What do i need to take my car to mexico

Planning to drive to Mexico from the U.S. or Canada?

You’ve landed on the right guide because I live in Mexico, and am going to help you navigate the ins and outs of driving to Mexico. After reading this article you’ll have all the Mexico border crossing requirements you need to drive into Mexico like a pro.

🚗💨 Mexico Car Insurance: Do You Need it?

The #1 question readers ask about crossing the U.S.-Mexico border is Do I need Mexican car insurance to drive to Mexico? — and the answer is yes.

The company I recommended for this is Baja Bound because they have affordable policies you can buy online right now. They also have actual humans who answer the phones — a rarity these days! ▶︎ Get your FREE quote from Baja Bound.

Besides insurance, there are several documents you need, and you’re going to learn about them all in this article.

You’ll also find out about rental cars to drive to Mexico, and get 10 tips for driving in Mexico so you’re comfortable when crossing the Mexican border by car.

Mexico Border Crossing Requirements

Beside needing car insurance to drive to Mexico, you’re probably wondering What documents are required to drive to Mexico? There are 5 other things (6 items in total) you need in order to drive across the United States-Mexico border.

🚗💨 What do i need to travel to Mexico by car?

1. Valid U.S. Passport (or U.S. Green Card)
2. Mexico auto insurance policy
3. Valid U.S. Driver’s License (or International Driving Permit)
4. Vehicle registration documents
5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP)
6. Mexico Tourist Card (Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM)

We’re going to look at what each document means below, but keep in mind this list is always subject to change. Don’t forget to look over the U.S. State Department site hereto make sure there haven’t been any recent changes this article doesn’t reflect.

🇨🇦 Driving to Mexico from Canada: As a U.S. citizen, I only feel confident speaking on driving from the United States to Mexico. If you’re from Canada, head here for information from the Canadian government about driving from Canada to Mexico.

1. Valid U.S. Passport or Green Card

Do you need a passport to drive to Mexico? is one of the most important questions you need answered when driving to Mexico. The answer is yes, you need a valid passport or passport card, or a valid Green Card.

Because Mexico generally gives tourists 180-days (or 6 months) on the FMM tourist visa, your Passport or Green Card should be valid for six months past your border crossing date.

This means that if you cross on January 1, your U.S. Passport must be valid until July 1.

How to Get a U.S. Passport

United States citizens can apply at one of more than 7,000 locations, which include post offices, libraries, and clerks of court.

Passports take about two months to process, but if you need yours expedited, that will cost more, so apply ASAP. ▶︎ Learn more here.

2. Mexico Driving Insurance

You probably want to know, Does my US insurance work in Mexico?

No — Your U.S. car insurance or Canadian car insurance is not valid for driving in Mexico. You need a dedicated Mexican auto insurance policy to cross the border from the U.S. to Mexico.

You can buy your Mexican Automobile Liability Insurance online right now from Baja Bound. They are one of the most trusted names in Mexico insurance, with some of the best ratings I’ve ever seen for an insurance company.

Can I Buy Mexico Car Insurance at the Border?

No — You can not buy insurance at the U.S.-Mexico border. In fact, if you don’t show up with your insurance policy paperwork in hand, you won’t be allowed to drive to Mexico.

The good news? You can get your policy right now by answering just a few questions.

3. Valid U.S. Driver’s License

If you have a valid driver’s license for any U.S. state, you can legally drive across the border to Mexico.

Like your passport, your driver’s license should be valid for at least another six months, just to be safe so you have no issues crossing the border into Mexico.

🧰 BONUS: Emergency Roadside Kit

You’re not legally required to have an emergency kit in your car, but it’s something you’ll want for driving in Mexico.

This 90-piece Car Emergency Safety Kit has everything you need, including a portable air compressor, jumper cables, headlamp and more, for under $90USD.

4. Vehicle Registration Document

You will need to present your valid car registration paperwork to the agents when you cross the U.S. Mexico border. If you don’t have this on you, or if yours is expired, you won’t be allowed to continue driving into Mexico.

5. Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit

You can get your Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit Card, or TVIP car permit for Mexico, at the border as you’re crossing, or in advance of your Mexico trip.

To save time at the border, which can often have long wait times, you’ll want to get one in advance.

