Forums > General > Traveling Mexico

Laura

Jun 28, 2002, 8:44 AM

Post #1 of 7 (1092 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

I have been trying to figure out exactly what I need to bring my car into Mexico. I just purchased it in Texas but will be registering it in Mass. (my permanent residence). I paid for the car in cash so I have the Texas title; however, when I register here in Mass. they will issue me a new title which could take months to get. Does anyone know if a registration receipt is sufficient to cross the border or do you need the actual title in hand? Also, what other documents will I need? I was under the impression that I would be issued a 6 month visa and could get my fm3 once I was in Mexico.
I just spoke with the Mexican consulate in Laredo, however, and was told I need to go to the consulate in Boston and have my student visa before I can cross the border. I'm not even sure what I will be doing in Mexico. I plan on taking a few spanish classes at the University but I'm not a full-time student. I will also probably be working at a friend's company but not being paid (internship).
Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Rolly

Jun 28, 2002, 9:33 AM

Post #2 of 7 (1092 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

Why not postpone registering the car in Mass until you have done your Mexico visit? That way you can use the Texas title which you have now.You will need a credit card and a driver’s license. Nobody here cares that the states on the title and driver’s license don’t match.You can enter Mexico on a simple tourist visa (FMT) and get your FM3/student visa in Mexico. Be sure to bring proof of income. And you will need a US passport.Be sure to buy Mexican auto insurance. Your US insurance is not valid in Mexico.

Laura

Jun 28, 2002, 10:10 AM

Post #3 of 7 (1089 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

Thanks Rolly,
The problem is I need to get plates for the car and in order to do this I need insurance. My only option is to do this in Mass. where I have a permanent address.
Do you know if a registration receipt is enough?
I have spoken with the Mexican consulate in both Boston and Texas and they could not answer my quesion (The Boston office told me to call Laredo, the Laredo office told me to call Boston)

Rolly

Jun 28, 2002, 10:38 AM

Post #4 of 7 (1089 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

No, I do not know if the receipt alone is enough. But you can use the bill of sale if you still have that. (That’s how I brought my pickup to Mexico; I didn’t have my registration yet.) You might also get a certified copy of your Texas papers. The point is that the
Mexican authorities want proof that you own the car. That's all they care about.Are you sure you can't buy 30-day insurance in Texas and get your plates there? I have never done that, but I have seen posts from people who claim to have done it.The Mexican consulate system is separate from the customs service, and they don't not know what the customs people want. My contact at the LA consulate told me that.Where do you live in Mass? I once lived in Burlington and worked in Cambridge.

Laura

Jun 28, 2002, 10:48 AM

Post #5 of 7 (1088 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

Thanks again, Rolly.
I'm originally from Norfolk (about 25 min. south of Boston), but I have been living in Guadalajara for the last 2 years.
I'm going to do what you suggested and try to see if I can get Texas plates. I will also post another message to see if anyone knows more about the 30 day policy.
I really appreciate all your help!

Rolly

Jun 28, 2002, 11:10 AM

Post #6 of 7 (1088 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

You might want to post your question on the Ajijic/Chapala board. That's where I read of those folks doing stuff in Texas.

Jun 28, 2002, 4:59 PM

Post #7 of 7 (1088 views)

Shortcut

questions on bringing a car to Mexico

Can't Post |

registration receipt is good to cross. JD