Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

Are you planning to drive your car, RV, motorcycle, or motorhome into Mexico? Driving a foreign-plated vehicle beyond the border Free Zone requires a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) issued exclusively by Banjercito, Mexico’s official military credit institution.

Recently, Banjercito launched its modernized digital platform, SIISDEF V.1.0 (Sistema Integral de Impuestos, Servicios, y Derechos Fronterizos). This updated platform streamlines user account creation, digital document management, digital permit processing, and consular appointment scheduling across 10 consular offices in the United States.

Critical Warning: Do Not Use Third-Party Sites Or “Gestores”

Only Banjercito is authorized by the Mexican Government to issue Temporary Vehicle Importation Permits. There are NO third-party agencies, “gestores”, or social media intermediaries authorized to process or expedite your permit.

Do NOT allow a third party to set up your account or use their email address. Under the new SIISDEF system, your permanent user profile is locked to the primary email and identity details entered during account creation. Using a third-party agency permanently ties your personal identity, passport, and vehicle records to their contact details. This risks financial fraud and permanently blocks your ability to manage, renew, or cancel permits in the future. Consular appointments and online account setup are 100% FREE directly through the official Banjercito portal.

MANDATORY STEP: Mexico Auto Insurance required by Law

While Banjecito permit allows your vehicle to physically enter Mexico, it does NOT allow you to legally drive on Mexican highways.

Mexican Federal Law strictly requires all drivers on highways and bridges to carry valid Mexican Liability Auto Insurance issued by a licensed Mexican insurer. Both the TIP and Mexican Auto insurance are legally required and serve completely different purposes.

U.S. & Canadian Auto Insurance is Not Valid in Mexico

U.S. and Canadian insurance policies are NOT legally recognized in Mexico.
Driving without Mexican liability insurance can result in driver detention, vehicle impound and severe financial penalties following an accident.
Coverage MUST be issued by a licensed Mexican Insurance carrier.

Why Insure with Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance?

Specialized Since 1948: Sanborn’s has been the most trusted name in Mexican auto insurance for travelers since 1948.
Complete Protection: Coverage options include Physical Damage, Total Theft Third-Party Liability, Medical coverage, Legal defense and guaranteed bail bond.
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Do You Need a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP)?

Not every traveler requires a permit. Knowing whether your route requires one saves time and money:

NO TIP Required (The Free Zone): You do NOT need a TIP if you are traveling strictly within Mexico’s Free Zone. The Free Zone includes the entire Baja California Peninsula, the northwestern border region of Sonora (a special Only Sonora program is available for inland Sonora travel), and a 20-kilometer zone along Mexico’s northern and southern land borders.
TIP Required (The Interior): If you plan to drive beyond the Free Zone into the interior of Mexico (including Central or Southern Mexico), a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit is strictly required before entering the interior.
Insurance Mandatory Everywhere: Regardless of whether you need a TIP, valid Mexican Auto Insurance is mandatory everywhere in Mexico, including the Free Zone.

Step 1: Creating Your SIISDEF Account (The Most Critical Step)

Creating your personal SIISDEF profile is the foundation of the new Banjercito import process.

IMPORTANT NAME MATCHING RULE: Your full name must be entered EXACTLY as it appears on your official government identification documents. Any discrepancy between your registered SIISDEF profile name and your uploaded legal documents will cause the system to reject your application or prevent issuance during consular or border checks.

Access the Official SIISDEF Portal: Navigate directly to the official portal at: https://www.banjercito.com.mx/SIISDEF/acceso and click ¿Nuevo usuario? (New User).
Select Category & Enter Legal Name (Names cannot be changed online after account creation)

Select Category: Choose Paisano (Mexican National / Resident Abroad) or Turista (Foreign Tourist).
Select ID Type:
- Turista: Foreign Passport or Passport Card.
- Paisano: Passport, Permanent Resident Alien Card (Green Card), Passport Card, or U.S. Work Visa (valid ≥ 1 year).
Enter Name Accurately: Type your full legal first name, middle name, and surname(s) exactly as printed on your ID document. (Note: Once registered, name fields cannot be modified online; changes require an in-person consular visit).

Provide Contact & Address Details (Use an email address you permanently control)

Select gender.
Provide a valid 10-digit mobile phone number.
Enter your personal email address.
Enter your residential address (check the box if you maintain a secondary address in Mexico).
Enter your date of birth in DD/MM/YYYY format.

Verify Email & Set Password (Verification code must be entered within 10 minutes)

Enter the visual Captcha code and submit. Check your email inbox (and Spam folder) for your confirmation code. Enter the code on the SIISDEF site and create a password (minimum 10 characters, including at least 1 uppercase letter, 1 number, and 1 special character).