Some Mexico Consulates and Embassies in the United States offer TVIP services, so contact your nearest office to see if they offer it.

You can apply for TVIP Mexican vehicle permits 60 days before your trip, but have to get it more than seven days before you’re heading to Mexico.

6. Mexico Tourist Card (FMM Tourist Visa)

The Forma Migratoria Múltiple, or FMM, is your Mexico travel visa. Every traveler needs to have an FMM while in the country, as it proves you’re in Mexico legally.

Make sure you have your FMM on you at all times, should a police officer or Immigration officer stop you.

In some cases, you can get your FMM here in advance of traveling to Mexico. You can also easily get one at the border, which is what most people do.

Getting this is much quicker than getting a TVIP Mexico car permit, and takes only a few minutes. The FMM costs $595 MXN pesos ($30 USD).

🚨 Warning: Don’t lose your FMM

When you’re crossing the Mexico-U.S. border back into the United States, you will have to give back your FMM.

Driving to Mexico Tips: The FMM is sometimes called the FMT, but it’s the same form.

If you lose your FMM (or FMT), there is a fine of about $600 MXN pesos ($30USD) you’ll have to pay, and some paperwork to fill out, to get a new one before you can leave Mexico.

Driving to Mexico Guide

7. Mexico gas stations are not self-serve

When you stop for gas, an attendant will pump it for you and take the payment. Many attendants don’t work for the gas station, and live off tips.

When they finish, it’s customary to tip them $10-20 Mexican pesos ($0.50-1USD), or more if you ask them to perform a service like checking your tires.

8. Window cleaners may approach you at stop lights

When you’re at stop lights in Mexico, you may be approached by someone offering to clean the car windshield. There’s no set amount to pay, but $10-20 pesos ($0.50-1USD) is a good amount — and well worth it for a nice, clean windshield.

In Mexico, stop lights go from green to yellow, to flashing yellow for a few seconds, to finally, a red light.

🚦 Note: This doesn’t mean you should speed up to get through a yellow light. You are still legally required to stop at yellow lights, just like in the United States.

10. Yes, Mexico cops do take bribes

If the cops pull you over — and they usually only will if you give them a reason to — they may expect a cash “payment” in exchange for not ticketing you.

The best ways to insure this doesn’t happen to you is to 1) not speed, 2) not be on your phone, and 3) not break any other Mexico driving laws.

Please Note: I’m not in any way defending that this happens, but I am saying the easiest way to make the problem go away is by paying them 🤷‍♀️

The worst thing you can do is argue because they can take you to jail — and is that where you want to spend your Mexico trip?

Article 152 & Tarjeton Turistico

About 10 years ago, the Mexican government implemented Article 152, though efforts fell flat.

The Tarjetón Turístico tourist card was intended to end police bribes on tourists, so it’s sad the program failed, but if you see anything about Mexico Article 152 online, it’s no longer operational.

Driving Across the Mexico Border

After you have all your paperwork in order, and you’ve purchased your Mexico car insurance from Baja Bound, it’s time to hit the road.

Keep in mind you can not buy insurance at the Mexico border, and need to arrive with your policy paperwork in hand.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 73 million personal vehicles did a U.S.-Mexico border crossing in 2019, so there may be long wait times, especially on weekends.

You’ll want to show up in good spirits, because this isn’t the place to lose your temper.

Driving from California to Mexico

The state of California connects to the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico, and you can do land crossings from California to Mexico in several places.

The most commonly-used is the San Ysidro Crossing (El Chaparral), but there’s also the Otay Mesa Crossing.

With so many travelers driving to Mexico from Los Angeles and driving to Mexico from San Diego, this is a popular route. Coming from these two cities, you’ll want to use the San Ysidro Crossing, which goes from San Diego to Tijuana.

🚙💨 Driving to Mexico Tips: Download the BorderTraffic app to see real-time videos of the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa Crossings.

The app helps you gauge what your wait time might be; on average, each car takes about one minute to get through. App Store | Google Play

Driving from Texas to Mexico

When driving to Mexico from Texas, you’ll want to check this list of U.S.-Mexico border crossings. There are more than 20 different locations when coming by car, including the popular El Paso Crossing from El Paso, Texas to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico.

