TIP (temporary import permit)

Hi Linda, We bring in our vehicles (motorhome and Jeep) every year. From our experience and what I have seen and read on RV.NET forums the TIP for a car is only good for the 6 month term of the tourist visa.

Usually the ONLY place to get a new TIP is at the border and the previous one must be cancelled. I know of one RVer who didn't stop for his TIP--"no one told me" and was able to get one in Mazatlan after much paper work and explanations and paying a large fine.

BUT from friends who have been on the temporary resident permit they have been able to drive on their EXPIRED permit as long as their temporary residence paperwork in up to date. If you have Permanent residence status you CANNOT drive a foreign (non Mexican) plated vehicle.

I have a good friend in Mazatlan who had to take his 2000 Mercedes E320 wagon out of the country because he couldn't import it since it was a NAFTA built car, having been built in Gremany. Guess who now has a very nice 16 year old Mercedes
You might try the Banjercito in Lazaro Cardenes or Acapulco. We tried to get a copy of the Jeep documents in Puerto Vallarta two years ago so we could cancel them and after a week of runaround to various agencies the Banjercito at the PV Marisa told us we had to go Guadalaraja! Good Luck!

Hope that helps.

Art