How to Cancel a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP): A Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers to Mexico

Many tourists and temporary visitors to Mexico bring their personal vehicles across the border using a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP). This document, issued only by Banjercito—the official Mexican military bank—allows foreign-plated vehicles to be driven legally in Mexico for a set period of time.

Before hitting the road, travelers should also make sure they have valid Mexican car insurance, since U.S. and Canadian policies aren’t recognized in Mexico. Having the right coverage not only keeps you compliant with local laws but can also protect you financially if an accident occurs while your vehicle is under a TIP.

But here’s what many travelers don’t realize: failing to cancel your TIP before leaving Mexico can cause major headaches. It can lead to fines, the loss of your deposit, or even restrictions on bringing another vehicle into Mexico in the future.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about the TIP cancellation process, including what documents to bring, where to go, how to stay compliant with Mexican regulations, and how to avoid costly mistakes.

What Is a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP)?

A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TIP) is an official authorization that allows tourists, temporary residents, and foreign nationals to drive their vehicles into Mexico beyond the Free Zone—typically more than 25 kilometers from the border.

Issued by Banjercito, this permit links your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) and your passport to your entry record in Mexico’s customs system. It’s designed to ensure compliance with vehicle import regulations and prevent permanent importation without proper documentation.

Most TIPs are valid for the duration of your temporary stay—usually up to 180 days for tourists, or as long as your residency visa allows.

Why It’s Important to Cancel Your TIP Before Leaving Mexico

When you return to the United States or another country, you must cancel your Temporary Import Permit at an authorized Banjercito return location at CIITEV, before crossing the border. This is a crucial step to prove that your vehicle left Mexico legally.

Legal Consequences of Not Canceling

If you leave Mexico without canceling your TIP:

• The vehicle remains registered in Mexico’s customs system as still being inside the country.
• You won’t be able to obtain another TIP until it’s resolved.
• Mexican authorities may consider your vehicle as “imported illegally,” resulting in fines or even confiscation on future trips.

In some cases, drivers who fail to cancel their TIP are flagged in the Banjercito database, making it impossible to re-enter with another car until the old permit is cleared.

Impact on TIP Deposit Refunds and Future Travel

When you first obtain a TIP, you leave a refundable deposit—usually between $200 and $400 USD, depending on your vehicle’s model year. This deposit guarantees that your vehicle will be taken out of Mexico within the permit’s time frame.

If you cancel the TIP properly at the border, the deposit is automatically refunded to your original payment method (credit or debit card). However, if you skip this step or let your permit expire, you forfeit the deposit and may face travel restrictions in the future.

Required Documents and Pre-Cancellation Preparation

Before heading to a Banjercito location to return your TIP, gather the following essential documents to ensure a smooth process:

• Original TIP document issued when you entered Mexico.
• Vehicle registration proving ownership.
• Passport or immigration card (FMM or residency card) used to enter Mexico.
• Driver’s license matching the name on the TIP.
• Vehicle itself — it must be physically present for inspection.
• Payment receipt for your deposit.

Having all your vehicle import paperwork ready prevents delays and helps Banjercito verify your compliance with import regulations.

Key Considerations Before Visiting Banjercito

Before you head to a Banjercito location at the border to cancel your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit, it’s important to double-check a few details to avoid delays or complications. Taking the time to prepare your documents, vehicle, and travel plans can make the cancellation process quick and stress-free.

If you’re an American crossing the border, knowing the requirements as an American crossing the border—such as having your TIP, valid registration, passport, and Mexican auto insurance—will help ensure everything goes smoothly and prevent issues with customs during cancellation.

Taking a few minutes to organize your paperwork, vehicle, and travel plans can make the cancellation process quick and stress-free. Keep the following key considerations in mind before visiting Banjercito:

• Make sure your TIP is still valid to receive your deposit back. If the TIP is expired, you must still have it physically canceled at a Banjercito CIITEV module at the border.
• Clean your vehicle’s VIN plate so it’s easy to read—officers will confirm it matches your TIP.
• If someone else is driving the car, they must be listed as an authorized driver on the permit.
• Bring both the vehicle and the permit holder in person—Banjercito cannot process cancellations by mail.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cancel Your TIP in Person

When you’re ready to leave Mexico, the safest and most effective way to cancel your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit is by doing it in person at an authorized Banjercito Return Module at CIITEV. This ensures your vehicle is officially cleared from Mexico’s customs database and that your deposit refund is processed correctly.

