Moving a car from the USA to Mexico might seem big and complicated. But you can ship your car across the border. Yes, you can ship your car. How much does it cost to ship a car to Mexico? The cost is different for everyone. It depends on many things, like where your car is now and where it needs to go in Mexico, the size of your car, and what shipping service you pick. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get your car from the USA to Mexico safely and without big problems.
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Why Ship Your Car To Mexico?
People ship cars for many reasons. Maybe you are moving to Mexico for good. Maybe you will stay for a long time for work or to enjoy retirement. Driving the car yourself is an option, but shipping can be easier. It saves you a long drive. It also saves wear and tear on your car. Shipping is a service that many people use.
Picking the Right Way to Ship Your Car
You have choices when shipping your car. Most people use companies that move cars. These are often called international car shipping companies. They specialize in auto transport USA to Mexico. Using a company makes things smoother. They know the rules. They know the steps for vehicle transport USA Mexico.
Finding Good Car Shipping Companies
How do you find a company you can trust? Start by looking online. Search for “international car shipping companies” or “auto transport USA to Mexico.” Look for companies with good reviews. Check if they have experience shipping cars to Mexico.
Ask a few companies for quotes. Do not just ask one. This helps you see the different car shipping cost to Mexico. When you ask for a quote, give them details about your car. Tell them where it is now and the exact city in Mexico it needs to go to. Tell them the year, make, and model of your car. This helps them give you a better price.
What Affects the Cost?
The cost to ship a car to Mexico changes a lot. Many things make the price go up or down. Knowing these things helps you understand the quote.
- Distance: How far does the car need to travel? Shipping from Texas to a city near the border will cost less than shipping from New York to Cancun. Longer trips cost more.
- Car Size: Bigger cars take up more space on the truck or ship. They cost more to ship than small cars.
- Service Type: There are two main types:
- Open Transport: Your car rides on an open trailer, like cars you see on highways. This is cheaper. But the car is open to weather and road dirt.
- Enclosed Transport: Your car rides inside a closed trailer. This protects the car from weather and dirt. It is more expensive. If you have a classic car or a very nice car, you might choose this.
- Time of Year: Prices can change based on the season. Summer might be busier and cost more.
- Fuel Prices: The price of gas and diesel affects shipping costs. When fuel is expensive, shipping is usually more expensive too.
- Border Fees: There are fees to cross the border and get permits. These are added to the shipping cost or paid separately.
So, how much does it cost to ship a car to Mexico? It can be anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or even more. It really depends on all these things. Get a few quotes to compare. Make sure the quote includes everything or clearly lists what is extra.
Deciphering the Necessary Papers
This is one of the most important parts. You need the right documents needed to ship car to Mexico. Without them, your car will not cross the border. The rules are strict.
Key Documents You Need
You will need several papers ready for the shipping company and for Mexico’s customs.
- Car Title: This is proof that you own the car. It must be the original title, not a copy. Make sure the title is clean. This means there are no loans or liens on the car. If there is a loan, you usually cannot get a temporary import permit.
- Car Registration: Your current registration paper is needed. It shows the car is allowed to be driven legally now.
- Your Passport: You will need your valid passport. It proves who you are.
- Your Visa or Immigration Paperwork: If you are staying in Mexico for a short time as a tourist, your FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple) tourist card is usually enough. If you are staying longer or have a resident visa (temporary or permanent), you will need that paper too. The car permit length usually matches your immigration status length.
- Temporary Import Permit (TIP) Application: This is a very important paper. Most people entering Mexico with a car for up to 180 days need a temporary import permit Mexico car. This permit allows your car to be in Mexico legally for a limited time. We will talk more about how to get this soon.
- Proof of Insurance: You need special insurance for Mexico. Your US car insurance is probably not valid in Mexico. Get liability insurance from a Mexican company. The shipping company might also need proof of this or their own insurance.
Having all these documents ready and correct is key. Missing even one can cause big delays or stop your car from crossing the border.
Temporary vs. Permanent Import
This is a big difference. Most people shipping a car for personal use for less than a year will use the temporary import permit Mexico car process.
- Temporary Import: This is for tourists or temporary residents. The car can stay in Mexico for a set time (often up to 180 days for tourists, longer for temporary residents, matching their visa). You get a special sticker for the car window. You must take the car out of Mexico before the permit expires. If you do not, you can face big fines and your car could be taken by the government.
