If you're driving your own vehicle deeper into Mexico than the border region, you may need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit—commonly called a TIP. Here's who needs one, how to get it, and how to get your deposit back.
Disclaimer: This article is general information, not legal, insurance, or travel advice. Rules for driving and bringing a vehicle into Mexico can change at any time. Confirm current requirements with official government sources and verify your coverage with a licensed agent before you travel.
A TIP is a permit that legally allows a foreign-plated vehicle to travel in mainland Mexico for a set period. It's issued by Banjercito (the government bank) and comes with a windshield sticker tied to your vehicle and travel dates.
You generally need a TIP if you drive beyond the border Free Zone into Mexico's interior. You usually do not need one if you're staying within the Free Zone, traveling the Baja peninsula, or driving in the Sonora-Only zone.
You can apply online through Banjercito a week or two before your trip, or in person at the border. You'll need your passport, vehicle title or registration, your driver's license, and your FMM tourist permit. There's a permit fee plus a refundable deposit—typically $200 to $400, based on the vehicle's age—that you get back when you return the permit.
To get your deposit refunded, you must cancel the TIP at a Banjercito office when you leave Mexico, before the permit expires. Skip this step and you forfeit the deposit and can run into trouble on a future trip.
A TIP makes your vehicle legal to drive in Mexico's interior—it does not cover you in a crash. Liability coverage is still required by law, and your U.S. policy won't apply. Before you cross, Suncoast Financial & Insurance Agency can set you up with a Mexico auto insurance policy that travels with you.
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