Examinando el proceso de legalización
To legalize a car in Mexico, you must first obtain the original title or bill of sale, a request for vehicle legalization, copies of identification for Mexican citizen’s and foreigners living in Mexico, proof of citizenship and that you are a legal resident in Mexico for foreigners living in Mexico, and a Mexico Temporary Import Permit (TIP) for car imports. You must also have an electronic signature called a Fiel to show your accounting records. You will need to identify if your car is used, new, or in-transit to obtain the correct paperwork. If a car was imported to Mexico on or after 1 January 2011, you are not required to legalize the vehicle in Mexico. However, the title must show you as the owner. If the vehicle was not imported on or after that date, you must go through the process. To start the process, go to a local customs office to apply for regularization of vehicles. You will need to fill out the application requesting a waiver of readmission to be sent to the National Tax Administration Service (SAT). The SAT will then issue you a waiver of readmission , which allows you to obtain a Temporary Importation Permit. A Temporary Importation Permit will only be issued for vehicles registered under a foreign license plate. If you have a Permanent Resident Visa for Mexico, you will need to request a Waiver of Exoneration from the SAT to legalize the vehicle in your name. You must demo your current immigration status, such as a permanent resident visa or Temporary visa with a change of status. In the case of purchasing a vehicle with a Temporary visa or an expired permanent or temporary visa, you will also have to fill a Waiver of Exemption for Change of Immigration Status. If you want to get a new title instead of a Temporary Importation Permit, you will need to also fill out an application for a certificate of regularization. You will not be eligible for regularization unless you registered the vehicle with the SAT prior to 10 November 2019.
Quién puede importar un vehículo
All vehicles imported into Mexico are subject to specific eligibility criteria depending on their use and importation method. In this section you will learn about the types of use and importation methods that qualify vehicles for legalization as foreign and how long they can be used.
Foreign Land Vehicles
The following types of foreign land vehicles may be legalized:
• Hire vehicles for use by tourists, diplomats and consular staff with a period not to exceed to 60 days from the date of entry into the country.
• Private vehicles entering the country under temporary importation for free circulation purposes for personal or family use with a period not to exceed to 180 days from the date of entry into the country.
• Temporary admission of vehicles registered in Mexico under an authorized category of use with a period not to exceed to 180 days from the date of entry into the country.
• Private vehicles whose owners had been lawfully residing for at least one year in the country prior to removal of residence, during such year of residency vehicles were continuously registered in the country.
• Private vehicles owned by Mexicans abroad who have resided abroad for at least one year prior to returning to Mexico.
• Private vehicles in which a Mexican citizen is travelling with the intention of returning to reside in Mexico. To be eligible a Mexican must have owned the vehicle out of the country for at least six months before the date of entry and the vehicle must comply with requirements applicable to cars for free circulation.
• Private vehicles of foreign demonstrators accompanied by the demonstrator and the final user of the vehicle.
The following vehicles cannot be legalized:
• Container chassis.
• Commercial Vehicles that are in conformity with industry standards or that by their nature can be registered as equipment in the appropriate register.
• Tractors of a weight exceeding 3 tons.
• Trailers of a weight exceeding 4 tons.
• Mobile units (vans, trailers and similar equipment) that are not trailers and have been set up in a manner that prevents them to be separated from the towing vehicle.
• Factory conversion kits for cars into recreational vehicles or motor homes.
Strictly Temporarily Imported Vehicles
Vehicles covered under this category are strictly prohibited from circulating freely in the country. Their use is strictly limited to their own exclusive use of the vehicles’ owner or his family or persons transportation with no remuneration or compensation.
Vehicles Granted Permission For Permanent Import
Vehicles owned by persons granted with regularization permits shall be considered without restriction to legalize their vehicles.
Documentación necesaria
Documentation Required
If you are bringing the car into Mexico and want the car registered and titled in your name, you will need to apply for a vehicle registration permit. To do this there is certain required documentation:
- A valid passport or Form FM3 (resident permit).
- The original and copies of vehicle registration documents from original country.
- Proof of residence in place you are registering vehicle: such as a utility bill with your name on it or a rental contract in your name.
- The tax number should match the Form FM3 or national ID number (if applicable) found in the registration documents from the original country.
- The original customs document showing that the vehicle has been legally brought into the country (customs brokers may be able to assist with this).
- Payment for the tax.
- Birth Certificate for the vehicle.
- A power of attorney when dealing with a professional or legal adviser.
- Smoke certificate, which is required in environmental states.
- Proof of payment for the state and service fees (specific payments are dependent upon the state).
Cuánto cuesta legalizar un carro
In Mexico, there are several costs associated with the legalization of a car that depend on whether the car has been imported temporarily or permanently. The following is a breakdown of some of the most common costs. For permanent imports made under a tourist permit there is an import duty of 10% of the value of the vehicle and a value-added tax of 16% of the value of the vehicle (16% where the car was purchased in a border region, 11% where the car was purchased outside the border). Import duties and taxes must be paid in order to obtain a legal customs permit (pedimento de nacionalización) and this is the permit that becomes the legal ownership document for a vehicle in Mexico. Normally, import duties and taxes are paid to the bank which issues the customs receipt. For temporary imports made under a tourist permit, it is possible to obtain a refund on a temporary permit through the SAT. Refunds can only be obtained on cars with a ZETA sticker made less than one year ago. Refunds will be calculated according to the current value at time of import substitute of the car. In the case of temporary imports, only the ITC can cancel a vehicle’s temporary permit. AMI plans available from AMC (Mexico Auto Club) authorize the cancellation of temporary permits, usually for double the amount of permitted days, available at an additional cost.
