What documents do I need to get a Mexican Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP)?

You’ll need a passport (or resident card), a valid Mexican immigration permit (e.g., FMM for tourists), a U.S. or Canadian driver’s license, vehicle registration/title in your or your spouse’s name (bring marriage certificate if applicable), proof of Mexican auto insurance, and payment for the fee and refundable deposit.

Can I buy a TIP online?

Yes. Apply through Banjercito’s official site 10–60 days before travel, upload documents, pay online, and print your TIP and receipt. If buying online, purchase your FMM first and get it stamped by immigration at the border.

Where else can I buy a TIP?

You can obtain a TIP at Banjercito modules at many border crossings and at some Mexican Consulates in the U.S. Availability can change; confirm before you go.

Do I need a TIP in the Free Zone?

No, a TIP is not required in the Free/Border Zone, which generally includes up to about 25 km from the border, all of the Baja California Peninsula, Quintana Roo, and Sonora’s special ‘Sonora Only’ area west of Highway 15 and north of KM 98. Outside these areas, a TIP is required.

How long is a TIP valid?

For tourists on an FMM, a vehicle TIP is typically valid up to 180 days. If you enter under Temporary Resident status, the TIP aligns with your immigration status and must remain current.

How do I cancel my TIP and get my deposit back?

Cancel (surrender) your TIP at a Banjercito TIP return location when exiting Mexico. Do not cancel at interior checkpoints and note you cannot cancel online. Failure to cancel properly may forfeit your deposit and block future TIPs.

Can I use one TIP for multiple entries?

Yes. A valid TIP allows multiple entries during its active period, provided you meet all conditions.

What if my vehicle is leased, financed, or a company car?

Bring the lease or finance contract and a notarized letter of permission from the leasing company, lienholder, bank, or employer authorizing temporary import of the vehicle.

How do police verify my TIP?

Officers can scan a QR code or look up your TIP electronically. Always carry printed copies of your TIP and receipts as a backup, especially in areas with limited cell service.

What is a Mexican Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit?

Q: How much does a TIP cost?

Expect a processing fee of about US $45–$55 plus tax, varying with exchange rates and channel (online vs. border). A refundable deposit is also required: $400 USD for 2007+ model years, $300 USD for 2001–2006, and $200 USD for 2000 or older. The deposit is refunded when you cancel properly and on time.

Learn what a temporary vehicle importation permit is and why you need one.

Planning to drive your vehicle into Mexico? You’ll likely need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). And yes—before you go, make sure you’ve got Mexico auto insurance in place. The permit lets you legally bring a foreign-plated vehicle into Mexico beyond certain zones; the insurance keeps you compliant and protected if something goes sideways.

Here’s the short version: a TIP is required for most U.S. and Canadian visitors (and Mexican citizens living abroad) when driving beyond the Free/Border Zone. Eligible travelers include those with FMM status (tourist card), Temporary Residents, Temporary Resident Students, and Mexican citizens residing abroad. You get it from one place only: Banjercito, Mexico’s official issuing authority.

How the TIP Works in the Free (Border) Zone

The Free Zone—sometimes called the Border Zone—lets you drive a foreign-plated vehicle without a TIP inside specific areas. In plain terms:

Up to ~25 km (about 15.5 miles) from the border generally counts as the Free Zone.
All of the Baja California Peninsula is a Free Zone—no TIP required there.
Quintana Roo (home to Cancun/Tulum) is also treated as a Free Zone for vehicles.
Sonora: There’s a special “Sonora Only” area west of Highway 15 and north of KM 98 where you can drive without a standard national TIP (separate rules apply to that permit).

Once you go beyond those areas, a TIP is required. You can apply online (10–60 days before your trip) or at certain border entry points. Standard vehicle TIPs (under 3.5 metric tons) are valid for up to 180 days for tourists on an FMM. RVs can qualify for a 10-year RV TIP. You generally can’t get a permit at interior checkpoints (one limited exception: the ferry terminal in La Paz with a valid FMM).

