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mlprivate

Jan 21, 2011, 9:48 AM

Post #1 of 18 (5923 views)

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Driving Truck to Mexico

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My boyfriend (who is Mexican) owned a business here in the USA and now moved back to his home country, Mexico. I will be going to Mexico in a couple of months and he requested for me to drive his truck to him. I've been doing some research on driving to Mexico; the paperwork/documentation needed in order to cross the border. I have registration and insurance for the truck here in the US and will obtain Mexican insurance prior to my travel. My problem is that I am not the owner of the truck, my boyfriend is and everywhere I read states that your driver's license must match the papers of the vehicle you are driving in order to cross the border. Will I be able to take the truck to him if he meets me at the Mexican border in Texas and drive with me the rest of the way to his home?

Rolly

Jan 21, 2011, 10:21 AM

Post #2 of 18 (5917 views)

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Re: [mlprivate] Driving Truck to Mexico

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You have a tricky problem. The only sure fire solution is for your bf to transfer the ownership to you.
Also, you say "truck." If that is a pickup, OK.
If it is a larger truck, there is a payload limit of 3.5 tons for a truck entering México.
There have been reports of one ton trucks being turned away.

Also, your bf will not be able to drive that truck in México unless you are in the truck with him or unless you get married.
If you are coming as a tourist (FMM), you and the truck will have to return to the border every 180 days to get new papers.

Rolly Pirate

mlprivate

Jan 21, 2011, 10:31 AM

Post #3 of 18 (5905 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Thank you for the reply....
Yes, the truck is a pick-up 2000, Ford 150. I thought about having the title transferred to my name, but absent minded that he is, he misplaced the title. The other thing is that, below you mentioned that we would need to get new papers every 180 days.. our plan was to leave the truck with him for work, since it is his truck after all... and me fly back to the US in a couple of weeks of being in Mexico. I am assuming leaving the truck behind is not an option unless we marry, which we planned on doing anyway at a later date? I forgot to mention that my travel is to the state of Guerrero, specifically Zihautanejo.

Reefhound

Jan 21, 2011, 11:19 AM

Post #4 of 18 (5888 views)

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Re: [mlprivate] Driving Truck to Mexico

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You really have a tricky problem. He needs to find the title or order a certified copy in any scenario.

If you get the permit in his name then you won't be able to legally drive it in Mexico as you aren't his spouse. You could not get the permit in the first place at the border (even he would need that title he has lost) but you could probably get it online since they don't require supporting docs until after you've gotten the permit. Kind of a loophole, huh? But don't do it. If you get stopped at a checkpoint and the permit checked, they will probably confiscate the vehicle and may end up charging you with fraud.

If you transfer title and legally get a permit in your name then he can't drive it nor can you leave it behind (at least not if you ever expect to get another permit ever and he would be risking it getting confiscated).

I would suggest a few possibilities.

1. Sell the truck in the U.S., send him the money, let him buy a truck in Mexico. All he needs to I believe is send you a signed title.

2. Explore him importing the truck permanently. I don't know the ins and outs of this, some say it can be done easily and some say it can't, but it surely won't be cheap.

3. Get the temp permit in his name online, and have him meet you at the border on the Mexican side to take possession.

rvcycleguy

Jan 21, 2011, 11:39 AM

Post #5 of 18 (5881 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Driving Truck to Mexico

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I would agree with the number 3 option in the last post. As you state, your BF will meet you on the Mexico side of the border to TX. What about driving the truck to the meet up location and have the BF get the permit in his name at the checkpoint, depending on which border, can be 20-30 km away from the international bridge. Presuming you can locate or get a duplicate of the title for him. Officials at the bridge are not checking the permit and title. There is a safe zone for vehicles around each border city that does not require the permit. Its when you want to drive south...This business of changing names, marrying for the sake of the truck, leaving the truck in Mexico in your name is not the best situation for you.

mlprivate

Jan 21, 2011, 11:41 AM

Post #6 of 18 (5880 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Thank you and I think I will go with option number 3; obtain the permit in his name online and have him meet me at the Mexican border to take possession of the truck. The plan was for him to meet me anyway at the Mexican border.
This is becoming more of a hassle than i thought it would be.
Thank you all for your comments

Rolly

Jan 21, 2011, 12:23 PM

Post #7 of 18 (5871 views)

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Re: [mlprivate] Driving Truck to Mexico

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You should be aware that this plan, if it works, is illegal and will result in his losing the truck if he gets caught.
A Mexican citizen living in México cannot have a foreign-plated vehicle in his name,
nor can he have a temporary permit which is what you are proposing.
Such an illegal vehicle is called a "chocolate."
They are very common, but getting caught can ruin your day big time.

