Mexico Vehicle Import Permit (TIP) & Banjercito Guide

What is Banjercito?

Banjercito (Banco Nacional del Ejército, Fuerza Aérea y Armada) is the only institution authorized to issue Temporary Import Permits for foreign vehicles in Mexico. It operates modules at land border crossings, at some Mexican consulates in the United States, and an online portal for permits requested in advance.

Who needs a Temporary Import Permit?

You need a TIP if you drive a foreign-plated vehicle past the "free zone" (typically 20–26 km from the border) into mainland Mexico. You do not need a TIP for travel that stays entirely within the border free zone, and Baja California, Baja California Sur, and most of the Sonora Free Zone are permit-exempt for tourism.

• Driving to mainland states such as Sinaloa, Jalisco, Chihuahua interior, Nuevo León, or Mexico City — permit required
• Ferry travel from Baja to the mainland — permit required
• Beach trips within the Sonora Free Zone (Puerto Peñasco corridor) — usually no permit
• Day trips within the border free zone — no permit

Documents you need

Bring originals and copies. Everything must be in the name of the person applying, or accompanied by an authorization letter.

• Valid passport or passport card
• Immigration form (FMM/tourist card) or valid Mexican residency
• Vehicle title or current registration
• Notarized permission letter if the vehicle is leased, financed, or company-owned
• Valid driver license
• Credit or debit card in the applicant's name for the refundable deposit

Applying online through Banjercito

Banjercito accepts online applications between 7 and 60 days before your trip through its official portal (banjercito.com.mx). You upload your documents, pay the permit fee and refundable deposit by card, and the sticker and paperwork are shipped to your U.S. address. Applying online lets you skip the border module line, but leave enough time for delivery.

• Create an account and select "Importación Temporal de Vehículos"
• Enter vehicle VIN, year, make, model and your travel dates
• Upload passport, immigration document and title/registration
• Pay the permit fee plus the refundable deposit by credit card
• Receive the holograma sticker by courier and place it on the windshield

Applying at the border (Banjercito module)

If you did not apply in advance, you can process the TIP at a Banjercito module at the crossing. Most major crossings — Tijuana/Otay, Nogales, Ciudad Juárez, Nuevo Laredo, Reynosa, Matamoros, Piedras Negras, Colombia and the Sonora km-21 checkpoint — have modules, though hours vary and some close overnight. Arrive early, park at the import lot, complete your FMM first, then process the vehicle permit.

Cost and the refundable deposit

Expect roughly $50–$60 USD for the permit itself, plus a refundable deposit that depends on the vehicle model year (commonly around $200–$400 USD). The deposit is returned only if you cancel the permit before it expires and before leaving Mexico.

Cancelling your permit when you leave

This is the step travelers most often miss. You must return to a Banjercito module on the Mexican side of the border, have the sticker removed and the permit cancelled, and keep the cancellation receipt. If you leave without cancelling, you forfeit the deposit and can be blocked from getting future permits.

A permit is not insurance

A TIP allows your vehicle into Mexico; it does not cover damage or liability. Mexican law only recognizes liability coverage issued by a Mexican insurer, and U.S. policies are not valid. El Valiente issues Chubb-backed Mexico auto insurance in minutes, with roadside assistance and legal support included.

Frequently asked questions