Driving to Puerto Penasco Mexico

Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point) is a Mexico resort city and fishing town on the Gulf of California in Sonora state. This is the closest beach to Arizona, and sometimes even called Arizona’s Beach.

If you’re only visiting Sonora Mexico, opt for the Sonora Only Program (also called the Only Sonora Program). This is a Mexico vehicle permit program for Sonora travel, which does include Rocky Point.

Which Lane to Use When Driving to Mexico

As you’re approaching the Mexico border crossing, you may get a bit confused because some crossings have so numerous lanes to choose from.

It can feel hectic with signs and cars all over the place, so take a moment to learn about the different lanes at the US-Mexico border.

Nothing to Declare Lanes vs Declaration Lanes

Choosing between the Nothing to Declare Lane (Nada que Declarar) or Declaration Lane (Carril de Declaración) depends on what you have in your vehicle.

If you’re just traveling as a tourist on a road trip to Mexico, you’ll more than likely use the Nothing to Declare Lane.

Baja Bound has this great guide on what to know about declarations when traveling to Mexico. After reading, you can buy your Mexico car insurance policy from their site, as they are one of the most trusted names in Mexican driving insurance.

Random Searches: Red Light, Green Light

Even travelers with nothing to declare (in the proper Nothing to Declare Lane) may still get randomly selected for secondary inspection. As you’re getting to the actual border crossing point, you’ll see a stop light that gives each car a red or green light.

If you get the red light here, you have been randomly selected for a secondary inspection. Getting the green light means you’re good to go.

Do note that officers from Customs are allowed to request a secondary inspection on any car they choose, even if you had a green light.

Secondary Inspection for Random Searches

Don’t panic if you’re randomly selected; it happens.

With these inspections, Customs officers will check in your car and trunk to see that you don’t have items you should have declared. If you don’t, you’ll be on your way to Mexico in minutes.

Renting a Car and Driving to Mexico

Wondering, Can I rent a car and drive to Mexico from the U.S.?

The answer is, yes, but there are a lot of restrictions and it’s not a straightforward process. In fact, getting a rental car to go to Mexico can be difficult, and after reading this, you might not even want to.

Most major American car rental companies, like Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Fox Rent a Car, Hertz, National and Thrifty, allow renters to drive from the U.S. to Mexico.

However, not all locations for each company allow you to take rental cars to cross the border.

You’ll want to start the search for a rental car to drive across the border by calling each individual location the rental company has. While you have someone on the phone, get a rundown of all the rules and regulations they have for driving to Mexico.

No two rental companies seem to have the same rules for customers who want to rent a car to drive to Mexico. For example, Budget Rent A Car only allows their corporate clients to rent a car for this purpose; this isn’t a universal rule, but it isn’t uncommon.

Are there one way car rentals for Mexico?

Some travelers want a one way rental, where you pick up the car in the United States, then drive across the border, and ultimately leave the car at another location in Mexico.

Your best bet is to call individual car rental offices and ask, but for the most part, they rarely allow it.

There is one loophole you can try, but it only really makes sense if the company has a Tijuana Airport car rental office.

Tijuana International Airport has the Cross Border Xpress Skybridge, a U.S.-Mexico border you can walk across. If the company allows it, you’ll leave the rental car at one of their Tijuana Mexico locations, and then walk across the Skybridge into San Diego.

10 Useful Tips for Driving in Mexico

1. Avoid driving at night in Mexico

When you’ve lived in Mexico as long as I have, you realize many people simply avoid driving at night, if possible.

If you do drive at night, remember many rural roads aren’t well lit at night, so stick to only main roads and paid highways, called cuota roads, during nighttime hours.

2. Always use the cuota roads (Toll roads in Mexico)

In Mexico, there are libre roads, or free roads, and cuota roads, or paid toll roads. For longer drives between states, always opt for the cuota roads. While the toll roads do cost more, they are better maintained and generally considered safer for drivers.

Driving to Mexico Tips: When driving in Mexico, make sure to always have small bills and coins on you to pay for the tolls. Some take U.S. dollars, but it’s still better to have pesos.

3. Beware of topes (Speed bumps)

Mexico roads are notorious for an abundance of topes (speed bumps).