Procedimientos de aduana guiados
Customs procedures when importing a car to Mexico is as important to keep in mind, as the taxes and duties when planning to bring a vehicle into the country. The process starts when you approach Mexican Customs when entering the country, and submitting your "importar auto" (import vehicle) form, which you should get stamped.
After this, customs officers will get information about the vehicle through the system. If you do not get "selected for inspection", the entire process will take no more than 30 minutes, and simply be a process of filling in the forms, making a payment, and getting the car out of the port/border.
However, if you do get "selected for inspection", the process may take longer. The officer will get on the computer, print out the forms, and have you fill in the details on the form. Then he/she will check the engine number, VIN, etc. against what is on the computer, ask to see the original "title de propiedad" (vehicle title) or letter from the previous owner in the case of a donation , go to the car, check the engine number and VIN, and have you sign the statement of the purchase. He/she will pass you over to the cashier, and you can go and pick up your car in the port.
If you are bringing in a newer car, it may happen that they are not familiar with the model and therefore cannot access a database which tells them how much carbon dioxide that model creates. This is a big issue as it affects the tax and permit fees-the bigger the number, the more taxes you pay. If the officer using Herbie Peabody’s special computer at the inspection can’t find the information, then they’ll have to ring Mexico City to ask. They will issue a temporary permit with one month’s validity whilst they get an answer from the headquarters. They’ll then call you to tell you how much you have to pay in taxes to complete the car legalisation process.
Once this is done, you you are ready to hit the road legally.
Expertos al rescate
For those who prefer to outsource the complexities of the legalization process, engaging a customs broker or legal expert experienced in automotive matters may be the solution. A customs broker is an individual or firm licensed by the Mexican government to assist with the importation of vehicles and can provide guidance on the legal requirements in your particular case. When working with a customs or tariff specialist, be sure to discuss the cost of services and obtain a written estimate of all the fees involved. Depending on the complexity of your case, legal fees may exceed USD$1,000 for a typical car legalization.
Similarly, some law firms and individual attorneys are well versed in the processes for legalization of foreign vehicles. An advantage to working with an attorney is that they can advise you on any other Mexican legal issues or questions you may have relating to your residency, real estate or business interests. Do your homework before hiring an expert. Be sure to check their reputation by asking around at your local expat coffee mornings or chatting with your real estate agent. It also pays to check credentials.
Whatever course you choose, be prepared for a time-consuming process. Until the car is legalized, it is illegal to drive it in Mexico although it may be legally driven in transit through the U.S. Be aware that if the car is impounded in Mexico, it may not be redeemable.
Dificultades comunes y soluciones
While the process for registering an imported vehicle in Mexico is fairly straightforward, there can be a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to overcome some of the most common challenges people run into:
Problem: Only certified original documents showing the vehicle identification number (VIN) are accepted.
Solution: All documents submitted to the government authorities must include the VIN. In Mexico, you may be required to complete a VIN verification process either at the Mexican consulate or upon arrival in Mexico. Be sure to carry a copy of the verification paperwork with you at all times when driving in Mexico to avoid potential "carrying someone else’s car" issues.
Problem: Insufficient proof of ownership.
Solution: Having bills of sale and registration paperwork for all of the vehicles you own can go a long way in making sure you are able to register all of them. Without the actual registration paperwork, however, proof of ownership can be difficult to establish. In this case, having a bill of sale showing your name and the VIN for each vehicle will help establish proof of ownership.
Problem: No proof of legal residency in Mexico.
Solution: Using social media to secure support from the expat community can be a terrific way to verify a reliable expat who can act as a reference for you. In short, having plenty of paperwork and extra paperwork is the best way to make sure legalizing your car in Mexico goes smoothly.
Preguntas frecuentes
How often do I have to legalize my car in Mexico?
The legalization of a car is permanent in Mexico. Once a car has been completely legalized, you will not need to do it again.
However, keep in mind that if you plan to travel into the country with a foreign car, you will need a temporary import permit. Such permits must be renewed every 6 months. For this reason, some people think that they must re-legalize the vehicle. But in actuality, it is just the temporary import permit that needs updating, and not the status of car itself.
Can I get insurance for a non-legalized car in Mexico?
While there is an abundance of car insurance options in Mexico, you will not be able to get any insurance for a car that is not fully legalized in the country.
The only alternative is to drive the car in Baja California or the state of Quintana Roo (Cancun) without insurance . However, this is not recommended by the government and is illegal, so you should not consider it as a long-term option.
We recommend that all new drivers in Mexico purchase Mexican auto insurance. While most drivers are residents, Mexico does not require car insurance for foreigners. However, having auto insurance is always a good idea, even if you are just passing through primitive areas of the country.
Is it possible to legalize a car that cannot be driven anymore?
In circles near the legalization of cars, it is sometimes said that a car cannot be legalized if it cannot be driven. This is not true. A car that is no longer able to move is known as "klaqueo" in Mexico, and it is legal to legalize such cars. You can simply have it picked up or towed to the legalization agency of your choice.
However, driving a non-driving car around may result in a fine. So, we recommend that you always move the car with a tow truck.