Paperwork for Buying/Selling a Used Car in Mexico

[@qroo]

Ready to Move to Mexico? Check out the COMPLETE Mexico Relocation Guide bit.ly/3SICdD0 Boost Your Spanish kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKvGYqKIiKaDh5I

[@crappocrappoproductions-ak9403]

Nice to hear that Mexico is still the paper bureaucracy that I remember. Back in the 1980s, enterprising individuals would buy a few Xerox machines and set up a small copy center near government offices such as the DMV. It was almost guaranteed to bring lots of customers. Viva Mexico ! 🇲🇽

[@Teporame]

Really? It is far easier to buy a new car in Mexico, than in the USA. I have got new cars in both countries. To purchase a car in the USA is a big hassle.

[@vinconssier4224]

Yes they still do that now LOL

[@MEN101]

So I was buying a semi new car from a dealer in Mexico and they wanted to sell without the original factura. They say they can’t release it as they need it themselves for the government audit. I’m told that if you buy a car without original factura then you will have big problems with insurance companies and selling it later on.

[@lailja21]

I click the like button before I even click the play button. It's a given.

[@jackwilliams9114]

Me too!!!

[@tombrooks9699]

Great video Paul; If you could speak about the purchase of a new car/truck and the things to avoid. And who is responsible for the paperwork etc. Thanks again

[@qroo]

Good topic idea. Thanks. So many videos...so little time...lol.

[@WiseOwl-1]

I want to add something about buying a used car from a private party vs from a dealership. I’ve purchased 3 almost new (5km-16km on the odometer) cars from dealerships and the reason that I wouldn’t purchase from a private party is because of the original facturas required and the way that insurance companies handle a collision when your vehicle is written off as a total loss. I was T-boned by a guy who ran a red light (surprise surprise) and my vehicle was a total loss. I had purchased from a very reputable dealership who handled the transfer of ownership, registration and acquiring new plates. After the accident, my insurance company needed all the paperwork including the original factura (the one that the original new car deal receives from the manufacturer). I didn’t have that very 1st factura, and it turns out that the car was originally sold as new in another state. My insurance company told me “well, you’ll need to travel to that state and get the original”. Luckily, the dealership that I had purchased the car from was able to contact their headquarters in CDMX and they sent the original by DHL. I doubt that a private party would have that document (I could be wrong) but without it, I couldn’t transfer my wrecked vehicle’s title to my insurance company and collect my money.

[@qroo]

Thanks for sharing that info. The insurance companies in Mexico can be a huge pain.

[@jjsc3334]

Lucky to live in Mexico, too much drama in America.

[@lorabarton3403]

Your information videos are on good topics, I like your format of short videos addressing. Very specific topics

[@qroo]

Thanks, Lora.

[@greatdaneacdc]

Best video on this subject I found yet! Finally I hear that it can be a little different every where you go to register a vehicle. Just subscribe! Thanks

[@davebacon6194]

invaluable source for those of us moving to mexico

[@northsouth1316]

Paul is correct in saying things could be different in different states. The state I live in is not even close to being that strick. In fact, an old beater truck I have in town, I just paid-a-guy-that-knows--guy, and I have full title, registration in my name with my address, registration stickers, with all back taxes paid. Done.

[@qroo]

That is the best way to get things done. Pay a guy who gets things done. :)

[@brettd3206]

In Irapuato, my amigo bought a used VW at a Toyota dealer with cash. He went with documentation and the agreed upon amount. We then spent over 4 hours completing the transaction, including a trip across town to have the vehicle inspected.

[@oscarleon3008]

Perfect timing, thanks Paul! I'm hoping to buy a motorcycle in the next couple of weeks here.

[@qroo]

Happy motoring. :)

[@ggala48]

Paul, where can I get information on bringing a camper/trailer to Queretaro? I will be hitching up to someone else's pickup truck.

[@Msmargret1]

Good call on the visitor's card. It's not just airports, and Q'roo!

[@juanchavarria1815]

Wow that us a huge difference compared to the requiremets for buying a car in the U S Have you that about putting this type of process in a flow chart? Just curious. Thanks a lot for sharing

[@allanzfs]

Ay Dios mio! I found another reason to use Uber and public transportation. However a really good video. Thank you.

