.

What documents do I need to drive my car into Mexico?