Upload Official Documents in PDF Format (Saves time for all future vehicle permits)

Log in, accept Privacy Notice, navigate to the Documentos Personales, and upload high resolution color PDF scans (maximum 2 MB per file) of your identification document and (for foreign tourists) your immigration document/FMM.

How to Get Your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP)

You can apply through three different official channels:

Online Processing via SIISDEF (10-60 Days Before Travel)

Lead Time: Apply online between 10-60 days before your travel date.
Process: Upload your documents, pay via credit/debit card in the importer’s name, and receive your digital permit.
Mandatory Printing Requirement: When applying online, you MUST print a physical copy of your digital permit. You are required to always keep this physical printed copy inside your vehicle while driving in Mexico to present at official checkpoints.

In Person at U.S. Consulate Offices (By Appointment)

Schedule a FREE appointment through your SIISDEF profile under Solicitar Cita.
Bring original identity and vehicle documents plus one legible photocopy of each document to your appointment.

In Person at Border CIITEV Modules

Drive to a Banjercito CIITEV module located at designated border crossing points.
Present physical original current documents plus one legible photocopy of each document.

Critical: You MUST Stop at INAMI Immigration

Obtaining your vehicle permit online or at a consulate does NOT grant you legal entry as a person. Immigration (INAMI) and Vehicle Permits (Banjercito) are two separate government procedures.

Mandatory Border Arrival Workflow:

Stop at INAMI (Immigration Office): Even if you processed your TIP online and printed it at home, YOU MUST PHYSICALLY STOP AT THE INAMI BORDER OFFICE.
Validate Personal Entry: All foreign tourists, dual citizens, and Mexican nationals residing abroad must present their credentials to INAMI officers to validate their official entry into Mexico (foreign tourists must receive their stamped FMM form or official immigration record).
Obtain or Validate Your Permit (TIP) at the Border CIITEV Module:
- If applying for a new permit at the border: Walk over to the adjacent Banjercito CIITEV office. Present your validated INAMI immigration document, driver’s license, vehicle title/registration, and one clear photocopy of each document. Pay the $51.00 USD permit fee (+ IVA) plus the guarantee deposit ($200–$400 USD) by cash or card to receive your official printed TIP.
- If you already obtained your permit online or at a consulate: Verify that your printed TIP is in the vehicle along with your official immigration entry slip before leaving the border facility.
Proceed Inland: Your documents are complete and you can now continue your trip.

Driving into the interior without stopping at INAMI makes your presence in Mexico illegal, even if you hold a valid vehicle permit.

Official Requirements & Vehicle Ownership Proof

To successfully process your permit (online, at a consulate, or at border CIITEV modules), you must provide proof of legal identity and proof of vehicle ownership.

Applicant Category	Identity Documents Accepted	Vehicle Ownership Documents Accepted
Paisanos (Mexican Nationals / Dual Citizens / Residing Abroad)	Foreign or Mexican Passport Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) U.S. Passport Card U.S. Work Visa (≥ 1 year)	Original Vehicle Title OR Current Vehicle Registration Financed Vehicle: Credit/Financing Agreement (≤ 3 months old) Leased Vehicle: Lease contract + lessor authorization letter specifying the VIN
International Travelers (Visitors / Foreign Citizens)	Valid Foreign Passport U.S. Passport Card Official INAMI Migration Document (FMM / Entry Pre-authorization)	Original Vehicle Title OR Current Vehicle Registration Financed Vehicle: Credit/Financing Agreement (≤ 3 months old) Leased Vehicle: Lease contract + lessor authorization letter specifying the VIN

Official Permit Costs & Guarantee Deposit Schedule

Official Permit Fees & Processing Channels

The cost of your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) depends on where you apply, and payment terms vary by location:

Online via SIISDEF Portal: $45.00 USD (+Tax/IVA)
- Payment Method: Credit or debit card issued strictly in the importer’s name.
Consular Offices (U.S.): $51.00 USD (+Tax/IVA)
- Payment Method: Credit or debit card issued strictly in the importer’s name.
Border Modules (CIITEV at Entry Ports): $51.00 USD (+Tax/IVA)
- Payment Method: Credit/Debit card in the importer’s name, or cash (USD).

Mandatory Refundable Guarantee Deposit

In addition to the permit processing fee, Banjercito requires a mandatory refundable guarantee deposit to ensure the vehicle leaves Mexico before the permit expires. The deposit amount is determined by your vehicle’s model year:

2007 and Newer Vehicles: $400.00 USD
2001 through 2006 Vehicles: $300.00 USD
2000 and Older Vehicles: $200.00 USD

Important Refund Note: Your guarantee deposit will be fully refunded to the original form of payment once you formally cancel your permit at an official Banjercito border module upon exiting Mexico prior to the expiration date.