- Permanent Import (Importing a Car to Mexico): This is for permanent residents who want to make the car a Mexican car forever. This process is much more complex and costly. You often need to use a customs broker. There are rules about the age of the car (often older cars are easier to import permanently). You will pay import taxes and duties. The car gets Mexican license plates. Most people shipping a personal car for a temporary stay do not do a permanent import. They get the temporary permit.
Make sure you know if you need a temporary or permanent import. For shipping your car with a company for a temporary stay, you will need the temporary import permit Mexico car.
Getting the Temporary Import Permit (TIP)
The temporary import permit Mexico car is managed by Banjercito. This is the Mexican army bank. They handle the car permits.
You have two main ways to get the TIP:
- Online Before You Go: You can apply and pay for the permit online through the Banjercito website. This is often easier and saves time at the border. You need to apply at least 7-60 days before your car enters Mexico. You will need to upload copies of your documents. They mail you the permit and the sticker. You must activate it when you cross the border.
- At the Border: You can apply and pay at a Banjercito office right at the border crossing. This can take a long time, especially during busy periods. It is usually faster to do it online ahead of time.
What You Need for the TIP
When you apply for the temporary import permit Mexico car, you will need:
- Your passport.
- Your immigration document (FMM or resident visa).
- The car title (in your name).
- The car registration.
- A credit card (Visa or Mastercard, in your name) or cash for the payment and deposit.
The Cost and Deposit
There is a fee for the permit itself. It is usually around $40-50 USD.
You also have to pay a deposit. This deposit is like a guarantee that you will take the car out of Mexico. The amount of the deposit depends on the year of your car.
- Newer cars (like 2007 and newer): Deposit is around $200-$400 USD.
- Older cars (like 2001-2006): Deposit is higher, around $500-$800 USD.
- Very old cars (before 2000): You usually cannot get a temporary import permit for these cars.
You can pay the deposit with a credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or cash. If you pay with a credit card, Banjercito puts a hold on the money. When you leave Mexico and cancel the permit correctly, the hold is released, and you get your money back. If you pay cash, you get the cash back when you leave and cancel the permit. Make sure you keep all your papers from Banjercito!
Important: The name on the permit, the car title, the passport, and the credit card used for the deposit must match.
When you ship your car, the shipping company usually handles getting the car physically across the border. But you are the one who needs the temporary import permit Mexico car in your name. You might give the shipping company the paperwork or the application number, or you might need to go to the border yourself to activate it when they bring the car across, depending on the shipping company’s service. Clarify this step with your chosen international car shipping company.
Preparing Your Car for the Trip
Before the shipping company picks up your car, you need to get it ready. This helps prevent problems.
- Clean the Car: Wash the inside and outside. This helps the company check for any damage before they take it. It also helps with customs clearance car Mexico. They don’t like dirty cars.
- Remove Personal Items: Take out everything from the car. Clothes, electronics, important papers. Shipping companies are not responsible for personal items left in the car. Customs might also check the car, and too many personal items can cause issues. Leave only the spare tire, jack, and car mats.
- Check Fluids and Tires: Make sure tires are filled. Check fluid levels (oil, gas, coolant). The gas tank should be low, maybe only a quarter full. They don’t want full gas tanks for safety reasons.
- Note Existing Damage: Walk around your car with the driver from the shipping company. Write down any scratches, dents, or other damage. Take pictures. This paper is called a Bill of Lading or Condition Report. You both sign it. This protects you if the car gets new damage during shipping.
- Provide Keys: Give the driver all sets of keys. They need them to move the car.
- Disable Alarm: If your car alarm is sensitive, tell the driver how to turn it off or disable it.
Getting your car ready properly makes the process smoother for everyone.
The Actual Shipping Process
Once your car is ready and you have picked an international car shipping company, here’s what happens:
- Pickup: The driver comes to the location you agreed on. You both check the car and sign the condition report. The driver loads your car onto the transport truck.
- Transport to Border: The driver transports the car towards the US-Mexico border crossing point.
- Border Crossing and Customs: This is the key part for shipping car across border. The shipping company, often with help from a customs broker they work with, handles the process at the border. This involves presenting the documents needed to ship car to Mexico, including your temporary import permit Mexico car details. The car and paperwork go through customs clearance car Mexico. This step requires the car to be officially allowed into Mexico under your permit. The customs officials check the car and the documents. They confirm the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the paperwork. If everything is correct, the car is cleared to enter.
