Expert: Julia C Taylor - 11/11/2009

Question
We will be taking a company vehicle to mexico. Vehicle will be used for work purpose.What are the steps to get a permit to register the us vehicle for about 6 months in Mexico?

Answer
Angie,

Bringing a vehicle into Mexico is covered in depth on pages 72 -76 of my book Mexico: The Trick is Living Here, available for instant download from my web site www.home-sweet-mexico.com.  I'll give you a summary here to get you started.

The big picture is that the vehicle's permission to be in Mexico is tied to your current and valid permission to be in Mexico.  Once you get permission to enter Mexico on business, then you can get permission to bring the vehicle with you.    

Since this is for work, it would be wise to preregister (about 3 weeks before going to Mexico) on the Banjercito web site. Banjercito (short for Bank of the Armed Forces (ejercito)) will allow you to apply for your permit over the internet prior to traveling. They then mail you’re your permit and the sticker for your window in the mail. Here is the link to their automated service: http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/imagenes/iitv/instruccionesIITV_ing.html  The good thing is that there are links to lists of required documents and other important information. Read it all very thoroughly.

Some notes you must think about ahead of time:
1. If the person who brings the car is not the owner, bring a notarized permission signed by the owner and including the vehicle's VIN number.
2. No Mexicans can drive the car.
3. Even if you preregister you must still check in with the Banjercito upon crossing the border.

If you live in one of the cities on this page: (http://www.banjercito.com.mx/site/siteBanjer/framesHome.jsp?hd_ligaContenido=iit...) you could try going in to see them. Then you could ask questions.  

Here is are three article about visas for business visits:
http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/3-business-entry-into-mexico
http://www.mexconnect.com/articles/2821-requirements-for-going-to-mexico-as-busi...
http://www.solutionsabroad.com/sp/relocating/relocating-category/immigration-wor...

Enjoy Mexico!

Kind Regards,

Julia C Taylor, author of Mexico: The Trick is Living Here and creator of www.home-sweet-mexico.com