Temporary Vehicle Import Permit: TVIP /IITV Mexico -Your Step-by-Step Guide (That No One Explains Clearly)
- Antonia Issa
- Aug 29
- 10 min read
Updated: Oct 30
Welcome to one of the least exciting—but most important—parts of driving or motorcycling into Mexico. Whether you’re crossing from Arizona, Texas, or Belize, understanding your TVIP (Temporary Import Permit, also called TIP) is non-negotiable. This piece of paper determines whether your bike or vehicle is in Mexico legally, and whether you’ll get your deposit back when you leave.
Let’s break it down once and for all.
⚠️ Important: If you’re applying online, do it at least 10 days before crossing the border.
Otherwise, you’ll have to handle it in person at a border office — and that takes a minimum of 45 minutes.
I've livened this post up with some photos near the border. I hope that helps you get through it.
Jump to section:
What is a TIP?
A Temporary Vehicle Import Permit (TIP/TVIP) is an official document issued by Banjercito (Mexico’s military-run national bank). It allows a foreign-plated vehicle to be temporarily brought into Mexico for tourism or short-term residency.You must export your vehicle before the permit expires, or you risk:
Losing your refundable deposit
Being banned from future TIPs
Possible vehicle confiscation
Where is a TIP required?
You’ll need a TIP if you drive beyond the Free Zones, which include:
~20–25 km (12–15 mi) from any land border
The entire Baja California Peninsula
Parts of Sonora (northwest of Highway 15 and north of km 98) where a “Sonora-Only” permit may apply
Note: Quintana Roo is part of the Free Zone—so you don’t need a TIP there unless you travel through other states.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include:
Tourists entering with an FMM (Visitor Permit)
Holders of a Temporary Resident Visa/Card
Mexican citizens living abroad (with residency proof) Not eligible: Permanent Resident Visa (Residente Permanente) holders, unless they are permanently importing and registering the vehicle.
How do I get a TIP?
Online:
Apply at the official Banjercito website 10 to 60 days before travel
Have your immigration pre-authorization ready.
Pay with a credit/debit card in the importer’s name (third-party cards only accepted very rarely).
In-person: Visit a Banjercito border module (CIITEV) or a participating Mexican consulate in the U.S. (e.g., Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, Denver, Dallas).
Note: Avoid third-party agents: only uniformed Banjercito officials issue legal permits.
What documents are required?
You'll need originals plus black-and-white copies (colour copies may be rejected) of your:
Passport or Passport Card or U.S./Canadian Green Card
Immigration document (FMM or Temporary Resident)
Non-Mexican driver’s licence
Vehicle title & registration (in your name or spouse’s, plus marriage certificate if applicable)
Mexican liability insurance listing VIN & licence plate
If leased, financed, or company-owned: notarised permission letter & contract. Also note: Vehicles over 3.5 metric tons GVWR (~7,716 lbs) may not be eligible for a regular TIP.
What does it cost?
Permit fee: Around USD $45–52 online or at the border (subject to peso‑USD exchange) Cross Border Coverage.
Refundable deposit, based on vehicle age:
~$400 USD — 2007 or newer
~$300 USD — 2001–2006
~$200 USD — 2000 or older
How long is the TIP valid?
For FMM holders: Up to 180 days from entry
For Temporary Residents: Valid as long as your residency remains valid (typically one year)
Note: TIPs cannot be renewed
Who else is allowed to drive the vehicle?
Your spouse, parents, children, siblings, or others may drive if insured and holding non-Mexican driver’s licenses, but the permit holder must be present in the vehicle.
How do I cancel the TIP and get my deposit back?
Cancel your TIP before it expires at a Banjercito border office (not inside Mexico’s interior) to get your deposit back.
If you fail to cancel: you forfeit the deposit, may be banned from future TIPs, and your vehicle may become illegal for re-entry.
Refunds go back to the same payment method (card or cash) and can take a few days.
✅ Important: Not all Banjercito offices operate 24/7. Many have limited hours, especially in smaller crossings. Always call ahead and check the hours of operation for the specific branch you plan to use.
Read my article on Exiting Mexico.
Step-by-Step at the Border:
Get your FMM (Tourist Card) from immigration.
Drive to the Banjercito/IITV location, often ~20-30 km inside Mexico (not at the booth).
Submit documents & pay fee + deposit.
Receive your TIP paperwork and keep a copy.
Drive with your TIP & insurance with the vehicle.
Before exit or permit expiry: Cancel the TIP at a border Banjercito office.
Check your refund is processed after you exit.
10 Hot TIP tips (see what I did there?)
Copies Must Be Black & White: Mexico is very suspicious of colour copies! Always bring black-and-white photocopies (at least three sets) of required documents: your passport, FMM, vehicle registration, insurance, etc.