Rolly Pirate

mlprivate

Jan 21, 2011, 3:04 PM

Post #8 of 18 (5841 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Thank you every one. Its to much of a hassle, it seem.. I will leave the truck here in the US. Thank you for your feedback.

robt65

Jan 21, 2011, 11:42 PM

Post #9 of 18 (5805 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Someone may correct me if I am wrong. Before I got married, me living in Kentucky and my (now) wife living in Mexico as a national, I bought a truck and had it registered in both our names. In Mexico a woman can elect to have her married name including her spouses family name or not, so this is a possible, is it not. i.e.: since a new title is certainly going to be used when and if they bring the truck into Mexico, it is certainly legal to have more than one name on a title in most states that I know of. I went this route because of Mexican insurance. I had to fight a little at the Kentucky License place to get both names but found out that (in most states) a social security number is necessary to register he truck. I called the state capitol and was told that (my now wife's name could indeed be added and in the place of a social security number to use X's. i.e.: Jimena XXX XX XXXX. That was sufficient for the state licensing entity. I then had her name added to the Mexican insurance and she didn't even have to meet me at the border. I was definitely required at the border, at the time of crossing, required to present both a title and (if so needed) a letter from a lending institution.

I certainly do not intend to burst this ladies bubble, and I certainly do not want to know her personal situation, but I would be very aware (that it is possible) that she could be being "set up" to bring into Mexico a vehicle illegally. This guy may be a very smooth talker and for all we know this lady could be very vulnerable. If that were the case, she could certainly be putting herself into a very ticklish situation. How long has the OP known this fellow? Heck she could go through all the trouble and when she gets here and after returning home, she could receive (at best) a "Dear John ana" letter. Something just "doesn't seem to smell right in Denmark" with this situation. I may be wrong (and I hope for her sake, I am), but I just feel uneasy with this kind of request from her BF. He is really putting her in a spot. I would think a guy who really loved his lady would not ask her to do that kind of thing. Be very careful, would be my suggestion here.

robt65

turnabout

Jan 22, 2011, 5:25 AM

Post #10 of 18 (5794 views)

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Re: [robt65] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Wacko Rob65. a 2000 F150 is quite a scam - Must be worth a whole 2400 USD. Must be part of the Cartel transportation division to haul around headless bodies.

dongringo_catemaco

Jan 22, 2011, 5:56 AM

Post #11 of 18 (5791 views)

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Re: [turnabout] Driving Truck to Mexico

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You don`t need paperwork just to cross the border. Just the US registration and insurance in case you want to turn around.

Drive the truck to either side of the Mexican border. Hand it over to your boyfriend, and let him figure it out. There are lots of ingenious ways to get around legality in Mexico.
Visit Catemaco News

robt65

Jan 22, 2011, 6:20 AM

Post #12 of 18 (5787 views)

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Re: [turnabout] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Possibly you are as gulible as our poster . . . . . . but at any rate I have 12 acres of beach front property for sale in PV that you can actually own and not be saddled with a 99 year trust or lease. Maybe you would be interested? You just don't get it do you newbie?

robt65

(This post was edited by robt65 on Jan 22, 2011, 6:22 AM)

jerezano

Jan 22, 2011, 6:59 AM

Post #13 of 18 (5777 views)

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Re: [mlprivate] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Hello all,

Mexico used to allow people to drive into Mexico with a temporary permit on a car which did not belong to him/her with a notarized letter from the car's owner stating that he/she had permission to do so.

I don't think this has changed. If it has changed how do people who are buying their car on a lien get into Mexico?

So it would seem that a letter in Spanish with a Mexican Notary seal affixed should allow the young lady to drive the truck into Mexico on a temporary permit. Of course she would then have to pledge removal of the car from Mexico when she herself permanently left Mexico. Since she does not intend to permanently leave Mexico I see no problem.

It is also true that her boy friend would then not be able to drive the pickup without her in it. The pickup could be confiscated.Obviously not a good solution but quite common nevertheless. I know many Mexicans who have driven "chocolates" for over 20 years or until the car just falls apart.

Now when she crosses the border and gets her temporary importation permit she is allowed to specifically list other drivers. She could list her boy friend which might work, but probably would still be illegal, I think. She would have to check with the aduanero.

Transfer of the title to her as suggested several times would eliminate some of the confusion, but that title is lost. Nevertheless lost titles are a common problem and all states have procedures for issuance of certified copies of the title, at a slight cost. The lady in question should proceed with getting that certified copy. She may need a letter in English from the car owner to do so.

Once the young lady has a temporary permit to enter Mexico with the truck she could then apply at immigration wherever she is going to end up for an FM3 or go ahead and get married and apply for the proper documentation. I do have one worry however. If she applies for an FM2 (the names of the FM3 and FM2 have now changed) I understand that she would not be able to keep the truck. This may be true or not, I don't know.

