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Dollie

Feb 27, 2010, 12:58 PM

Post #1 of 6 (2865 views)

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Car Permit Problem

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Our family drove to Mexico in 2006. We crossed in Laredo. The permit was in my husbands name. A month later, we came back to the US and turned in the permit and crossed without problem.

Last night we tried to get a permit online and it says the permit is still outstanding. We have already traded the van in for another car and have nothing other than the papers for the new trade that the van came back to the US.

We had all the receipts but our home burned down two months ago and we lost everything including the box of receipts.

What can we do to cancel the permit?

Thanks!

(This post was edited by Dollie on Feb 27, 2010, 12:58 PM)

Reefhound

Feb 27, 2010, 7:18 PM

Post #2 of 6 (2821 views)

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Re: [Dollie] Car Permit Problem

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Wow, what a predicament. I believe you but if I was an immigrations official used to hearing excuses I'd probably be rolling my eyes and thinking "what are the odds"? Sounds like it's going to come down to either you being out of luck or them accepting an affidavit.

I remember seeing something on a website by "MexicoMike" about their being a procedure for this and a phone number to call but he was selling the info. I know there is for totaled vehicles and stolen vehicles but that requires you towing the car to a dealer or filing a police report while in Mexico. I think you're going to have to just make lots of phone calls and visit your nearest Mx consulate and keep asking until you get the one person out of ten who may know the answer.

In the meantime, perhaps you can obtain a permit in your name for another vehicle? You may have to use a relative's address.

What I do is scan all my important documents and they are hosted online. Also makes it easy to email them back to support your online permit. There are also online services which can backup your computer which is not a bad idea anyway.

Reefhound

Feb 28, 2010, 9:59 AM

Post #3 of 6 (2770 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Car Permit Problem

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Here is the website I was thinking of. I cannot vouch for the accuracy or reliability of it. FYI only.

If you cannot drive back to the Mexican border or the car was stolen or sold in the USA, I can supply you with a phone number to call Hacienda that has some English-speaking operators. There is a procedure to take care of a lost Mexican vehicle permit, but it takes time - about six months. I charge a miniscule amount for this service. If your peace of mind is not worth that much to you, please don't write me.

Dollie

Mar 1, 2010, 5:42 PM

Post #4 of 6 (2699 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Car Permit Problem

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Thank you so much Reefhound!

We have talked to someone who works at the border and he said as long as we have the paperwork showing we traded the van there should not be a problem. He gave us his extension and told us to tell them to call him once we get to Laredo if there is any problems.

I guess we can chance it. We can always put it in my name but we hate that permit hanging over hubby's name.

I hate the Laredo crossing. (I have been robbed by the police there in 2004, on the Mexican side, I had my birth certificate stole off the counter there in 2005, so this is just one more thing in a long line of bad experiences there)

I appreciate you very much!

Reefhound

Mar 1, 2010, 6:59 PM

Post #5 of 6 (2676 views)

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Re: [Dollie] Car Permit Problem

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Hmmm, I would take anything like that with a grain of salt. If your online permit attempt was blocked then it is definitely in their computers and will show up as outstanding. I've seen some more on the process. There is a form which comes from Aduanas office in Mexico City, that you take to your local sheriff or police station and have them sign vouching that the car has been destroyed or returned. Then Banjercito will clear your file.

Now you may get a clerk in person to clear it (if they even have those rights) or ignore it but you won't know til you get there.

Dollie

Mar 22, 2010, 3:55 PM

Post #6 of 6 (2522 views)

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Re: [Reefhound] Car Permit Problem

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Hubby showed them the papers we got from the bank showing we traded the van in for our newer SUV and they cancelled the permit in Laredo. No problems at all which was a relief. (and a shock)