Customs & Your Car

by Elizabeth Williams

Customs & Your Car

This is a recap of information discussed at the meeting with the Aduana (Customs) officials who came to Ixtapa. Asterisks (**) indicate missing information that I’m expecting to receive.

The four officials who were here:

Ing. Jorge Espino, Regional Administrator of Customs (Speaks English), 01 753 532 2443, 532 0470, 537 0191 office, 01 753 534 1690 cellular, jorge.espino@sat.gob.mx,

Roberto Arturo Jimenez, Subadministrador, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (airport), 554 3262 office 044 755 100 1257 cellular,

Roberto Lara Smith, Subadministrador Lazaro Cardenas (Spanish only), 01 753 532 2443, 532 0470, 537 0191 office,

Alfonso Torres Chirino, Encargado area legal (Spanish only) 01 753 532 2443, 532 0470, 537 6691 office

Nationalizing American Cars:
An imported car can only be nationalized/regularized (changed to a Mexican vehicle with Mexican license plates) during certain windows of opportunity specified by the government. They have not had a window for two years and nobody is able to say when the next window might occur. So for now, it is not possible to change an American vehicle into a Mexican vehicle in Ixtapa. However, it is possible to nationalize a 1993 or older pickup truck at the border. The customs officer said it is a time consuming project but can be accomplished. An attorney is needed to present an application, etc. etc. etc.

Who can drive your imported car:
An American car is subject to confiscation if it is driven by a Mexican citizen. Only the American owner, his family or other Americans can drive your car without you being in it. A Mexican citizen can only drive your car if you are in the car yourself. A special exception is made for a mechanic who test drives your car during repair or service.

Decals and expiration dates:
All foreign cars receive a decal and import documents when entering Mexico. The decal has an expiration date which will coincide with your tourist card or FM document. The documents must be returned when you take the car out of the country. If you have an FM document, you should notify Customs when your FM document is renewed. This can be done by taking a letter to the airport office of Customs (Aduana) advising them of the renewal, the new expiration date of your FM document and a copy of the FM itself. The Customs office will return a copy of this letter (take original and copy) with their seal on it proving that you have requested/informed them of the extension of time on your legal importation of the car. Keep this copy in your car. It is proof that your car is legally imported. (According to law, your car is legally imported for the same period of time that the FM document is valid, but not all Mexican police, transitos, etc., are aware of this and it is in your best interest to have this letter proving that Customs has extended your import period) Remember that your decal still shows the original expiration date - this letter will prove that old date has been extended. Your letter can be in English, however Customs will be sending us a model to use in Spanish which should be more useful for displaying in any incident. ******

Returning with your car and FM status:
A car entering Mexico must obtain a decal each time. If you already have an FM document, the decal should have the same expiration date as your FM. This can be done at the border, or it can be done at the following Mexican Consulates in the U.S. prior to crossing the border. *****

Mexican Driver’s License:
You can get a Mexican driver license if you have any FM document. They are issued at the Police Academy building. Take the following with you: - Copy of FM document - Copy of Passport - Proof of residence address (water bill, electric bill, doesn’t have to be in your name) - Medical certificate obtained from the Centro de Salud (behind Pepsi Cola plant) I paid $330 pesos (3/20/03) for a five-year license; less time is available for less money. (My Mexican driver’s license has been respected in the U.S. for all purposes, even for renting a car.)

Moving your stuff in your car/truck:
If you are moving your personal property in your personal vehicle, no permit is required. But if you could be suspected of moving something for hire, or having hired somebody to move your things, get a permit. The permit is free and can be obtained at the Transito Office at the Police Academy. Take the registration/title/tarjeta de circulacion (any one) of the vehicle that will be loaded with cargo, as well as your ID and be prepared to say what you are carrying, from where to where, and when. It is illegal to transport merchandise for business without a permit and it’s easier to be prepared than to try to explain later.

April 2003

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