Mexico Vehicle Registration Process

The Process Of Registering A Vehicle In Mexico

Mexico is a popular destination for travel and tourism. But what if you want to bring more than your luggage? If you’re thinking about importing and registering a car in this vacation paradise, look below for some guidelines on registration, driving and other aspects of getting around Mexico.

Getting Your License

If you have a valid license from another country, you can pass the written exam. If you don’t have a license, you will have to take a written exam that’s only in Spanish.

Here are other items that you’ll need: a recent water or electric bill with your mailing address, immigration documents, or a voter card for citizens.

Get three photocopies of each document, as that will help you tremendously with the red tape.

Remember to get some insurance for your vehicle. Mexican law requires that your vehicle be insured by a Mexican insurance company. Another fun fact: The registered owner must be in the vehicle at all times.

Getting Number Plates

First things first, you cannot do this without a Mexican license. Got it? Great. Bring two copies plus the original license to the transit police. Alongside that, you’ll need a recent water or electric bill, proof of the import fee and proof of vehicle ownership.

Ensure your vehicle identification number matches up with your paperwork or there will be some trouble.

As far as fees for the license plates, that all depends on the current value of your car.

If you have any questions about the process of shipping a car to Mexico, what options you have, or what’s required, click here to learn more! Our international shipping page for Mexico has a wealth of helpful information!

Driving In The Land of the Aztecs & Understanding Rules Of The Road

Driving And Getting Around

When driving south of the United States border do so on the right side of the road. Make sure you know your way around or that you are comfortable reading signs in Spanish. In Central American nationico speed limits are indicated in kilometers per hour rather than miles per hour so keep that in mind.

Night driving is something to approach cautiously. The lighting on Mexican roadways is questionable at night—read: nonexistent in some places—and livestock is known to wander out onto the roads.

Road conditions are a hit or miss. Some roads are impeccable with smooth pavement. But others are pothole-ridden and questionable at best. When you venture away from the main cities into the outskirts, the likelihood of hitting rough roads increases.

When inclement weather strikes, be prepared for floods. You should have a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle for such weather.

Mexico Vehicle Resources

Importing A Car Into Mexico - Information about the process and procedures of importing a vehicle into the country.

Insurance & Driving In Mexico - Everything you’ll need to know about driving, auto insurance, licenses, and permits while you’re in Mexico.

Call us today at the number at the top of the page if you’re considering shipping a vehicle to Mexico! We offer FREE price quotes to all parties and are one of the most affordable international car shipping services you’ll find!