While some roads have bright yellow road signs that do alert you to the topes, keep your eyes on the road at all times, as some topes don’t have a sign — and can cause serious damage to your car.

4. Download an offline map for driving in Mexico

Your cell signal may go in and out as you’re driving in Mexico, especially when venturing to more rural parts of the country — so you’ll want to download an offline map from Google Mapsor Maps.Me.

📲 For the best possible cell signal, get a Mexico SIM Card.

5. Mexico speed limit signs are in kilometers per hour

Mexico street signs are not in not miles per hour; they are in kilometers per hour. For those who are curious, 1 mile is 1.6 kilometers.

Rather than having to do math as you’re driving in Mexico, just make sure the number on the speed limit sign matches the number on your speedometer.

As you might imagine, the street signs and highway signs in Mexico are also in Spanish. Here are a few you’ll want to know:

• Alto (stop)
• Retorono (turn-around, which is where you make legal U-turns)
• Entrada (entrance)
• Salida (exit)
• Restringido (restricted area)
• Prohibido (entry prohibited)

6. Don’t use your cell phone while driving in Mexico

Not only is it unsafe to use your phone while driving, it’s also illegal in Mexico. In fact, even just holding your phone is an easy way for you to get pulled over.

🇲🇽 Mexico Fun Fact: It’s also illegal to put on make-up or shave while driving — just some of the weird laws Mexico has!

Driving to Mexico: Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance to drive to Mexico?

Yes — According to Mexican law, no foreign insurance policies transfer to Mexico. You need at least Personal Liability Insurance (sometimes called TPL insurance, or PLI insurance) to fulfill any legal and financial requirements in the event of an accident.

What’s the best Mexico driving insurance?

The best company is Baja Bound because they have cheap Mexico car insurance policies you can buy online. ▶︎ Get your FREE quote now!

They have amazing customer service (with real people who answer the phones), so if you have questions just contact them here.

What if I have insurance through my credit card?

Likely not — even if you think you do.

Some U.S. credit cards provide Collision Damage Waiver (CDW insurance) for card holders. This is not the equivalent of Personal Liability Insurance, which you’re required to have by law, as it doesn’t cover any liability.

Does my health insurance cover me when driving in Mexico?

Maybe, but likely not — It never hurts to call your provider and ask, but for the most part, you’ll need a separate Mexican insurance policy for traveling.

Luckily, these aren’t very expensive, and you can use this link to read all about the best Mexico travel insurance providers. 

Is it safe to drive in Mexico?

Yes — For the vast majority of drivers, it’s safe to drive in Mexico.

The one obvious caveat is that you’ll be driving in a foreign country, with driving laws differing from your home country. Check out the 10 Mexico driving tips in this article that will help you get comfortable.

Besides driving laws in Mexico, keep in mind the speed signs are in kilometers per hour, not miles per hour — so make sure your speedometer matches what’s on the posted speed limit signs. Street signs and highway signs are also in Spanish, like these.

Is it safe to drive through Mexico?

Beyond Is it safe to drive to Mexico?, you’ll want to know if it’s safe to drive within the country itself.

You can check for current travel advisories on the U.S. State Department site here, and also download the iOverlander app (available for Apple and Android).

This free app is one of the best resources for driving in Mexico. It connects you to other drivers in Mexico, mostly those who are in the country at the same time as you, to share tips on road safety, accidents, road blocks, construction delays, and much more.

Is van life in Mexico safe?

In full disclosure, I have never done any Mexico van life travel.

I learned about the iOverlander app just mentioned from two different women who have done van life travel in Mexico. They both say it’s one of the best resources to connect with other Mexico van lifers and drivers.

Check out these podcast episodes where I interview them both about their experiences with travel in Mexico by car or van. Rather than me commenting on Mexico van life safety as someone who’s never done it, I will defer to Louisa and Kelli.

• Episode 44: Louisa talks van life in Mexico
• Episode 48: Kelli talks Mexico van life

Can you drive to Mexico?

Yes — As long as you have the six things mentioned on this list, traveling to Mexico by car or any other vehicle is legal for U.S. citizens and Green Card holders.

For those in California, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, driving to and driving through Mexico is common.