Beware of Border Scammers: Only get your TIP from official Banjercito staff (usually in a government building or CIITEV module). Anyone on the street offering help is likely a scam.
Insurance is Mandatory: Even in Free Zones, you need Mexican liability coverage. U.S./Canadian insurance doesn’t count. Insurance must list VIN and license plate; digital policies are fine but printed versions are safer for checkpoints.
Vehicle Weight Limits: Vehicles over 3.5 metric tons GVWR (approx. 7,716 lbs) are not eligible for a regular TIP unless they qualify under RV/motorhome exemptions. This is especially relevant for heavy trucks like F-350s or 2500-series diesels. These restrictions are strictly enforced at some crossings, especially in Texas.
Banjercito Offices Are Not at the Border Booths: One of the biggest mistakes travellers make is thinking someone at the border will guide them to get a TIP. Banjercito offices are usually located 20–30 km inside Mexico, not at the immediate crossing point. No one will prompt you to get a TIP as you enter, you’ll simply be waved through. If you don't proactively seek out the Banjercito office, you may drive illegally in TIP-required areas without realizing it. Best practice is to apply for your TIP online at banjercito.com.mx before your trip.
Plan TIP Cancellation Carefully: You must cancel your TIP before it expires at a border Banjercito office (not inside Mexico or online). If you fail to cancel, you forfeit your deposit, you’ll be banned from getting another TIP for that vehicle or under your name, and your vehicle becomes illegal in Mexico. Use Google Maps to search “Banjercito” or “CIITEV” near your planned exit point. Not all border crossings have TIP cancellation modules, confirm ahead of time.
Leased / Financed / Company Vehicles Require Extra Paperwork: If your vehicle is leased or financed, you need a notarized letter of permission and the lease or finance agreement. If it is company-owned, bring a notarized employment letter on company letterhead, granting permission to drive the vehicle in Mexico. Without these, you may be denied a TIP.
Motorcycles and Trailers Have Special Rules: Motorcycles require a title (not just registration), especially for online TIPs. Trailers get a 10-year TIP separate from your vehicle’s 6-month TIP. You must return and cancel trailer TIPs separately or risk being barred from future vehicle entry. Always get separate permits for trailers and tow vehicles.
Timing Matters: TIPs expire to the minute based on the issuance timestamp, not just the day. Don’t assume you have until the end of the day. Even one minute late? You lose your deposit. Refunds are processed back to the same card within a few days if canceled properly.
Online TIP Applications Are Real-Time Verified: Your VIN is checked against U.S. and Canadian databases for theft, salvage titles, lien flags, or scrap reports. If your car has a record of salvage, it may be denied a TIP outright.
Somewhere in Northern Chihuahua
At-a-Glance Quick Checklist
Step | Action | Notes |
1 | Determine if you need a TIP | Are you driving beyond the Free Zone? |
2 | Confirm eligibility | FMM or Temporary Resident? Mexican abroad? |
3 | Gather documents | Passport, driver’s licence, title/registration, insurance |
4 | Make black & white copies | Originals + 3 sets of copies |
5 | Choose application mode | Online (10-60 days ahead) or in-person |
6 | Pay fee & deposit | Fee ~$45-55 USD; Deposit ~$200-400 USD |
7 | Apply/visit Banjercito | Upload docs if online; bring print if in-person |
8 | Carry TIP & insurance in vehicle | Required for checkpoints or spot checks |
9 | Exit & cancel TIP before expiry | Go to border office: confirm hours |
10 | Ensure deposit refund | Refund to same card; keep every receipt |
11 | Plan for re-entry/travel | If staying longer or exiting & re-entering |
12 | Watch vehicle type/weight limits | Heavier than 3.5 t may not be eligible |
When it comes time to leave Mexico, please go to my article on Exiting Mexico.
Full List of Banjercito IITV (TIP) Locations within Mexico
Entries marked with “*” = do not offer TIP return/cancellation service (issue only).
Source: Directorio de Módulos IITV y Oficinas Consulares, Banjercito (Oct 2025).
Verify hours before arrival. Some 24-hour modules close early for maintenance or holidays.
Contact: +52 (55) 9689-8006 | permisovehiculos@banjercito.com.mx.
Here they are on Google Maps - although 4 locations cannot be confirmed and you may end up at a t-shirt printing shop or someone's front porch.