- Transport in Mexico: After clearing customs, the car is transported by the shipping company (or their Mexican partner) to the final delivery location in Mexico.
- Delivery: The driver delivers the car to the agreed-upon place in Mexico. You inspect the car again with the driver. You compare it to the condition report from pickup. If there is new damage, note it on the delivery report. This is how you can file a claim later if needed. You sign the delivery paper.
The shipping company manages the logistics of vehicle transport USA Mexico. But remember, the responsibility for having the correct temporary import permit Mexico car and other personal documents falls on you.
Navigating Customs Clearance in Mexico
Customs clearance car Mexico happens at the border. It involves Mexico’s Aduana (Customs) and Banjercito.
When the car arrives at the border with the shipping company:
- The driver presents the shipping manifest and your car’s documents.
- Crucially, they present proof of your temporary import permit Mexico car. This might be the physical permit you got online or the application number if it needs to be activated at the border.
- Customs officers might inspect the car. They check the VIN to make sure the car matches the papers. They might also check for anything left inside the car (remember to remove personal items!).
- Banjercito confirms your TIP is valid and connected to this car.
- Once everything checks out, customs stamps the necessary papers, and the car is officially allowed to enter Mexico under your temporary permit.
Using a reputable international car shipping company means they deal with the border officials directly. They know the specific procedures for shipping car across border. However, if there is an issue with your documents (like the car title not matching your name, or a problem with your temporary import permit Mexico car application), it will cause delays. This is why preparing your documents perfectly beforehand is so important.
What if There is a Problem at Customs?
Problems usually happen because of incorrect paperwork or issues with the car itself (like a VIN that doesn’t match). If a problem arises during customs clearance car Mexico, the shipping company will contact you. You might need to provide missing documents or fix something with your permit. This is another reason to use a company with experience in auto transport USA to Mexico; they can help guide you through fixing issues.
Considering the Total Cost
We talked about car shipping cost to Mexico earlier. But shipping the car itself is only one part of the total cost of importing a car to Mexico, even if it’s just temporarily.
Here is a look at potential costs:
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shipping Company Fee | $1,000 – $3,000+ | Varies greatly based on distance, car size, service type. |
| Temporary Import Permit (TIP) Fee | ~$40 – $50 USD | Paid to Banjercito. |
| TIP Deposit | ~$200 – $800+ USD | Paid to Banjercito, returned when you leave Mexico correctly. |
| Mexican Car Insurance | Varies, ~$200 – $600+ / year | Required liability insurance from a Mexican company. Cost depends on coverage and car. |
| Customs Broker Fee (Optional but Recommended) | $200 – $500+ USD | A good company might include this or recommend one. Helps with border paperwork. |
| Other Fees | Varies | Possible fees at ports (if applicable), storage fees if delivery is delayed. |
When you ask “how much does it cost to ship a car to Mexico,” remember to add up all these potential fees, not just the shipping company’s price. The temporary import permit Mexico car fee and deposit are mandatory if you are using that process. Mexican insurance is also legally required to drive in Mexico.
Important Things to Remember
- Plan Ahead: Do not wait until the last minute. Getting quotes, picking a company, and getting your temporary import permit Mexico car takes time. Start planning weeks or even months before you need the car in Mexico.
- Read Contracts Carefully: Before you agree to ship, read the shipping company’s contract. Understand what is included in the price, their insurance coverage, and their rules about timing and delivery.
- Insurance: Get that Mexican car insurance before the car enters Mexico. You will need proof of it for customs, and you need it legally to drive.
- VIN Check: Double-check that the VIN on your car matches the VIN on your title and registration exactly. A mismatch will cause problems.
- Removing the Car: When your temporary import permit Mexico car is close to expiring, you must drive the car out of Mexico and go to a Banjercito office at the border to cancel the permit. They will check the VIN again and give you a paper showing you canceled it. This is how you get your deposit back. If you ship the car back to the USA, make sure you still follow the correct procedure to cancel the TIP at the border yourself, even if the car is on a truck.
Alternatives to Shipping
Instead of using vehicle transport USA Mexico, you could drive the car yourself.
- Driving Yourself: This can be cheaper for the car itself (just pay for gas, hotels, food). But it takes your time and can be tiring. You still need the temporary import permit Mexico car, Mexican insurance, and all your documents. You handle the customs clearance car Mexico directly at the border.