Anyway, the temporary entrance of the pickup into Mexico doesn't seem to be a problem to me. Am I seeing things wrong?

As ever, jerezano

(This post was edited by jerezano on Jan 22, 2011, 7:04 AM)

Rolly

Jan 22, 2011, 7:44 AM

Post #14 of 18 (5761 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Driving Truck to Mexico

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If she applies for an FM2 (the names of the FM3 and FM2 have now changed) I understand that she would not be able to keep the truck. This may be true or not, I don't know.

It is not true. Having an FM2 does not preclude have a foreign-plated car UNLESS the FM2 has a working endorsement, in which case a foreign car is not allowed.

Rolly Pirate

Casa

Jan 22, 2011, 8:04 AM

Post #15 of 18 (5752 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Driving Truck to Mexico

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In Reply To

Having an FM2 does not preclude have a foreign-plated car UNLESS the FM2 has a working endorsement, in which case a foreign car is not allowed.

Actually as I have stated before I believe the only type of FM2 (Inmigrante) that allows a foreign plated car is a FM2 Rentista. Contrary to popular belief, it does not depend on whether one is autrorised to work it depends on the type of FM2 one has.

FM2 Rentistas may be authorised to work in specific field mainly teacher, professors and scientists, technicians etc. They can STILL have a foreign plated car in Mexico.

FM2 Familiares may not be authorised to work and never the less they CANNOT legally have a foreign plated car in Mexico.

Again it is the type of FM2 one has, not whether they are allowed to work or not…

Reefhound

Jan 22, 2011, 9:06 AM

Post #16 of 18 (5738 views)

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Re: [jerezano] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Anyway, the temporary entrance of the pickup into Mexico doesn't seem to be a problem to me. Am I seeing things wrong?

Yes, you talk about her getting an FM2 or FM3, getting married, and not permanently leaving Mexico. In her second post she stated that she planned to fly back to the U.S. after a few weeks. She never said anything about moving to Mexico or getting married.

colibri1

Jan 28, 2011, 6:48 AM

Post #17 of 18 (5536 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Driving Truck to Mexico

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If the bf is meeting her at the border, he can import the truck, it's over 10 yrs old. They do need to check, however with the aduanal agencies before hand. There is in our area anyway, a limited number of importations allowed per year. They'll also let you know the cost of the transaction. Pretty sure this has to be done at the border because of all the other law problems listed previously.
mi 2 pesos, buena suerte,

Upon further reflection....make sure you ask the agencias what paperwork is required!!!!! If the bf needs a receipt from his house in his name in the border state where the importing is being done....well, you hit another road block. This country is very difficult at times with the complicated paperwork and requirements. You really have to LOVE the place to function here.

My sincere advice...woman to woman...is, check out the title before you do anything else. Could save lots of problems.

As to getting married to import a truck....YIKES!!!!!

Your best option may be to sell the truck in the US.

Again, best wishes.

(This post was edited by colibri1 on Jan 28, 2011, 7:20 AM)

La Guedita

Jan 28, 2011, 12:03 PM

Post #18 of 18 (5479 views)

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Re: [mlprivate] Driving Truck to Mexico

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Hey there,

I have experience with your situation. And importing a vehicle IS possible. When I first moved to Mexico with my then-husband, we drove a 1979 Ford Ranchero with Washington plates. When we got to the border, he got a permit for it so we could travel past the "border zone". It wasn't too expensive (granted this was in 2000 so the rates have probably gone up), I think it was like $200 with $100 being refundable upon return to the states within 180 days. The car was in his name so the permit was in his name. We, however, didn't intend to return with the car, so when we reached our destination (La Mira, Michoacan), he was able to file some papers at the local Customs and Immigration Office and pay some more fees and get Michoacan plates for the car.

SO, if he is willing to meet you at the border and get the permit in his name, your BF can have his beloved truck and then it becomes his problem. HOWEVER, the expense of driving from the border to Guerrero may not be worth it. He would have to take a bus or plane to the border and you guys would have to drive about 1500 miles through Mexico (it took us two nights/three days). And then you would have to take a bus or plane back home. So you'd be looking at about $2000 for travel expenses. All for a truck that is only worth about $4000 anyway.

Best advice I can give you, if you are not planning on moving down there permanently just yet, is to sell the truck in the US and Western Union the money to him. There are lots of good, cheap trucks in Mexico for sale that are already legal. As the title is currently unavailable, here is the link to the site that has the information to get one before you sell the truck.

http://www.txdmv.gov/...itles/lost_title.htm
"Self-trust is the first secret to sucess" R. W. Emerson

(This post was edited by Rolly on Jan 28, 2011, 12:10 PM)