No. | Module | Hours | Address |
1 | Otay, B.C. | Mon–Sun 08:00–21:00 | Fray Junípero Serra S/N, Garita de Otay, Tijuana, B.C., C.P. 22430 |
2 | Ensenada, B.C. | Mon–Fri 08:00–17:00; Sat 09:00–13:00 | Recinto Portuario Blvd. Teniente Azueta No. 101, Zona Centro, Ensenada, B.C., C.P. 22800 |
3 | San Ysidro, B.C. * | Mon–Sun 07:00–23:00 | José María Laroque No. 471, Col. Federal, Puerta México Chaparral, Tijuana, B.C., C.P. 22300 |
4 | Tecate, B.C. | Mon–Fri 08:00–23:00; Sat–Sun 08:00–16:00 | Av. Lázaro Cárdenas No. 201, Esq. Callejón Madero, Zona Centro, Tecate, B.C., C.P. 21400 |
5 | Garita de Otay, B.C. * | 24 hrs daily | Calle Garita No. 2 S/N, Col. Nueva Tijuana, B.C., C.P. 22430 |
6 | Puerto Int. Mexicali, B.C. | Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 | Blvd. Abelardo L. Rodríguez S/N, Col. Alamitos, Puerto Fronterizo Nuevo Mexicali II, Mexicali, B.C., C.P. 21210 |
7 | San Luis Río Colorado, Son. | Mon–Sun 08:00–00:00 | Av. Internacional y Calle 1/a, Patio Fiscal de la Aduana S/N, Col. Centro, San Luis Río Colorado, Son., C.P. 83400 |
8 | Mexicali Anexo, B.C. | Mon–Sun 08:00–00:00 | Calzada de los Presidentes S/N, Río Nuevo, Mexicali, B.C., C.P. 21120 (Interior Puerto Fronterizo Mexicali I) |
9 | San Emeterio, Son. | 24 hrs daily | Carretera Federal No. 2 Km 27 Tramo Sonoyta–Caborca, Sección Aduanera San Emeterio, Sonoyta, Son., C.P. 83570 |
10 | KM 21 Nogales, Son. | 24 hrs daily | Carretera Internacional Km 21, Col. Agua Zarca, Nogales, Son., C.P. 84000 |
11 | Agua Prieta, Son. | 24 hrs daily | Av. Panamericana Calle 1/a, Col. Centro, Interior Garita Mexicana, Agua Prieta, Son., C.P. 84200 |
12 | Cananea, Son. | Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00; Sat–Sun 08:00–16:00 | Calle la República y Colorada No. 2, Col. Minera II, Cananea, Son., C.P. 84620 |
13 | Km 30 Cd. Juárez, Chih. | 24 hrs daily | Carretera Panamericana Km 30, Cd. Juárez, Chih., C.P. 32000 |
14 | Palomas, Chih. | Mon–Sun 08:00–00:00 | Calle Internacional No. 100, Mza 1 Lote 2, Puerto Palomas de Villa, Ascensión, Chih., C.P. 31830 |
15 | San Jerónimo, Chih. | Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 | Libramiento San Jerónimo Carretera Juárez–Casas Grandes S/N, Col. Cruce Internacional No. 20, C.P. 32000 |
16 | Guadalupe Tornillo, Chih. * | Mon–Sat 08:00–16:00 | Km 43 + 155 Carretera Federal No. 2, Col. Porfirio Parra, Recinto Fiscal de Aduana Gpe. Tornillo, C.P. 32740 |
17 | Puerto Int. Ojinaga, Chih. | 24 hrs daily | Blvd. Libre Comercio No. 2400–2401, Col. Río Bravo, Ojinaga, Chih., C.P. 32882 |
18 | Piedras Negras, Coah. | 24 hrs daily | Calle Juan Zorrilla No. 300, Col. San Ramón, Piedras Negras, Coah., C.P. 26183 |
19 | Piedras Negras Anexo, Coah. | Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00 | Prol. Libramiento Fausto Z. Martínez No. 600 Int. 5 Edif. Oficinas Federales Pte. Int. II, P. Negras, Coah., C.P. 26000 |
20 | Cd. Acuña, Coah. | Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 | Calle Hidalgo No. 305, Zona Centro, Cd. Acuña, Coah., C.P. 26200 |
21 | Pte. Int. Comercio Mundial, Tamps * | Mon–Sat 08:00–16:00 | Carretera Nuevo Laredo–Piedras Negras Km 12.5, Ejido “El Canelo”, Nvo. Laredo, Tamps., C.P. 88000 |
22 | Pte. Int. Colombia, N.L. | Mon–Sun 08:00–00:00 | Carretera a Piedras Negras Km 34.5, Int. Edif. de Turismo Pte. Internacional Colombia, N.L., C.P. 65000 |
23 | Pte. Int. Nuevo Laredo, Tamps. | 24 hrs daily | Calle Ocampo Esq. 15 de Junio S/N, Ex Plataforma Fiscal, Sector Centro, Nuevo Laredo, Tamps., C.P. 88000 |
24 | Plataforma Fiscal Reynosa, Tamps. | 24 hrs daily | Libramiento Luis Echeverría S/N, Col. del Prado, Reynosa, Tamps., C.P. 88500 |
25 | Nuevo Amanecer, Tamps. | Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 | Dependencia de Gobierno S/N, Puente Int. Nuevo Amanecer, Reynosa, Tamps., C.P. 88780 |