[@qroo]

You're welcome!

[@korsi500]

Hi QRoo Paul. Can you tell me if there is a free site to check the VIN number on a car for thefts or unpaid fees and taxes. Essentially a vehicle history before you buy a used car? Thanks love your videos always.

[@carlosmendez3955]

You can check the unpaid taxes through the plate in the government page, about the theft report I'm not so sure how you can do it

[@vinconssier4224]

Thanks man. I just sold my car in Chiapas. The guys gave me cash and didn’t even care about signing any documents. They only wanted to see the facture and payments I made. I insisted that we sign a basic contract that says who bought it and when. We did that. But they didn’t seem to think it was necessary lol.

[@douglasrobinson8491]

Hey Paul, could you do a video explaining that people may need to plan WAY more time for their residency renewals now? I'm in cancun and I went to start my renewal about 30 days before it expired - only to find they now require you to set up an appointment at the INM office to file it, and the appointments are booked out 60 days in advance! I'm screwed and my residency is going to expire, because of how overbooked they are.... I hope someone such as yourself can bring some awareness of this to others so they're able to plan accordingly

[@Mrkevi123]

This is exactly what i was looking for!!! Thanks bro

[@Kathryn551]

I don't see the foreign plated transfer video.. did I miss it??

[@Mrkevi123]

Do they do they require Smog checks in Mexico? Do they require insurance? How often do you pay registration fees? Tags. Every year?

[@soulshine8531]

I should’ve known you’d have a video with on this! Yours are the best! I’ll watch this again. But has anyone created an account with Carfax Mexico? I’m missing something when trying to do it. I have a report on a car from US but trying to get it for after it was brought here and registered Mexican. I didn’t anticipate needing a car so soon but I’m out in the boonies. I did find out the mileage must’ve been turned back after it was brought here. What if i am just renting from a friend no electric bill or water bill? It’s so difficult for me to get help where i am. I did manage to get my TR card. I had pets and stuff so used a transporter but i regret not bringing my car.

[@JuanPablo-td8vu]

Tip: in some states the government has a service in which they check if the car is wanted for crimes or stolen

[@soulshine8531]

If it’s an imported car from the US there wouldn’t be a fracture correct? But the imported paperwork.

[@ahuehuete4703]

Thanks for reminding me of why Mexico can be a pain in the butt sometimes. Also, isn't it interesting how a Mexican Voter ID is considered a superior form of ID to a driver's license? And you have to show that ID to vote in Mexico (no vote by mail either). And after you vote, they stain your thumb with a special ink that doesn't wash off.

[@j.m.5995]

Always wondered about that myself. Some Mexican laws in writing make a great amount of sense

[@sat66666]

Nice video Paul. Hopefully, in the future, there will be one on vehicle insurance

[@jonmeek3879]

Wow ! Very involved, new car much less complicated

[@qroo]

New cars are easy. The factura will have your name on it. :)

[@PalaminoHills]

JUST A MINOR POINT you might be asked about some day: When I bought my 2020 Italika motorcycle, the dealer offered to register it for me, so plates were already on it when I went in next day. New CARS also, I believe. Something you might explain in another video. THANKS! from Querétaro!

[@qroo]

Yes, I recommend people make a deal with the dealer to register the vehicle. It makes life soooooooooooooooooo much easier. :)

[@jeffmarshall5089]

Hi Paul. I want to legally ship my wife's car to QROO, PDC and have learned that we need a Customs Agent. Is there a recommended website you can post. Thanks.

[@suzylawson9830]

What if you are selling the car in a different state than the one the car is registered/plated? My car is registered in Oaxaca and I will be selling it in Jalisco.

[@hoppeanofasgard1365]

There was a facebook group I was in where there were some people offering to get Mexican license plates for a car I wanted to bring down, Is it at all possible these people could actually get plates without registering the vehicle? How is this even done?

[@judithanderson748]

What is the name of the government office you need to go to to register a car in Mexico?

[@amylichtenstein8192]

Hi There, your videos are so valuable! If I’m. It going to be physically here when my car is being sold, can I sign the documents in advance and leave with a trusted friend? Also what and when needs to happen with the plates?

[@JoanOfArgghh]

It's all interesting, never dry.

