TIP (Permiso de Importación Temporal de Vehículos)
A TIP, or Temporary Import Permit (Permiso de Importación Temporal de Vehículos), is the permit that lets a foreigner drive a foreign-plated vehicle in Mexico outside the border free zone for a limited time. It is issued by Banjercito, the military bank that handles vehicle permits.
Key rules
- Who can get one: tourists (valid for the length of their FMM, up to 180 days) and residentes temporales (valid while their residency is valid).
- Who cannot: permanent residents. They must nationalize the car or take it out of Mexico.
- Deposit: a refundable deposit based on the vehicle's age, plus a permit fee, paid online in advance or at the border.
- Free zone: not needed in the border strip, Baja California, Baja California Sur, and parts of Sonora.
Always cancel the TIP when you leave Mexico for good. If it expires while the car is in Mexico, the car can be seized and you can lose the deposit. See our TIP guide and Mexican plates.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a TIP to drive in Baja California?
No. Baja California and Baja California Sur are in the free zone.
Can a permanent resident have a TIP?
No. Permanent residents cannot keep a foreign-plated car in Mexico under a TIP.
How do I get my TIP deposit back?
Cancel the permit at a Banjercito module when you exit Mexico with the vehicle.
Official sources
- Banjercito: Vehicle permitsbanjercito.com.mx
General information, not legal advice. NorthAmericans.com is independent and not affiliated with any government.