How do you import a car to Mexico with an FM3 resident visa?

Answer 1

On August 14, 2008 I drove my 1998 Lexus LX470 across the border from El Paso, Texas to Cuidad Juarez. I have an FM3 resident visa for Mexico, these are not too hard to get with a good attorney in Mexico. We had all original papers and photo copies of the title, registration, passport of owner (me), FM3. Be sure the vehicle is paid off before exporting. You can bring any car in under this method, it does not have to be 1998 or made in the US or Canada.

When you first cross the border it is just a normal border crossing needing a passport. Across the whole Mexico-US border there is a 21 kilometer (about 13 miles) zone that you can drive your car in and you only need the Mexican insurance. There are two other zones that have this special allowance, the Baja peninsula and the State of Quintana Roo ( Cancun and the East side of the Yucatan peninsula ). These areas are for the benefit of Canadian and US residents or frequent visitors. At any border crossing you keep driving South and you will come to a border post about 21k away, you can't miss it, there will be a barrier. This is called a Banercito post ( Banco de Ejercito, Army Bank ). They run all these posts. the one we crossed is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. We got there at 9.05a.m. thinking they opened at 9a.m. Inside a large building there is a bank like section with about 6 tellers where you sit and wait for your turn. We had two people ahead of us and waited only ten minutes. You show all your papers and give them your photocopies. It only takes them about five minutes to give you a sticker that goes to the left of your rear view mirror, total cost about $32.

In the building there is also an Immigration office if you need to update your FM3, a copy centre, a customs office and an insurance office. All payments seem to be preferred with your credit card.

We went to the insurance desk and got one week's insurance for $82.

We were out and gone in 15 minutes but I would be very sure to go early and not at any peak times.

You are now legal to drive anywhere in Mexico, you or any member of your family with a driving license or a friend, Mexican or not if a family member is in the car. If you let someone else drive they can impound your car. You are now a lucky human, you do not need to pay the annual Mexican car tax which is expensive ( Our 2002 Ford Focus in Cancun was about $500 per year ). You cannot sell your car and if the car leaves Mexico you turn in the sticker and get a new one if the car comes back. You can only have one family car with this sticker.

Things to keep in your car glove box, photo copies of your passport, FM3 (NON Expired), car title, registration from US. There is an English and Spanish copy of the Mexican law that covers you available on the internet, it's a really good idea to keep a copy of that in your car too. Also, a $20 bill and two $10 bills is always handy in general.

The law says that your FM3 must be valid, try to get it renewed before it expires or you could have problems even though the law does allow you to drive while a renewal is in process.

We drove all over Mexico for two weeks after our entry, no problems, one speeding ticket. Look out for Army stops but don't be afraid, they look scary with all kinds of weapons but they are after the drug gangs. They often ask you to get out of the car and they will search it. They have a well earned reputation for being the good guys and are considered an honest lot by most Mexicans, far more so than the various police forces.

I hope this helps you ! Ian Bourne.