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linda1184

Dec 29, 2011, 7:59 PM

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Some questions about vehicle permits....

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So I have been researching a lot online about importing vehicles into mexico on a fm3 permit, and I still am a little confused. Hopefully someone here can help answer some of my questions and set my mind at ease.

I will be bringing a newer vehicle, Year 2008.

1) What is recommended? To apply for the permit online or at the border? When I looked over the application process online I saw that the permit is always made for a set 180 days. Does this not matter if I am bringing it in with my fm3 or should I apply at the border so that the permit is for a longer time frame?

2) Are the rules still that the vehicle permit lasts as long as my fm3 is current? As long as I renew it in a timely manner each year it will still be valid? Do I need to fill out any other paperwork each time I renew my fm3?

3) Any insurance recommendations or tips on this whole process?

4) Also if I am having my car shipped from the border to my home in mexico within a trailer, do I need to travel the entire trip with the trailer, as the permit is in my name for the vehicle?

Thank you so much in advanced for all of your help and taking the time to answer my questions. This will help me to feel more relaxed about the whole process at hand.

DavidHF

Dec 30, 2011, 7:12 AM

Post #2 of 8 (1588 views)

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Re: [linda1184] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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Linda, there is no FM-3 any longer. You may get a Temporary Import Permit for your car on any valid immigration credencial; FMM, Inmigrante, and No Inmigrante. Pls note that these terms may change again in 2012. Although the permit is issued with a period of 180 days, the car permit is valid as long as your INM (immigration) document is valid. As far a insurance goes, use the web and the recommendations of those you know in Mexico.

linda1184

Jan 5, 2012, 11:01 AM

Post #3 of 8 (1407 views)

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Re: [DavidHF] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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Thank you for the help. One more question I have is about the online permit process. There are some sources that seem to say I need to send a copy of my title to the aduna office befor they will mail me my vehicle permit, while other sources say I onlt need to show the paperwork T the border and my permit will come to me by mail regardless of if I send copys to the aduna office or not. Does anyone have any experience with the online process and know if I wil recieve the permit without emailing copies to the aduna?

Reefhound

Jan 5, 2012, 11:22 AM

Post #4 of 8 (1396 views)

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Re: [linda1184] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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We been doing the online permit last five years, and while the process is always subject to change and may be different now, we have always completed the online app, paid the fee, and received the permit by delivery without showing any paperwork. We were not instructed and have never been requested to show the supporting paperwork at the border or any checkpoint though we always carry copies of it for good measure. The online permit has a Promise to Return document you must sign and return with your supporting documents (we scan and email them) within a year. The first few years we didn't bother and nothing was said then one year we got a email reminder as the permit anniversary was coming up that if they did not receive the necessary docs we could not get a new permit.

RickS

Jan 5, 2012, 12:47 PM

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Re: [Reefhound] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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When I got my most recent TIP online (late November) their requirement was to send them, after I had received the physical permit/sticker, the following:

+ USA PASSPORT
+ Vehicle Title
+ "Promise to Return" letter

One method they offered to receive this information was a scan of said, emailed to them. I did so and about a week later got a return email from them as follows:

Dear RickThanks for sending us all requested documents for your permit #xxxxxxx.We wish you a pleasant stay in Mexico.WBRGerd

P.S. I was amazed that, when I applied on-line, I received my physical permit/sticker in Colorado via DHL 3 days later!

YMMV

SunFan

Jan 6, 2012, 5:27 AM

Post #6 of 8 (1311 views)

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Re: [RickS] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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I totally concur with RickS's experience. Along with the permit we received by courier was a request to scan and email the above mentioned documents.

Saved what I'm told is a real hassle at the border. At Laredo the permit office is located in a location other than the border crossing.

SunFan

stevebrtx

Jan 6, 2012, 6:53 AM

Post #7 of 8 (1288 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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Well, let's not call it a "hassle" but more of an early (and sudden) learning experience into the Mexican culture and what you can expect from there on out. Yes, after you go through Customs you drive about a half mile east, do a sharp return back across several lanes of traffic the way you came and down to a large building more or less under the bridge. Depending on the time of day there will be people and/or tons of people. You'll go through the gauntlet of filling out forms, getting copies, going to another window, paying etc. and finally you'll be the proud owner of a new sticker which you'll put on immediately because about 20 miles down the road is a big Aduana check point and they want to see it and/or your paperwork.

As a gringo in MX you'll find you can never have enough paperwork, copies of your paperwork and yes, you will be profiled and asked to produce them. Then, years later you will have to educate law enforcement officials as to the fact your permit is still valid as long as your visa is current. My latest tutoring session was on the 29th at the Guad airport. So, in a way getting your sticker online deprives you of a great "sudden immersion" into the MX we all love and live in.
www.chapalaweather.net

Reefhound

Jan 6, 2012, 9:07 AM

Post #8 of 8 (1260 views)

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Re: [SunFan] Some questions about vehicle permits....

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The online process is so much simpler than at the border, in my experience. It might go smoothly at the border but I get my permit online (you'll pay about $20 or so more) so I don't have to worry about some clerk insisting I need 5 copies not 4 or that I need something else not mentioned in the requirements or that something is not notarized properly or needs to be translated or some such arbitrary obstacle that typifies Mexican bureaucracy. Online, I get my permit if my name and the VIN clears, and the trip is on. If they don't like my docs later I'll resend them at my leisure. I'm glad they don't require all the docs scanned and approved before getting the permit, but it does seem to be a giant loophole since by the time they require the docs your car has been in Mexico a long time.

The car permits are obtained in Nvo Laredo at the main immigration bldg which lies between and connects to both bridges I and II. It is possible to park at a cambio lot just after crossing II and walk to the bldg which I did for a few years before it sunk in that all those cars in the main lot must be getting there somehow. The route to the bldg is marked w signs but it can be confusing the first time. Once you know the way it's no big deal.