Mexico/FM 3 "Registration"

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Expert: Mexico Mike - 10/23/2009


Question
Hey Mike,
We got our FM 3's in Denver Sept 9, 2009 without hassle, went to Yucatan with the FM 3 w/o problems. We're driving down in Dec and hear that we have to "register" the FM 3. Any thoughts, knowlege or ideas on this. Thank you, Jeff

Answer
Jeff, you have to have a Mexican address for your FM3 to be valid and you need to inform the authorities (INM) of it. I helped a guy in San Blas who 'registered' his FM3, but did not live in his house full time. You are not supposed to do that. The reason is to discourage absentee landlords.

An official from INM is supposed to visit the house to verify that you live there. That could be what is up. Another thing is that there were some changes to the laws regarding FM3's September 10th this year, but I don't know if that is at issue or not. See http://www.inami.gob.mx/ to keep up on the changes. Type FM3 into the search box.

You do need to renew your car permit each year when you renew your FM3, but that is down the road for you.

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Mexico Mike

Expertise

I cannot answer car permit questions. I can intelligently answer just about any question about driving in mainland Mexico, living in Mexico and hot springs in Mexico. I do not recommend specific hotels, there are quidebooks for that. I am not a Baja expert. That is a different part of the country and there are plenty of people who know more about it than I do. Naturally, I have a web site (www.mexicomike.com) and make a living with personal consultations, but am here to offer good advice for general topics for free. But please understand that I can't answer detailed questions about moving or extensive driving trips to Mexico here without being unfair to my paying clients. And please, no car permit questions.

Experience

Driving Mexico -- I have been driving to Mexico since 1968 and writing travel guides for drivers to Mexico since 1984. I frequently drive the country and have a reputation for honesty and integrity. I will tell people the plusses and minuses of traveling in and living in Mexico. Living in Mexico -- I have lived and done business in Mexico. My book, 'Live Better South of the Border' has been in print since 1997 and speaks to people of all ages, not just retirees. Hot springs of Mexico -- I have been researching and enjoying Mexican hot sprigs since the lsat 1980's. My book 'Spas & Hot Springs of Mexico' was the first book on Mexico's hot springs. It is now out of print, but selling for $60 or so on Amazon as a collector's item.

Organizations
Chamber of Commerce, McAllen TX International Committee, Chamber of Commerce, McAllen, TX

Publications
Frommers, Fommers, Insight Guides, Dallas Morning News, Mexico Business Magazine, McAllen Monitor, Mexico City News, San Miguel de Allende paper 'Atencion' and so on

Education/Credentials
As the author of more than a dozen books on Mexico and psychology, I believe that speaks for my being educated.

Awards and Honors
NY Times -- Profiled for writing about driving Mexico. Wall Street Journal -- Profiled for writing about driving Mexico. Texas Monthly -- ditto. Former Mecia Spokesman (1997) for the Mexican Tourimm Ministry

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