[@qroo]

Thank you. :)

[@maricelarooper9558]

Is it worth bringing my 2022 truck to Mexico. How much will that cost and will bringing it to Mexico cause attention?

[@yaz_4733]

do you have any information on bringing a car from mexico to the us?

[@davidjonas6939]

Paul, what happens if you lose the Original factura? Can you sell the car with an official copy of the Factura (ie from the dealership), approved by a lawyer?

[@qroo]

It can be a pain but it can be done. In some areas, you have to start your journey at the Ministerio Publico to explain what happened to this thing in the first place. Once authorized to get a new one, you can contact the dealer and jump through their hoops. Then you finish this up by heading to the Notaria to get it all finalized.

[@YosiNaturalGuerrera]

Hi there, I am from Cuba, I grew up in Florida and, back in 2021 I migrated to Mexico on My Jeep as a Camper, therefore, I like to sell the car but did not legalized the cat in Mexico. Do you have a video with the stps to legalized the car doing it online with The Government ? And yes, I am looking for the carta responsiva. I am in Quintana Roo.

[@qroo]

No, I used to but I took it down when some of the regulations changed. You will need to contact an agente aduanal to handle the process. They are located along the northern border. You will also need a an emissions test which you can only get up there too. Not every vehicle is even eligible to be imported. They will tell you quickly and give you the costs.

[@mlrussell8318]

i’ve had a middleman obtain mx car plates and docs for my US car - is there a site I can verify the plates provided are legal? thx!

[@TheTiltedOne]

Thank you for this. Very helpful

[@MrHollywood2021]

Hey Paul, can you tell me more for the seller's requirements? We already sold and have the transfer paper with the witnesses, but want to release our liability from the car. Thanks!

[@qroo]

That transfer document (carta responsiva) is all you need to prove that the car is not yours in the event that it is involved in an accident or crime somewhere down the road.

[@vallin61]

Hello Pual my name Oscar have a question regarding bringing my wife’s car from puerto Vallarta to California car is still being paid to a bank in Mexico car has a Co signer wish her mom can we bring the car over to California my wife just became a legal resident please note my wife is paying for her car and can you please guide me how to or were to start this process I’m in American citizen please help thank you Oscar

[@TheMoncada1]

if you are a temporary or permanent resident of Mexico, can you have a US drivers license. Or are you required to get a Mexican drivers license

[@WiseOwl-1]

You can use a foreign driver’s license as long as it hasn’t expired. Having said that, getting my Mexican license was super easy.

[@bettyli6635]

Here in Cozumel we (Permanent Residents) were all told in 2020 that we would not be allowed to renew our tags in 2021 unless we had a Mexican drivers license. And it was true when I renewed in January 2021. I had a Mexican license for my car but not my scooter so I had to go and get that.

[@WiseOwl-1]

@@bettyli6635 … It’s understandable that different States have different rules. I’m in Jalisco and no issues for me, I’ve owned 3 cars and have never been asked for any type of driver’s license or even proof of insurance when registering my cars

[@qroo]

It's not even by state, it is by municipality even though the plates are state plates. In Quintana Roo, each municipality has slightly different requirements. Like the immigration ones. You need a resident card to get state plates in the municipality were Playa del Carmen is located but just south in Tulum. So odd.

[@WiseOwl-1]

@@qroo Yeah, weird.

[@rayaaron2232]

Hello Paul , So I Live In Tijuana , I Cross To Work Everyday To San Diego , My Car Is A 96 Nissan , With New Law In Baja CA , Mexico You Can Register Your Car Starting 2;500- 5;000 Pesos , The Catch With The New Law Is American Or CA License Plate Will Be Considered " Chocolate Carros" . Have You Research These Issue Before. ? . . .

[@qroo]

The new law is really just a decree from the president with no implementation rules and a pending legal challenge from the automotive industry. I call it legislation by movie trailer...lol. I will be doing a video on that one as well.

[@joshlevoy8798]

Paul please give details on getting a Mexican drivers license. I’m a temporary resident and wanting to get a Mexican license

[@qroo]

The requirements vary by municipality. In most of them, no written or road test is required if you already have a foreign license.

[@joshlevoy8798]

@@qroo Im in Baja would that still apply

[@jackb1803]

In Jalisco, only need to take a short written test and vision check if your license is still valid. If not, you will also need to take a driving test.