The entire process typically takes just a few minutes if you have all your paperwork in order. Follow these steps to make sure your TIP cancellation goes smoothly:

1. Locate a Banjercito Return Module:
   These are usually found at major border crossings and some ferry terminals. Look for signs that say “Retorno de Vehículos Temporales” or “Return of Temporary Vehicle Permits.”
2. Arrive with All Required Documents:
   Have your TIP paperwork, passport, and vehicle ready. The staff will inspect your car and verify the VIN.
3. Submit the Permit for Cancellation:
   The Banjercito agent will scan your permit barcode and remove it from the system. In some cases, they’ll remove the holographic sticker from your windshield as proof of cancellation.
4. Confirm Cancellation in the System:
   Ask for a printed receipt or confirmation showing that your TIP has been officially canceled. Keep this document for your records—it’s your proof of vehicle import compliance. You will receive a  “Retorno Definitivo” (Definitive Return) receipt, certifying the vehicle’s exit from Mexico.
5. Receive Your Deposit Refund:
   Once the cancellation is processed, your TIP deposit refund is automatically credited back to the same card you used when applying. Refunds usually appear within a few business days.

Alternatives and Special Scenarios

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you may not be able to cancel your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit in person. If that happens, there are still ways to resolve it.

If your car was stolen or was involved in an accident in Mexico or the U.S., if it was sold or traded in the U.S., contact SAT and Banjercito to explain the situation and provide proof of the sale or destruction so they can clear your record.

If you left Mexico without canceling, don’t panic—reach out to Banjercito by email or visit a Mexican consulate. They’ll usually ask for proof that your vehicle is back home, such as registration paperwork or border photos.

Keep in mind that if you only traveled within Mexico’s Hassle-Free Zone—areas like Baja California or parts of Sonora—you typically don’t need a TIP. However, if you obtained one and didn’t cancel it before leaving, you’ll still need to contact Banjercito to close it out properly.

If your permit was lost or stolen, file a police report and send it to Banjercito so they can cancel it. While there’s currently no way to fully cancel a TIP online, you can check your permit status or print a copy through Banjercito’s website—just confirm the latest process before your next trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During TIP Cancellation

Even seasoned travelers make mistakes when it comes to canceling a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit. Small oversights—like forgetting a document or missing the cancellation stop at the border—can cause big problems later, including fines or restrictions on future trips.

To keep your travel record clean and your deposit intact, watch out for these common mistakes during the TIP cancellation process:

• Leaving Mexico Without Canceling: This is the most common and costly mistake. Always stop at the Banjercito office before crossing the border.
• Not Bringing the Vehicle: You cannot cancel the TIP unless the vehicle is physically present.
• Letting the TIP Expire: If your permit has expired, you’ll need to go through extra steps with customs, which can delay future travel.
• Losing Your Documents: Keep copies of your TIP, payment receipt, and cancellation confirmation in your glove box or digital folder.
• Assuming One Permit Covers Multiple Vehicles: Each vehicle requires its own TIP, linked to your name and passport.

Avoiding these errors helps ensure a smooth exit and preserves your ability to re-enter Mexico without issues.

Don’t Forget Your Mexican Auto Insurance — Stay Protected on Every Trip!

Even with the proper permits, U.S. and Canadian auto insurance policies aren’t valid in Mexico. Before crossing the border, make sure you purchase a Mexican auto insurance policy that meets legal requirements and protects you against accidents, theft, and liability claims.

At Sanborn’s Mexico Insurance, we’ve been helping travelers stay safe and compliant for decades. Get the coverage you need for peace of mind—whether you’re driving for a weekend getaway or an extended stay.

Before you hit the highway, make sure you’re protected. Get a free quote online, call 800-222-0158, or visit one of our convenient Sanborns locations. Our friendly experts will guide you through your options so you can travel safely and stress-free.

FAQs

Can I Cancel My TIP at Any Border Crossing?

You can cancel your TIP at any authorized Banjercito return location, not just where you entered. Always confirm operating hours in advance—some smaller crossings close early.

Can I Cancel a TIP if I’m No Longer in Mexico?

Yes, but it’s more complicated. Contact Banjercito directly or a Mexican consulate to request cancellation assistance. You’ll need proof that your vehicle is back in your home country.

How Do I Prove My TIP Has Been Canceled?

Banjercito will give you a cancellation receipt. Keep it safe—it’s your only proof that your permit was officially closed and that your deposit refund is being processed.