IMPORTANT: CANCEL YOUR PERMIT BEFORE LEAVING MEXICO

To receive your guarantee deposit back and avoid being permanently blocked from getting future vehicle permits, you must physically present your vehicle at a border Banjercito CIITEV module to cancel your TIP before the permit’s official expiration date and prior to returning to the U.S. Read our detailed guide on how to cancel a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) for step-by-step instructions and important return rules.

Protecting and Securing Your Deposit Refund

To receive a full refund of your guarantee deposit:

Physical Border Surrender Required: You MUST physically present your vehicle at a border Banjercito CIITEV module before or on the return date listed on your permit.
No Consular Cancellations: Consular offices in the U.S. cannot process permit cancellations or issue deposit refunds.
Cash Deposit Refunds: If you paid your deposit in cash at the border, only the primary importer can collect the cash refund by presenting a valid photo ID and the original deposit receipt.
Partial Vs. Definitive Surrender:
1. Definitive Return: Full cancellation and export of the vehicle. Your deposit is refunded immediately.
2. Partial Return: Applies if you leave Mexico but plan to re-enter during the permit’s valid timeframe. The permit remains active, and your deposit is retained until final definitive cancellation. You must stop at the Banjercito module to register your exit from Mexico.

Rules for RVs, Trailers, & Special Vehicles

Vehicle Limits: Only one vehicle can be imported per person, and the total load capacity must not exceed 7,716.17 lbs (3.5 metric tons).
RVs & Motorhomes (Casas Rodantes): Motorhomes qualify for longer permit durations (up to 10 years).
Trailers & Recreational Gear: Towables, trailers, ATVs, watercraft, and attached recreational equipment must be declared and registered with your main permit profile in SIISDEF.

Direct Contact Information for Banjercito

Disclaimer: Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance is an independent insurance agent and MGA and is not affiliated with Banjercito or the Mexican Government. While our customer support team is happy to help guide you through cross-border insurance rules, only Banjercito can resolve technical account issues or verify specific vehicle importation permit status.

If you need to contact Banjercito directly regarding your account, permit application, or consular appointment, please use the official channels below:

Official Banjercito SIISDEF Portal: https://banjercito.com.mx/SIISDEF/acceso
Direct Support Line: +52 55 9689 8006 (Press 1 for Spanish. Press 2 for English)
Vehicle Permit Support Email: permisovehiculos@banjercito.com.mx

Ready to Cross the Border Safely? Get Covered Today!

A Banjercito Temporary Import Permit gets your vehicle across the border—but only a valid Mexican Auto Insurance policy keeps you driving legally in Mexico. Under Mexican federal law, U.S. and Canadian auto insurance policies are not legally recognized.

Don’t wait until you reach the border! Protect your trip, your vehicle, and your deposit with Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance—the trusted authority in Mexican vehicle coverage since 1948.

Get an Instant Online Quote: Get Your Mexico Insurance Quote Online
Speak with a Licensed Specialist: Call us toll-free at 1-800-222-0158
Visit an Agent: Find a Sanborn’s Location

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who is legally allowed to drive my vehicle in Mexico?

For Foreign Importers: The vehicle may be driven by the importer, their spouse, parents, children, or siblings (even if they are not foreign nationals), or by another foreigner holding Visitor or Temporary Resident status. If driven by other than the owner, the primary importer must be inside the vehicle.
For Mexican Resident Abroad Importers: The vehicle may be driven by the importer, or their spouse, parents, children, or siblings, provided those relatives are permanent residents abroad or foreigners with Visitor/Temporary Resident status. Otherwise, the primary importer must be present in the vehicle.

Do I need to print my TIP if I obtained it online?

Yes. You must print a paper copy of your digital permit and keep it in your vehicle at all times while driving in Mexico.

What happens if I leave Mexico without canceling my permit?

If you fail to surrender your permit at a border CIITEV module on or before its expiration date, you will permanently forfeit your guarantee deposit ($200–$400 USD). Furthermore, Banjercito will block you from obtaining any future vehicle permits until the outstanding vehicle record is cleared.

Is Sanborn’s affiliated with Banjercito?

No. Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance is an independent insurance provider and is not affiliated with Banjercito or the Mexican Government. For official permit management, please access Banjercito directly at banjercito.com.mx.

What If My Vehicle Was Stolen, Broken Down, or Sold Abroad?

If you are unable to physically bring the vehicle back to the border due to total theft, a severe accident, or an emergency DMV title transfer while in the U.S., you cannot perform a standard cancellation.

Under the new SIISDEF system, you can submit an online administrative discharge request (desistimiento or aclaración) directly through your user account portal at banjercito.com.mx. You must upload official digital proof—such as an official police theft report, an insurance total loss certificate, a DMV transfer certificate, or a destruction report—for Banjercito and the Mexican Customs Authority (Dirección General de Operación Aduanera / ANAM) to review. Once validated, the active permit flag will be cleared from your passport/CURP identity profile, restoring your eligibility to obtain future vehicle import permits.