How to Cross the Border from US to Mexico in a Car | QUICK GUIDE

This is a "How to" QUICK GUIDE on crossing the border from the US to Mexico in a car with foreign (non Mexican) plates. When researching how to drive across the border I came across way too many videos on KZbin that were 10, 15, 20 minutes long and who has time to watch all that? So I decided to make a better one for those looking for good information, QUICKLY!
***Edit: I have heard mixed reports about completing the entire TIP process online. Some say it can be done and others have stated that it cannot. When I was researching the process myself the Banjercito website was often spotty or non functional. For me, I’d rather just visit the Banjercito in person. You will need to stop at the border crossing and get your FMM stamped either way and often the Banjercito and Immigration Office are in the same building. We are not claiming this is the ONLY way to complete the process, but do believe it is the easiest way with the highest rate of success.
Documents needed to cross the border:
1. Valid Driver's License
2. Passport
3. Multiple Immigration Form (FMM)
4. Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
5. Mexican Auto Insurance
6. Original and Copies of Vehicle Registration
7. Original and Copies of Vehicle Title
Wilson's Tips;
1. Make sure your vehicle registration is up to date and not expired. You can face fines and penalties up to vehicle confiscation.
2. Have both the originals and copies of all needed documentation printed out before you get to the border.
3. Don't leave the border without getting your FMM stamped first. There will be a checkpoint several miles down the road. If your FMM is not stamped you will have to return to the border.
4. Don't forget to stop at the border Banjercito and cancel your permit before you leave the country. This is the only way to get a refund for your deposit. You do not have to visit the same one as the border crossing you entered the country at.
Websites Referenced:
FMM Info:
www.inm.gob.mx
TIP Info:
www.mexperience.com
Mexican Auto Insurance:
www.mexicanautoinsurance.com

[@denali9449]

Thank you.Nice tutorial on crossing the border with a vehicle. Short, to the point and accurate. Been a while since I last made the trip and have learned that a few of the 'rules' have changed, appreciate your efforts!

[@whatsworthfightingf4]

great video thank you for your attention to detail

[@user-hv9sg5pl8b]

Did it once, never again. Got shaken down by the police within 30 minutes of crossing into Tijuana. Completed my business and got back into line to get out of Mexico.

[@Castaways_Travel]

Sorry that happened to you. Experiences may vary.

[@raj_vora]

Super helpful thank you!

[@Castaways_Travel]

We’re glad it was helpful. Thanks for watching!

[@LoveLightSalsa]

Thank you in advance ☺️ Just found this channel, while researching crossing into Mexico. To look more official and less bohemian. Such as clean tidy car, items packed, organized lists, documents, my dog. Since, traveling a long distance. All this, so I am less likely to be searched, detained, profiled. Anyone here have a copy of their preparation, or a do and don’t list or example of how they did, are doing or will do the crossing?

[@aminmuhammad8061]

How do you get the title for financed car ? Normally financing agencies have that in possession. Thank you

[@Castaways_Travel]

If your vehicle is financed, you will need to obtain a letter of permission from the lender, allowing you to drive it in Mexico. www.mexpro.com/blog/driving-financed-vehicles-mexico/

[@truckproductions]

the bloody handprint logo is an interesting choice lol

[@Castaways_Travel]

Wilson is a character in the movie Castaway with Tom Hanks. He’s a volleyball that Hanks befriends while stranded for years on a deserted island.

[@user-xq8ii1ut7s]

Can i apply for the FMM online and just take copies ??. Do they ask for car registration , pink slip and do you need Mexican insurance ?? Im arriving as a Tourist. Do they check or ask about Bank accounts ? Any information will be Greatly appreciated. Thanks !! Thanks !!

[@Castaways_Travel]

All these are answered in the video and description.

[@amilcargonzalez866]

I am having trouble finding the FMM form. I went to the site you listed but there is nothing to fill out when you click on the pdf. Would you happen to know what I can do about it?

[@Castaways_Travel]

Try: www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html#

[@ellamala7296]

What consulate do I have to use traveling from los angeles to me ico via land?

[@Castaways_Travel]

This video is mostly just about the Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit process. If you plan to drive a vehicle beyond the Mexico Free Zone you will need to purchase a Mexico TIP. The vehicle import permit can ONLY be obtained from Banjercito, the official Mexican issuing agency. Get your permit online at the Banjercito website or at the Mexico border.

[@rickytapia38]

I thought you didn’t need the TIP if you are anywhere in baja california?

[@Castaways_Travel]

Correct. You do NOT need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit for driving in any part of the Baja California Peninsula, Quintana Roo, the northwest portion of Sonora (the area west of the 15D and north of Guayamas), and within 25 kilometers of the borders. This video was filmed at a Texas border crossing.

[@tiacudi]

What would be the best thing to do of your vehicle is financed and don't have a title yet?

