Expert: C. Reyes-Hull - 5/14/2009

Question
Hello,

My husband will be traveling to Jalisco Mexico and he wants to take his ATV, 2 Dirt Bikes and some tools with him. Do you know the process and the cost? Blessings Crystal

Answer
Hi, Crystal:
I am not really sure about the extra cost for the extra vehicles is. Usually, when you bring in one vehicle from the US, as a US citizen, you only pay for a permit at the crossing point called a "temporary import permit". The cost for a motorcycle is around 20dlls, but you have to leave a guarantee (credit card voucher) to prove you are bringing the vehicle back. The problem is that this covers the vehicle you import for your own personal use. As far as the extra vehicles, that might have to involve a customs broker that can help get the necessary permits for them. Usually, they will charge for an import permit as merchandise (around 15%-30% of the cost of the vehicle)since they cannot know if the vehicles will be returned to the US and can besold in Mexico. I recommend you call the Mexican Consulate closest to your place of residence and ask them about this. Mexican consular personnel are bilingual and are very helpful with this sort of questions:
http://www.sre.gob.mx/acerca/directorio/consulados/dirconsulados.htm