In order to enter Mexico with your own vehicle, you need to get a temporary import permit at the office of Hacienda (The Mexican IRS) on the Mexican side of the border.You will need a valid driver's license and you must have ownership documentation; such as, the original title and/or vehicle registration. It is also a very good idea to make copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place.

Step One: Collect your documents
Bring the original plus two(2) copies of the following documents:
Valid proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate).
The appropiate immigration form (tourist card). learn about visa options
The valid vehicle registration certificate, or a document, such as the original title that certifies the legal ownership of the vehicle. It must be in the driver's name.
The leasing contract (if the vehicle is leased or rented) which must be in the name of the person importing the car. If the vehicle belongs to a company, present the document that certifies the employee works for the company.
A valid driver's license, issued outside Mexico.
An international credit card, also issued outside Mexico (American Express, Mastercard or Visa), in the name of the driver of the vehicle.

Step Two: Go to the Customs Office at the border
To acquire a permit drive your vehicle (including RV's) to a Mexican customs office at the border: at the border crossing, go through the Declarations Lane. Look for the "Modulo de Control Vehicular" where you will present your documents. All documents and the credit card must be in the name of the owner, who must also be in the vehicle when crossing the border.

The process will be much simpler if you use a credit card to post the required "return guarantee" bond. If you do not have a credit card (or a Visa/Mastercard check card) you must get your temporary permit at the border module by leaving a guarantee deposit, total amount is based on the model year of the vehicle, see below.

ALTERNATIVE PROCESS: You may also opt to pay this fee and obtain the certificate in advance at certain authorized Consulates of Mexico for US$35.20, currently listed as the following - CALIFORNIA: Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Bernadino, San Francisco; TEXAS: Dallas, Houston, Austin; ILLINOIS: Chicago. Please check with the specific Consular office to make sure the they do have the necessary Banjercito Module/Desk. The filing of the documents at these locations needs to be done well in advance of your plans to drive into Mexico.

Step Three: Pay the certificate fee and bond deposit
Pay the certificate fee (not returnable). At the border, your international credit card will be charged an amount in national currency equivalent to US$27.00 to the Banco Nacional del Ejercito.

Pay the "guarantee return of the vehicle to USA territory" bond via credit card, according to the schedule below.

Model Year Bond Amount
1999 to present US $400
From 1994 to 1998 US $300
Models older than 1994 US $200


You'll be issued your documents, which completes the process for acquiring the certificate. Keep in mind the full process is not completed until you return the certificate upon heading back into the United States, see below.

Step Four: Returning the certificate
Upon your departure from Mexico back to the U.S., and if the vehicle is not going to be driven back into Mexico, the permit for temporary importation must be cancelled at Customs. The original bond posted for the return guarantee will be returned to you at this time. That's all there is to it. Follow these simple steps and you shouldn't have any problems.