[@Castaways_Travel]

I believe you need either the title OR the registration, and the rental agreement in the case of a rental car. www.mexconnect.com/articles/14-entry-of-private-vehicles-into-mexico/#:~:text=Traveling%20by%20car,the%20person%20driving%20the%20vehicle.

[@josephhale8624]

If it is not too late, My understanding is that you need a letter of permission from the lien holder.

[@ivan199120]

All you need is the registration. Gone many times with no questions asked.

[@atyt3228]

Does anyone know if you can take an ATV in the back of your car?

[@Castaways_Travel]

Motorcycles, ATVs, etc. If you are towing or carrying other single passenger motorized vehicles, these may be registered with the car that is towing or carrying them. You must show proof of ownership of all vehicles and you can only bring up-to three single-passenger vehicles-one each for up to three passengers traveling in the main vehicle. All vehicles must be exported together when you leave Mexico. www.mexperience.com/temporary-import-permit-tip-vehicles-mexico/

[@atyt3228]

@@Castaways_Travel if I take an suv can I still take the atv, or any motorcycle( off road one) or it has to be a truck or a carry on trailer?

[@cynthiatorres1678]

Can i get FMM and Tip online, or do you recommend i get both of those at the border?

[@Castaways_Travel]

You can find the answer to this question in the description. Hope that helps!

[@cynthiatorres1678]

The reason I ask is because I signed up to the Facebook page you mentioned and I asked them the same question, and they all suggest just getting it at the border. Even the administrator suggested getting it the day of. I have to stop at banjercito regardless and applying online will not get things done that much quicker. But based on your recommendation, you say it is quicker. Regardless, thank you for this video. It truly has been helpful and lead me in the right direction. ❤

[@Castaways_Travel]

@@cynthiatorres1678 yes we recommended the same - just getting it in person since you have to stop anyway and the website sucks.

[@cynthiatorres1678]

​@@Castaways_Travel Haha! Yes! Thanks again! 😊

[@hostumameow2029]

If I’m just entering Mexico to stay in TJ do I need to buy the TIP?

[@Castaways_Travel]

“You don't need a temporary vehicle permit while traveling in the "hassle-free zone", or the Sonora free zone, which includes an approximately 12-mile (or 20 kilometer) wide area south of the Mexican border, the western half of Sonora, and the entirety of the Baja Peninsula, including Baja California Norte and Baja California Sur. However, you'll still need to get an entry permit from a National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) office after you cross the border into Mexico.”

[@hostumameow2029]

@@Castaways_Travel ah ok I just looked that up and I guess the permit is purchasable only if you are staying longer than 7 days.

[@ellamala7296]

I tried so many times getting TIP online but the site is not working. Is this normal?

[@Castaways_Travel]

From description: I have heard mixed reports about completing the entire TIP process online. Some say it can be done and others have stated that it cannot. When I was researching the process myself the Banjercito website was often spotty or non functional. For me, I’d rather just visit the Banjercito in person. You will need to stop at the border crossing and get your FMM stamped either way and often the Banjercito and Immigration Office are in the same building. We are not claiming this is the ONLY way to complete the process, but do believe it is the easiest way with the highest rate of success.

[@ellamala7296]

Thank you so much

[@user-ch3dn2tr1v]

Legally never mind I’ll find another one

[@Castaways_Travel]

Haha. Maybe I should’ve been more clear about that in the title. Sorry.

[@khadija2fly]

😂😂😂

[@gto6828]

yeah dineros cash my migo 😂

[@thomasmoroney1079]

The way this country is going more people will be going there

[@jennifershatto857]

Can I take my car to Mexico if I still have a loan?

[@Castaways_Travel]

I believe you have to get a note from the lien holder. Check those helpful websites in the description. The Facebook group “On the Road in Mexico” is also a very helpful page of a community with a wealth of knowledge. I’m positive you could search your question there and it would come up.

[@ivan199120]

As far as Mexico goes and getting the permit, all you need is the registration. Done it many times with a lien on our vehicles, no questions asked.

[@user-kc7fh1ft2w]

I'm from Canada driving to Mexico in my own personal car. Do I need all this crap or is a passport and drivers licence good enough? I'm just going into Los algodore to get my teeth fixed up.

[@Castaways_Travel]

Yes of course you do. Why would this process be for US residents only?

[@user-kc7fh1ft2w]

@@Castaways_Travel ok what if I park my ride on the us side n just walk across?

[@Castaways_Travel]

@@user-kc7fh1ft2w we are not experts on crossing and never claimed to be. Most of the questions asked here I simply Google the answers for. But yes, I’m fairly positive if you don’t take a car across the border then you don’t need to fill out paperwork for bringing a car into Mexico.

[@johndenniss6224]

I don't understand bringing your original title to the border.

[@Castaways_Travel]

🤷🏽‍♂️ The whole process is pretty dumb in my opinion. But this is what they want to see at the border. We didn’t make the policy, just trying to help others with quick and accurate information on how to cross.