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Apply for Your Temporary Importation Permit

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Common Questions About the Temporary Importation Permit

What documents will I need to get a TIP?

Have these ready when you apply (online or in person):

Proof of citizenship (passport, passport card, or resident card)
For non-Mexican citizens: a valid Mexican immigration permit (e.g., FMM)
A valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license
Vehicle registration/title in your name. If the vehicle is in a spouse’s name, bring the marriage certificate. Only the owner or their spouse can get a TIP.
Proof of Mexican auto insurance
Payment method for the fee and deposit (see below)

How much does a TIP cost?

There are two parts: a processing fee and a refundable deposit.

Processing fee: typically around US $45–$55 (plus IVA). Amounts can vary slightly by exchange rate and whether you buy online or at the border.
Refundable deposit: based on model year:
- $400 USD — 2007 model year and newer
- $300 USD — 2001–2006 model years
- $200 USD — 2000 model year or older

You’ll get the deposit back when you cancel the TIP properly and on time, with no violations recorded.

Payment note: You can typically pay with cash at the border or a credit card that’s not issued by a Mexican bank/to a Mexican address. Exact payment options and fees are subject to change—Banjercito is the system of record.

What if my vehicle is leased, financed, or owned by my employer?

It’s common to drive a leased or company vehicle. Bring the extra paperwork:

Leased vehicles: the lease agreement and a notarized letter of permission from the leasing company.
Financed vehicles: the finance/purchase agreement and a notarized letter of permission from the lienholder/finance company/bank.
Company car: a notarized letter from your employer confirming your employment and authorization to temporarily import the vehicle.

Can I purchase a TIP online?

Yes. The fastest way is through the official Banjercito website. You’ll upload digital copies of your documents and pay online. Plan ahead:

Apply 10–60 days before your trip.
Your TIP will be delivered by email. Print the TIP and payment receipt and keep them with you when driving.
If you purchase your TIP online, buy your FMM online first—then stop at the border to get the immigration stamp validating it.

Are there other ways to buy a TIP?

You can purchase at Banjercito modules located at many border crossings, and some Mexican Consulates in the U.S. also process TIPs (availability can change; check before you go). Consulates that have offered TIP services include:

Arizona: Phoenix
California: Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Sacramento
Colorado: Denver
Illinois: Chicago
New Mexico: Albuquerque
Texas: Austin, Dallas, Houston

As with the online process, you’ll receive receipts and a copy of your TIP (and typically an emailed copy). Keep a printed copy with you at all times while driving in Mexico.

How do I cancel a TIP and get my deposit back?

Cancel (surrender) your TIP when you leave Mexico—generally at a Banjercito TIP return location near the border. If you don’t cancel properly, you can lose your deposit and may be blocked from getting another TIP later.

Important reminders:

Do not try to cancel at an interior checkpoint.
You cannot cancel a TIP online—do it in person at the border.

What happens if police verify my TIP?

Officers can confirm your permit via QR code or system lookup. If you’re somewhere remote without cell service, your printed TIP and receipts serve as backup verification.

How does TIP validity work?

For tourists on an FMM, a vehicle TIP generally lasts up to 180 days. For those entering under Temporary Resident status, the TIP aligns with your immigration status (and must be kept current). Always carry your TIP while driving.

Can I make multiple entries with one TIP?

Yes. As long as your permit is valid and you follow its conditions, a TIP allows multiple entries during the permitted period.

Can family members use my vehicle?

Family members can drive if they’re legally permitted and properly identified. Make sure anyone who will drive is covered under your Mexico tourist auto insurance policy terms, and that you carry valid IDs and your TIP paperwork in the vehicle.

The Bottom Line

If you’re driving beyond the Free Zone, you’ll need a TIP—and you’ll absolutely need Mexico auto insurance. Apply for your permit through Banjercito, keep your paperwork printed, and cancel the TIP properly at the border on your way out to recover your deposit and stay eligible for future permits.

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