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RHolmes90

Jun 9, 2003, 7:07 PM

Post #1 of 9 (1654 views)

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Bringing a car into Mexico

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If I bring my car into Mexico on a FMT visa and then apply for my FM3 what is the procedure for keeping the car past the original 180 day permit received at the border? I know I can keep the car in Mexico as long as I have a valid FM3 but the authorities are expecting the car to exit the country within the 180 days on the original permit. Also how do I keep my US plates and drivers license current if I stay in Mexico for years.

Uncle Donnie

Jun 10, 2003, 8:44 AM

Post #2 of 9 (1628 views)

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Re: [RHolmes90] Bringing a car into Mexico

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Good morning,

I have personal experience with that situation because I did the same thing several years back. This information applies to the Laredo crossing and a time in the past.

I entered on an FM-T and got the FM-3 in-country. I drove all over Mexico for several years, was stopped and checked on many occasions and never had a problem. I was usually required to show my FM-3 to prove that even though the date on the sticker had passed that I was in the country legally.

From the website of the Mexican Consulate in Seattle (www.sre.gob.mx/seattle) re: entering MX by private vehicle with an FM-T:
"Your permit is good for 6 months. This period cannot be extended, unless your immigration permit is extended."

Since your FM-T can't (normally) be extended past the 6 month period that indicates that you'll be fine once you get the FM-3.

Jalisco State has a booklet "Practical Guide to Security for Tourists Visiting Jalisco" that says your vehicle may legally stay in Mexico "as long as you are in Mexico legally if you are a foreigner."

One caveat--when you do cross the border after returning from the U.S. after obtaining your FM-3, the authorities will most likely require you to get a new permit which will be tied to your FM-3, rather than allowing you unlimited access under the FM-T issued permit.

At least that was my experience.

Your licensing questions can best be addressed if we know where you live, if annual emissions testing must be certified, if your state or province allows mail-in renewals, if you must show proof of liability insurance for renewal, and if you're leaving behind trusted friends or relatives who can assist. More info?

MX cops don't care if your foreign plates are expired. They DO care if your DL is. You have the option of applying for a MX DL once you get the FM-3.
AAA offers an International DL but I read somewhere that it's not recognized as valid in MX and parts of Central and South America. You could contact them for more info.

Hope this helps.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Brian

Jun 10, 2003, 9:53 AM

Post #3 of 9 (1619 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Bringing a car into Mexico

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My FM-3 expires this August and I will be required to get a new visa rather than just a renewal. Does the law apply here or will I have to return to the border to get a new car permit to coincide with my new FM-3? TIA

Brian

RHolmes90

Jun 10, 2003, 2:18 PM

Post #4 of 9 (1596 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Bringing a car into Mexico

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Thanks for the info - - -

I think what you are telling me is to get your family to help out with car registration renewals if they are in a position to do so. The problem with going to Mexico and letting the registration expire is if I ever decide to move back to the US I will have problems on this side of the border. I doubt I would ever cross the border with the car for any other reason as we will live about 1100 miles south of California in Cabo. With the drivers license its pretty much the same thing - use a relatives address and when the renewal comes if it is a mail in have them do it for you or else you can do the mexican license as an option. My family is all in Florida and they don't require proof of insurance but have a statement you sign. The registration is always a mail in and the license is also but I believe you have to go in every 10 years for a new picture. Also there is no emissions - at least in the town they live in. I would probably go down there and get a Florida license & registration before moving to Mexico using a relatives address. This is also important because I don't want to leave any connection to the state I am in which has a high state income tax. I understand that as a US citizen you are still liable for federal income tax and in some cases states have also asserted the same right especially if they can show you still maintain some legal connection such as a license or registration. In this case if I leave any legal connection it will be to Florida which has no such income tax. Even if the posibility is slim that they would catch it or try to collect I would rather not take the chance if it can be easily avoided. At $4,000 to 5,000 dollars a year if you stayed just 5 years they could hit you with a $20,000 attachment when you returned. So any way I will establish a hocus pocus short term residence in Florida before moving for all of the above reasons.

Uncle Donnie

Jun 10, 2003, 5:09 PM

Post #5 of 9 (1581 views)

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Re: [Brian] Bringing a car into Mexico

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Hi Brian,

Fifth year FM-3? I'm no lawyer but as the official folks say, as long as you're legally in the country...

Getting a new FM-3 won't negate your status as a legal resident unless you don't renew on schedule. Friends who have been here since Christ was a choirboy say they've never gone back. That sticker must be really faded though.

Maybe Jennifer knows the real deal.

And Rholmes, looks as though you solved your problem. Good job.

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Rolly

Jun 10, 2003, 5:53 PM

Post #6 of 9 (1576 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Bringing a car into Mexico

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If you will look at the registration paper that came with your FM3, all it says on it is FM3. There is no way for them to know which edition of your FM3 you have. Bottom line -- your car is legal as long as you are legal.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

jrice

Jun 10, 2003, 6:36 PM

Post #7 of 9 (1573 views)

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Re: [Brian] Bringing a car into Mexico

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I think you're ok. If you want to be REALLY sure, you could get certified copies of your old FM3 and renewal documents. I suppose that might come up if you had your car stolen and had a crappy insurance company looking for some way to avoid payment. But I doubt an inspector on the highway would worry about it. I did it. No problem.

Uncle Donnie

Jun 10, 2003, 6:49 PM

Post #8 of 9 (1572 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Bringing a car into Mexico

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Hi Rolly,

Have you ever noticed how really great thinkers follow similar lines?

We're in the rainy season now. Still the same old construction weather up there in the desert?

Shameless self-promotion:
http://www.headformexico.com

Rolly

Jun 10, 2003, 8:33 PM

Post #9 of 9 (1564 views)

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Re: [Uncle Donnie] Bringing a car into Mexico

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If you mean damn hot, yes. This is our rainy season also. A little thunder storm in the late afternoon once in a while. Just enough rain to mess up my truck. In last year's rainy season, we got about 2” until a hurricane dropped a bunch of wet on us. When planning a picnic up here, rain is never in the equation.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook