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US/Mexico Crossings with car

Billyjoek

Crossing from US into Mexico with US plated/owned  vehicle; it’s ok as long as visa is temporary (6 months max) and vehicle is insured with Mexican insurance. Correct?

Purchasing a vehicle in Mexico, then crossing into US for 6 months: OK? Need US insurance coverage? Any paperwork needed? Is  crossing back into Mexico with a Mexican plated vehicle OK? Problems?

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Real estate listingsAccommodation in MexicoAccommodation in San Miguel de AllendeAccommodation in CancunAccommodation in Mexico City
Lee Beck

I'm moving there in 2 weeks.  I just got a job there too.  It's my understanding that you now show a vaccine card, your license (for the 6 mo stay they just ask how long u stay), and then the mexican insurance card/proof.  That's it.  You're waved in. 

As far as purchasing a vehicle and bringing it:

travellight

Billyjoek wrote:

Crossing from US into Mexico with US plated/owned  vehicle; it’s ok as long as visa is temporary (6 months max) and vehicle is insured with Mexican insurance. Correct?

Purchasing a vehicle in Mexico, then crossing into US for 6 months: OK? Need US insurance coverage? Any paperwork needed? Is  crossing back into Mexico with a Mexican plated vehicle OK? Problems?


Welcome Billyjoek,

So The first question is mostly right. What you are missing is the required Mexican import fee it is based on the value of the car.. When you recross the border they will refund that fee.

On the U.S. side I'm not sure except you would need U.S. recognized insurance. I believe the time frame is shorter than 6 months. You should call them and see what their current rules are. I know people who live in T.J. and work in the U.S. all have U.S. plated cars. My son who is a Calif. cop has said that the expectation is that you would live in Calif. and have Calif. plates by three months. If you are just driving back and forth you would probably be fine. Its the six month part that complicates things. If you are just going over the border you wouldn't need the import fee or to buy a Mexican car. If you plan to travel beyond the border states then it becomes more complex.

Billyjoek

Thank you for your response. We live in Minnesota, and Mazatlan is our winter escape. Everything has to be so complicated. We plan to purchase a vehicle in Mazatlan for transportation/visiting around Mexico and to airport for visitors. We also have pets. Thought driving a Mexican vehicle to Minnesota for summers would be easier. We’d use our US plated vehicles while back in states. Have no issue with our US insurance agent. Again your input has been quite appreciated.