Can you drive to Mexico right now?

Yes — Though the land borders were closed to recreational travel for about 1.5 years, they fully re-opened on November 8, 2021. At this time, there are no border restrictions in place and you do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Mexico. 

🐶 Can you drive to Mexico with dogs and cats?

Yes — Driving to Mexico with pets is easy, as long as your dogs and/or cats are healthy.

Since 2019, you no longer need any documentation to drive into Mexico with pets. You might consider bringing your pet’s vaccination records, which isn’t required, but may come in handy.

Driving to Mexico Tips: Mexico only recognizes dogs and cats as pets. Animals such as horses fall under the designation of livestock, not pets.  

Will my pets be quarantined when entering Mexico?

No — As long as your pet shows no signs of ectoparasites or ticks, they will not be placed in quarantine when you travel to Mexico by car 🐾

What’s the driving age in Mexico?

The age to get a learner’s permit is 15, but the driver is only allowed on the road with parental supervision. At 16, they can get a provisional license, if a parent signs for them. Once a person reaches 18-years-old, they can have a full Mexico driver’s license.

What are the best U.S. Mexico Border Crossings to use?

There are 48 U.S.-Mexico border crossings, so the best border to cross from the United States to Mexico will depend on where you’re coming from.

The two busiest are the San Ysidro Crossing from San Diego to Tijuana, and the El Paso Crossing in El Paso, Texas.

Can I drive my financed vehicle in Mexico?

If you have a leased car, you should double check with your financing company to see if they have special requirements for driving to Mexico. Some lien holders require that clients have an official permission letter to carry during your entire trip to Mexico. 

Is there a separate driving in Mexico license?

There is no additional drivers license in Mexico you need to get, as your U.S. or Canadian license is valid (as long as it’s not expired). If you’re from another country, and your country uses this alphabet (the Roman alphabet), your license is also valid.

What is an International Driving Permit? 

Drivers from countries that use other alphabets like Japan, China, Russia, Thailand, Israel, etc. that use the other alphabets need to get an International Driving Permit, or IDP, which will translate your license into the Roman alphabet.

▶︎ Need an IDP for Mexico? Apply here.

Final Thoughts on Driving to Mexico

The US-Mexico land border is the busiest land crossing in the world. The two countries share a 1,954-mile-long land border (3,144 km), stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico, with about 25 places to do a land crossing.

The United States Department of Transportation reported that about 73 million personal vehicles (carrying about 137 million people) drove across the border in 2019 alone.

Driving to Mexico is a very popular way to visit the country, especially in Baja California on the West Coast.

If you’re headed to Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, don’t miss Ensenada, Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico Wine Country) and Rosarito, all located about 1-2 hours from the U.S. border.

If you love road trips, you can drive all the way to Cabo San Lucas, but it will take about 22 hours from San Diego.

Mexico Travel Planning Guide

🚑 Should I buy Mexico travel insurance?

100% YES!— With basic coverage averaging just $5-10USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from World Nomads, the biggest name in travel insurance. (Read more)

💧Can you drink the water in Mexico?

No— You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters your drinking water so you don’t get sick from drinking water in Mexico, and helps keep you hydrated while traveling Mexico. (Read more)

🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Mexico?

Yes — Renting a car in Mexico is one of the best ways to see the country! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local Mexican companies, so you get the best rates. (Read more)

📲 Will my phone work in Mexico?

Maybe— It depends on your company, so check with your provider. If you don’t have free Mexico service, buy a Telcel SIM Card. As Mexico’s largest carrier, Telcel has the best coverage of any Mexico SIM Cards. (Read more)

🏩 What’s the best way to book my Mexico accommodations?

For Mexico hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a Mexico Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb.

🧳 What do I pack for Mexico?

Head to the Ultimate Mexico Packing List + FREE Checklist Download to get all the info you need on packing for Mexico.

✈️ What’s the best site to buy Mexico flights?

For finding cheap Mexico flights, I recommend Skyscanner.

🎫 Do I need a visa for Mexico?

Likely Not— U.S., Canadian and most European Passport holders don’t need a visa for Mexico; but check here to see if you do need a Mexico travel visa. The majority of travelers will receive a 180-Day FMM Tourist Visa upon arrival.