[@luiscantu1393]

Qroo, Great videos. What can you tell me about buying a Mexican car and trying to register it in Texas or other US state? BTW I have dual citizenship US born the Mexican citizenship obtained 2022. Thanks

[@Drewmongous978]

I am wondering if you know the answer to this situation, I bought a car from Yucatán and the registration has expired and we were told because of covid we didn’t have to rush to renew it. We have moved to Quintana Roo and are selling the car. Not sure if taxes now have to be paid to QRoo or YUC or if there are any taxes needed to be paid at all. Expiration date was Dec 2019

[@pmc7723]

Excellent video. Many thanks for the information.

[@qroo]

Thanks for watching.

[@gregorgman]

Paul, this is great. You da man!

[@qroo]

Thanks, Greg.

[@bhahn3617]

This is super helpful! I have a question - We own a home in Oaxaca and my husband has his temporary visa. Can we bring his 2002 truck into Mexico for the duration/renewal of his temporary visa?

[@qroo]

Yes.

[@928RealEstate]

Hey Paul, generally speaking how much is registration per year and vehicle insurance?

[@qroo]

For my 2017 Nissan kicks, the registration runs less than $20 USD a year and my insurance is about $30 USD a month for full coverage. It was $60 a month when the car was new but it goes down every year as the car depreciates.

[@928RealEstate]

@@qroo thanks bro!

[@putridreviews]

Helpful as always 👏👏👏

[@davidjonas6939]

Great video. I have one question about selling my car in Mexico : I bought the car in Cancun a year ago, but have lost my original factura, and now want to sell the car in Mexico city. (I do have the other car papers, just not the original factura). What do you recommend I do to enable a proper ie legal sale of the vehicle?

[@MEN101]

Lower the price by 50% is your best bet

[@gm1257]

Hello Paul, we have been thoroughly enjoying all of your videos. There’s one thing about bringing US cars into Mexico that I am not clear about. From your other videos I understand that it is not necessary to secure a US car importation permit when driving in Baja California Norte and Sur. But what about a scenario where you are taking a ferry from La Paz in Baja California Sur to Mazatlan in the State of Sinaloa? Are you required to secure a temporary importation permit then? I look forward to hearing your answer in one of your future car videos. Thank you!

[@qroo]

Yes, if you plan to take it over to the mainland, you will need a temporary import permit or it can be subject to seizure.

[@gm1257]

@@qroo Thank you very much Paul!

[@laurierobertson2808]

Hi there ! I can't seem to find your video about the financial requirements for applying for a residency visa. Can you send me the link ? Thanks so much ! Your info is outstanding! Muchos Gracious! Laurie

[@qroo]

We don't have a video on that one yet but we are working on one. The problem is that they vary by consulate for a variety of reasons. The Mexican Consulate in San Diego has the most detailed information on their site: consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/index.php/visas/visas-eng

[@joegutierrez5430]

What about a car that you are taking from the US and have the registration and title in your name?

[@qroo]

Now you are talking about either temporarily or permanently importing a vehicle into Mexico. That is another topic altogether.

[@2GringosOnTheGulf]

Perfect timing thanks brother 🙏 Take care u 2 crazy kids Cheers J&D 🍻

[@billiebowden1055]

The importance of the original factura for your car can not be underestimated! If you lose or have the factura stolen, you must go to court with an attorney to get a legal document called a “ jurisdicion voluntario”. This may take 6 months to a year. Your insurance company will not pay you without this document. Not do they tell you up front that you need this, even though the insurance company made a copy of it and wrote a policy with it.

[@qroo]

Great tips, Billie. Thanks for sharing.

[@deborahquinette4569]

Hi Paul, what if your a permanent resident in Mexico but want to bring your US car to Mexico permanently what’s the process to get it nationalized? Or should we sell our US plated car and buy a Mexican plated one ? I’ve heard of tons of people getting ripped off . Thanks

[@qroo]

The easiest option is to buy one in Mexico. Many cars are not even eligible to be imported permanently. If you don't live along the border, the requirements are that the vehicle was manufactured in North America and is either 8 or 9 years old. It is a very narrow window. You would also have to hire a custom's broker to complete the process and pay taxes and fees.

