If you are driving a US- or Canadian-plated vehicle into mainland Mexico, the temporary vehicle import permit – the TIP, issued by Banjercito (the Mexican army bank) – is the document that makes it legal. Here is exactly who needs one, how to get it, and how to get your deposit back.
Who needs a TIP (and who does not)
You need a TIP for mainland Mexico – anywhere beyond the border free zones. You do not need one for Baja California or Baja California Sur, for the coastal Sonora hassle-free zone (Rocky Point), or for short stays within the immediate border zone. For most of Sonora a cheaper Only Sonora permit is enough; the full TIP is required once you drive into Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco and the rest of the country.
How to get your TIP
- Online (recommended): apply on the official Banjercito website 7 to 60 days before you travel. The permit and sticker are mailed to you, which saves time at the border.
- At the border: stop at the Banjercito module at your crossing and apply in person. Allow extra time, especially in peak season.
You can only get a TIP from Banjercito – it is the sole authorized issuer.
What you need to apply
Have ready: a valid passport, your tourist permit (FMM) or visa, the vehicle title or current registration, and your driver’s license. If the vehicle is leased or financed, bring a notarized letter from the lienholder authorizing you to take it into Mexico. The permit must be in the name of the person whose name is on the title.
The deposit and the fee
Beyond a permit fee (around $45-$60), Banjercito charges a refundable deposit that depends on your vehicle’s model year – roughly $400 for older vehicles, $300 for mid-age, and $200 for newer ones. The deposit is returned when you cancel the permit on exit. Pay with a credit card in the vehicle owner’s name so the refund is straightforward.
Canceling the TIP (do not skip this)
When you leave Mexico, stop at a Banjercito module at the border and cancel the permit before the expiration date. This releases your refundable deposit and clears the vehicle from the system – if you forget, you lose the deposit and can have trouble getting a permit next time. Keep your paperwork until the refund posts.
TIP, FMM, and insurance are three different things
Do not confuse them: the FMM is your tourist permit (for you), the TIP is your vehicle permit (for the car), and Mexican auto insurance is your liability coverage (required by law). A mainland trip needs all three. See the full documents checklist before you go.
Get Mexican auto insurance in minutes – a fast online quote means you are covered before you reach the border.
Related guides
- Driving to Mazatlan through Sinaloa
- Do you need Mexican car insurance?
- What to bring to drive into Mexico
Frequently asked questions
Who needs a temporary vehicle import permit for Mexico?
Anyone driving a foreign-plated vehicle into mainland Mexico beyond the border free zones. You do not need one for Baja California or the Rocky Point hassle-free zone, and much of Sonora is covered by the cheaper Only Sonora permit.
How do I get a Banjercito TIP?
Apply online on the official Banjercito website 7 to 60 days before traveling, or in person at the Banjercito module at your border crossing. Banjercito is the only authorized issuer.
How much is the deposit for a Mexico vehicle permit?
A refundable deposit of roughly $200 to $400 depending on your vehicle’s model year, plus a permit fee of about $45 to $60. The deposit is returned when you cancel the permit on the way out.
Do I have to cancel my TIP when I leave Mexico?
Yes. Cancel it at a Banjercito module at the border before it expires to get your deposit back and clear the vehicle from the system. If you do not, you forfeit the deposit and may struggle to get a permit next time.
Is a TIP the same as Mexican car insurance?
No. The TIP is a vehicle import permit, the FMM is your tourist permit, and Mexican auto insurance is your required liability coverage. A mainland trip needs all three.