- Selling Your Car: You could sell your US car and buy a car in Mexico. This avoids the shipping and import process completely. However, buying a car as a foreigner in Mexico can also have its own steps and paperwork.
Shipping is a good option if you do not want to do the long drive or if you are not moving permanently and plan to bring the car back to the USA later.
Grasping the Permanent Import Process
While most people shipping a car for personal use choose the temporary route, let’s briefly touch on importing a car to Mexico permanently. This is for permanent residents who want Mexican plates.
This process is much more complicated and usually requires hiring a licensed Mexican customs broker (Agente Aduanal).
- Car Age Rules: Mexico has rules about which cars can be imported permanently. Usually, only older cars (like 8-9 years old or older, rules change) or sometimes very new cars (with high taxes) can be imported. Cars in between these age ranges are often difficult or impossible to import permanently.
- Taxes and Duties: You will pay significant import taxes (IVA – VAT) and potentially other duties based on the car’s value and age.
- Paperwork: More extensive paperwork is needed, including a certificate showing the car meets Mexican environmental standards.
- Process: The car goes to a special customs area (a “recinto fiscal”). The customs broker manages the process, pays the taxes on your behalf (you give them the money), and gets the necessary import papers.
- Mexican Plates: After clearing customs permanently, you take the import papers to the state vehicle office in Mexico to get Mexican license plates.
The cost of permanent importing a car to Mexico is much higher than the cost for a temporary permit due to the taxes and broker fees. It is usually only done if you plan to live in Mexico permanently and want to fully nationalize your vehicle.
Final Thoughts on Shipping Your Car
Shipping car across border from the USA to Mexico is totally possible and done by many people. It needs careful planning, the right documents needed to ship car to Mexico, and picking a good international car shipping company.
Know the difference between temporary and permanent importing. For most personal moves, the temporary import permit Mexico car is what you need. Get this permit sorted out early.
Get clear quotes for the car shipping cost to Mexico and understand what is included. Don’t forget the other potential costs like the TIP fee, deposit, and Mexican insurance.
Getting your documents right is key to smooth customs clearance car Mexico. Double-check everything.
By following these steps, you can successfully navigate the process of vehicle transport USA Mexico and have your car waiting for you or brought to your door in Mexico.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people ask about shipping a car to Mexico.
H4: Can I Put Things Inside the Car When I Ship It?
Most shipping companies tell you not to put anything personal inside the car. Customs officials can inspect the car. If they find personal items, it can cause delays or extra fees. The shipping company is also not responsible if items inside the car are lost or damaged. It’s best to remove everything except the spare tire and jack.
H4: What Happens If My Temporary Import Permit Expires?
This is serious. If your temporary import permit Mexico car expires and the car is still in Mexico, the car is considered in the country illegally. You could face big fines, and the Mexican government could take your car. You must exit Mexico with the car and cancel the permit before it expires. Plan your shipping or driving dates carefully.
H4: What Kind of Insurance Do I Need?
Your US car insurance is usually not valid in Mexico. You need liability insurance from a Mexican insurance company. You can buy policies for just a few days, months, or a year. You need this insurance to drive legally in Mexico, and customs may ask to see proof.
H4: How Long Does Shipping Take?
The time varies. It depends on the distance, the shipping company’s schedule, and border wait times. Shipping from a US border state might take just a few days after pickup. Shipping from farther away could take 1-2 weeks. Ask the international car shipping company for an estimated timeline. Border delays for customs clearance car Mexico can sometimes add time.
H4: Can Someone Else Receive the Car for Me in Mexico?
Yes, often you can name someone else (like a family member or friend) to receive the car. Make sure the shipping company knows this ahead of time. The person receiving the car might need to show ID.
H4: Do I Need a Customs Broker?
For temporary import with a shipping company, the company often works with a broker or has staff familiar with customs clearance car Mexico. For permanent import, hiring a dedicated Mexican customs broker (Agente Aduanal) is almost always necessary because the process is very complex.
H4: What If My Car Has a Loan?
You usually cannot get a temporary import permit Mexico car if there is an active loan or lien on the car. The title must be clean, showing you fully own the car. Check with Banjercito and the shipping company if you have questions about your specific situation.
Shipping your car to Mexico is a process with several clear steps. By preparing your documents, understanding the costs, and working with a good shipping company, you can get your vehicle across the border successfully.