[@ruthduran7395]

We love this content!

[@qroo]

Thanks!

[@phildodd5532]

Paul, got a video on claiming Residency(inside Mexico) through marriage to a Mexican citizen? Thanks.

[@qroo]

Check out this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHe4oaeVgpygj7s

[@northsouth1316]

@@qroo Phil - You may find this interesting....a couple here in town that are permanent residents, had a baby here in Mexico, and by proxy(not sure that's the right term,) the baby automatically made them Mexican Citizens.

[@HouseDoneLifeOver]

@@northsouth1316 Yes, that's called an anchor baby. Thanks baby:) There's still paperwork and a test, I think....

[@jonconner3019]

I was told by a lawyer in Cabo that you cannot legally drive a car without being a Mexican legal resident and you cannot legally drive a Mexican plated car without being a legal resident. So for example, I could get my residency status and then buy a car at a Mexican dealership and register and drive it. But my kids when visiting cannot legally drive it of they are not legal residents.

[@dodgeplow]

That's not true or no tourist would be able to rent a car. People drive across the border too for visits and various reasons. perhaps it applies only to locally owned vehicles, but I would not use that lawyer for anything and get the opinion of another lawyer.

[@user-pi6mx]

Do a video on how to purchase a house please

[@qroo]

I do have one on the legalities of foreigners owning property in Mexico: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kICnhpumbbKGd5I I do have more planned that cover the steps to buy, closing costs etc.

[@hivolco151]

I want to bring my car.. it's old but good... 18 years old ... wondering what I can do and how much it will cost?

[@qroo]

You won't be able to permanently import the vehicle into mexico because it is to old, but not yet a classic car (30 years). If you stay in the northern border areas or Baja California, you won't have an issue driving it in and using it. If you go anywhere else in the country you will need to get a temporary import permit and the vehicle will must be removed when your tourist visa is up or your temporary residency status. Permanent residents cannot drive foreign plated cars. As you can see, it can be a real pain so my advice is to buy something in Mexico.

[@homayamaniShahdoost]

Do I need an FRC to register a used car from a private sale?

[@qroo]

Not usually, but the do rules vary by municipality.

[@davebacon6194]

these guys are good

[@lesbehonestpllesbehonestpl5203]

Need to do this

[@mole5959]

Thank you!!

[@promiseofapony]

I’m a tourist thing for 1 to 3 months. No address No bills, can I not buy a car?

[@MisOjosSePasearon]

No

[@carlonoble4903]

Thanks for the great info Paul.

[@fromsheeptoshepherddog6695]

Excellent video!

[@circlestar8697]

Thanks Paul very helpful.

[@shattuck71]

I have a car with a Mexican title, how do I sell it?

[@qroo]

If you do a private sale, you will follow this same procedure. Some dealerships take trade ins on new cars.

[@vivienhollatz7916]

I'm waiting to hear you one day on Spotify 🤗😂

[@qroo]

Hmmm, I've never thought of going that route. :)

[@dadedubbledee]

Can you get a Mexican driving license if you are not a citizen?

[@qroo]

If you are a temporary or permanent resident, you can.

[@billclarke3754]

Great info!

[@qroo]

Thanks!

[@tcb1017]

No car at all and no headage just live and enjoy and take a Uber or taxi or even rent when it is a plan to drive longer trips or even then take a bus. Less can sometimes be more even i the US or Canada and even Europe. End of my story.

[@FrankValenzuela-gh9dm]

Can I can I sell my car to someone that has a Mexican

[@yuccaken]

Bastante espacioso fondo negro

[@qroo]

Solo para que resalte el texto

[@BrendanMetcalfe]

😀😀

[@FrankValenzuela-gh9dm]

Mexican driver license using to take it back to Mexico

[@jackyback3975]

Register car in Mexico is more bureaucratic than in China. Who this days will provide allowed copy theirs documents. Mexico is not for me

[@knerduno5942]

There are exceptions to this from January to July of this year: "Se regularizarán autos chocolates en frontera con EU, anuncia AMLO"

[@ivanof214]

Dude said “Factura” waaaay too many times

[@miripinto1556]

So if i have a foreign drivers license i may have a problem registering the car?