Mexico Car Import Permit (TIP) Checker & Cost
Check whether your car can come with you, and what you will pay at Banjercito.
Deposit by model year
| Model year | Refundable deposit |
|---|---|
| 2007 and newer | USD 400 |
| 2001 to 2006 | USD 300 |
| 2000 and older | USD 200 |
Free-zone boundaries come from independent guides because the official Banjercito and customs pages could not be read when we checked. Confirm with Banjercito before you travel.
Staying longer than 180 days? A temporary resident card keeps your permit valid; see the income and savings calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a temporary import permit for a car in Mexico?
A processing fee of about USD 59.16 at the border or a consulate (USD 52.2 online), tax included, plus a refundable deposit of USD 400 for 2007 and newer cars, USD 300 for 2001 to 2006 models and USD 200 for 2000 and older.
Can permanent residents get a TIP?
No. Only visitors and temporary residents can bring a foreign-plated car in on a temporary import permit. If you become a permanent resident, the car has to leave Mexico, be imported permanently where that is allowed, or stay in a free zone.
How long is the permit valid?
For visitors, up to 180 days, matching your visitor permit. For temporary residents, as long as your residency card, renewals included.
Do I need a permit for Baja California?
Usually not if you stay on the Baja California peninsula or inside the Sonora free zone. You do need one to drive further into mainland Mexico. You need Mexican car insurance everywhere.
How do I get my deposit back?
Cancel the permit at a Banjercito office at the border when the car leaves Mexico, before the permit ends. If you do not, you lose the deposit, the car is treated as illegally in Mexico, and you cannot get another permit while the old one is open.
When can I apply online?
Online applications open 60 days before you travel and close 10 days before.
Sources
- Consulado de Mexico en Houston - permiso importacion temporal (updated 10-Oct-2025) (official)
- gob.mx - Que se necesita para tramitar un permiso (Banjercito) (official)
- Consulado en Los Angeles - Banjercito ($59.16 incl. IVA) (official)
- Ley Aduanera art. 106 (mley.mx) (independent guide)
- Mexperience - TIP guide (13-Oct-2026) (independent guide)
- La Opinion 21-Jun-2026 citing ANAM (independent guide)
Rules last checked: Fri, 16 October 2026. Rules change; if something looks out of date, trust the official source (INM, the SAT or your Mexican consulate) over this page.