26 | Nuevo Progreso, Tamps. | Mon–Sun 08:00–17:00 | Calle Juárez No. 302 Int. Aduana Pte. Int. Las Flores, Nvo. Progreso, Tamps., C.P. 88900 |
27 | Anzaldúas, Tamps. | Mon–Sun 06:00–22:00 | Carretera Acceso a Puente Int. Anzaldúas Km 6.244, Vista Hermosa, Reynosa, Tamps., C.P. 88730 |
28 | Cd. Miguel Alemán, Tamps. | 24 hrs daily | Calle 1/a S/N, Patio Fiscal de la Aduana, Zona Centro, Miguel Alemán, Tamps., C.P. 88300 |
29 | Cd. Camargo, Tamps. | Mon–Sun 08:00–18:00 | Carretera Río Grande S/N, Int. Aduana Fronteriza, Cd. Camargo, Tamps., C.P. 88440 |
30 | Nueva Cd. Guerrero, Tamps. | Mon–Sun 08:00–16:00 | Carretera a Zapata S/N, Int. Aduana Garita Falcón, Col. Electricistas, Nva. Cd. Guerrero, Tamps., C.P. 88370 |
31 | Pte. Int. Nuevo Matamoros, Tamps. | 24 hrs daily | Av. Álvaro Obregón y Tamaulipas, Col. Jardín, Edif. Puerta México, Matamoros, Tamps., C.P. 87330 |
32 | Pte. Int. I. Zaragoza, Tamps. | Mon–Fri 08:00–21:00; Sat–Sun 09:00–19:00 | Acción Cívica y División del Norte S/N, Col. Doctores, Matamoros, Tamps., C.P. 87460 (Edif. Migración) |
33 | Pte. Int. TLC, Tamps. | Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00; Sat 09:00–16:00 | Carretera a Reynosa Km 26 S/N, Ejido La Barranca (Matamoros-Reynosa), Matamoros, Tamps., C.P. 87300 |
34 | Chactemal, Q. Roo | Mon–Sun 07:00–20:00 | Carretera Federal Subtte. López–Belice Km 2 S/N, Othón P. Blanco, Q. Roo, C.P. 77965 |
35 | Rodolfo Robles, Chis. | Mon–Fri 08:00–21:00; Sat 08:00–16:00; Sun 09:00–17:00 | Puente Internacional Km 27 S/N, entre Central Oriente y 2da Oriente, Cd. Hidalgo, Chis., C.P. 30840 |
36 | Cd. Cuauhtémoc, Chis. | Mon–Fri 08:00–20:00; Sat 08:00–16:00; Sun 09:00–17:00 | Carretera Panamericana Km 253.5 S/N, Int. Sección Aduanera Frontera Comalapa, Cd. Cuauhtémoc, Chis., C.P. 30150 |
37 | Pichilingue, B.C.S. | Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00; Sat 09:00–13:00 | Terminal Marítima de Pichilingue, Carretera Pichilingue Km 17, La Paz, B.C.S., C.P. 23000 |
38 | Empalme, Son. * | 24 hrs daily | Km 98 Carretera Estatal Hermosillo-Obregón, Empalme, Son., C.P. 85300 |
39 | El Ceibo, Tabs. | Tue–Sun 09:00–17:00 | Carretera Federal Tenosique–El Ceibo Km 56, Col. Agrícola Sueños de Oro, Tenosique, Tabasco, C.P. 86906 |
Banjercito Consular Offices (U.S.A)
Accurate to October 2025 extracted from Mexico's Official Government site
Here they are on Google Maps
No. | Office | Hours | Address |
40 | Chicago, IL * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 204 S. Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60607 |
41 | Houston, TX * | Temporarily closed (reopens Oct 7 2025) | 10555 Richmond Ave., Houston, TX 77042 |
42 | Los Ángeles, CA * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 2401 W. 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 |
43 | Dallas, TX * | Mon–Fri 07:00–14:30 | 1210 River Bend, Dallas, TX 75247 |
44 | San Bernardino, CA * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 293 North “D” Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401 |
45 | Sacramento, CA * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 2093 Arena Blvd. Room 275, Sacramento, CA 95834 |
46 | Austin, TX * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 5202 E. Ben White Blvd., Suite 150, Austin, TX 78741 |
47 | Phoenix, AZ * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 320 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85004 |
48 | Albuquerque, NM * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 1610 4th Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102 |
49 | Denver, CO * | Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30 | 5350 Leetsdale Drive Suite 100, Denver, CO 80246 |
