Requirements for traveling to Mexico by car: US guide

Depending on where you live, one of the cheapest ways to get to Mexico from the US is by car. Whether you're headed to the beach or visiting family across the border, you're probably wondering: "What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car?"

The short answer: you'll need a valid ID, specific paperwork for your vehicle, and a Mexico entry permit. Here's everything you need to know for a smooth border crossing.

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Table of contents
What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car? Valid ID Car documents Mexico entry permit Are there any fees to travel to Mexico by car? What can I bring into Mexico by car from the US? How to prepare to cross the US-Mexico border Spend like a local in Mexico with the Wise Account What do I need to cross back into the US from Mexico by car? Traveling to Mexico by car: FAQs

What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car?

To travel to Mexico from the US by car, you'll need 3 types of documents: valid identification for yourself, proper paperwork for your vehicle, and an entry permit.

Valid ID

You can use a valid US passport, passport card, or green card to enter Mexico. If you're on a student visa (like an F1), you might be able to use that too, but check with your school first to avoid any surprises at the border.

If you need to apply for a new passport or renew an expired one, make sure to plan ahead. As of May 2025, processing times run 4 to 6 weeks for routine service and 2 to 3 weeks for expedited processing, not including mailing time.¹

Factor in up to 2 weeks for your application to reach the processing center, plus another 2 weeks to receive your passport back. That means you could be looking at 8 to 10 weeks total for routine processing.¹

You can consider getting a passport card for faster and cheaper processing. You can get it at any of the 7,000+ acceptance facilities throughout the country, including post offices, libraries, and court clerk offices.²

Car documents

You'll need a few documents for your vehicle to cross the Mexican border. Some documents you probably already have, but others you'll need to get specifically for your trip.

Here's what documents are required:
US driver's license: You can also use an International Driving Permit Proof of car registration: Must be current and valid Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP): Required for most travel beyond border zones Mexico tourist car insurance policy: There are several companies where you can purchase a policy online, such as Adventure Mexican Insurance Services

You'll need to pay a refundable security deposit to get your TVIP. This deposit acts as a guarantee that you'll bring your car back to the US. Once you exit Mexico, you'll get the money refunded to your card (but not the nonrefundable fees).

You can handle the entire permit application through Banjercito, either on their website before you travel, when you reach the border crossing, or at participating Mexican consulates throughout the US.

Certain parts of Mexico don't require the TVIP at all. If you're staying within 20 kilometers (~12 miles) of the US border or are traveling to the Baja Peninsula or the western half of Sonora, you can typically skip it.³

Mexico entry permit

All foreign citizens traveling to Mexico need to get an entry permit, also known as an FMM (Forma Migratoria Múltiple).

You can get it at a National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración or INM) at the border crossing or online.³ If you get it online, you'll still need to stop at the INM's office and stamp it.

Are there any fees to travel to Mexico by car?

Yes, you'll have to pay a few different fees. Here's a breakdown of what to expect.

Fee	Cost
Visitor entry fee	20 USD⁴
Vehicle import permit (TVIP)	44 USD + IVA (Value Added Tax)⁴
Vehicle deposit	Refundable deposit based on your car’s age:⁴ 2007 and newer: 400 USD 2001 to 2006: 300 USD 2000 and older: 200 USD
Declared items tax	Usually 25% of item value⁵

If you're bringing things into Mexico beyond your personal luggage, the merchandise has an exemption of up to 75 USD per person. You'll need to show receipts and invoices to prove the value of your merchandise.⁵

Keep in mind that these fees can change, so it's worth double-checking current rates before your trip.

What can I bring into Mexico by car from the US?

You can bring your personal luggage and belongings, but keep things reasonable. Avoid packing excessive amounts of items that might make customs officials think that you're planning to sell merchandise in Mexico.

Try to limit fancy electronics like expensive cameras or laptops, and if you take prescription medications, only bring what you need for your trip.

When you reach customs, you can use the "nothing to declare" lane if your belongings are just personal luggage. However, if you're traveling with additional items worth more than 75 USD, you'll need to go through the "self-declaration" lane and potentially pay duties.⁵

🚨 Watch out for the items you can’t bring:⁶
Firearms and ammunition Any form of marijuana (including medical) Live animals (except cats and dogs with proper documentation) Certain chemicals and pesticides Specific fish products like Totoaba Turtle eggs or turtle products Certain graphic materials that portray childhood in a "denigrating or ridiculous manner" or in any other "antisocial" way (think Garbage Pail Kids)

When in doubt, leave questionable items at home. Certain items that may be harmless and completely legal in your state (like medical marijuana) are very serious and could land you in jail in Mexico.

How to prepare to cross the US-Mexico border

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1. Gather your documents

Collect your passport or passport card, driver's license, and current vehicle registration. Make copies of everything and store them separately from the originals.

2. Research your driving route

If you're staying within 20 kilometers (~12 miles) of the border or anywhere in the Baja Peninsula or the western half of Sonora, you don't need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP). If you're going to other areas, you'll need to get one.³

3. Buy Mexico auto insurance

You're required to buy a Mexican insurance policy with at least liability coverage, but you may also consider additional coverage depending on your situation. Many companies sell policies online.

4. Calculate what you need to declare

If you're bringing items worth more than 75 USD per person (but less than 1,000 USD), plan to use the Declaration Lane at customs. You'll fill out the paperwork and pay about 25% of the declared value as duty.⁵

Items over 1,000 USD require using a Mexican customhouse broker.⁵

5. Prepare pet documentation

If you're traveling with pets to Mexico, make sure you have all the necessary health certificates and any required permits. Requirements change often, so check the latest rules from Mexican authorities well ahead of your trip.

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What do I need to cross back into the US from Mexico by car?

You'll need a valid form of ID that allows you to enter the US, such as your passport, passport card, or green card. You can also use an appropriate visa or another travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

The same identification you used to enter Mexico will likely work for your return trip.

Traveling to Mexico by car: FAQs

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Is it safe to travel to Mexico by car?

It's generally safe to cross the border to Mexico by car, and many people do it. The biggest risks come from not following import rules and bringing prohibited items, such as medical marijuana, which can result in fines or even jail time.

However, Mexico is a big country, and not all areas are safe. According to the US Department of State, crimes such as kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are common in some parts of the country.⁷

Check the travel advisory for the particular area where you're planning on going.

Do you need a passport to go to Mexico?

Yes, you need a passport, passport card, or green card to enter Mexico by land. Your standard driver's license isn't enough for international travel. If you're on certain US visas like an F1 student visa, that might work too, but it's best to confirm with your school or immigration advisor before you go.

Can you drive into Mexico with a US driver's license?

Your US driver's license is valid for driving in Mexico, so you don't need to get an International Driving Permit unless you prefer to have one. However, your license alone won't get you across the border. You still need a passport or another valid ID to enter the country.

Can I use my birth certificate to come back from Mexico?

No, you'll need a passport, passport card, green card, or another Department of Homeland Security-approved travel document to return to the US from Mexico.

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Traveling to Mexico by car can be cheaper (and sometimes faster) than taking a plane, but you'll need a valid form of ID and specific vehicle documentation and permits depending on where you're going.

In addition to the documents that you likely already have, such as your driver's license and car registration, you'll also likely need a Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP), a Mexican car insurance policy, and an entry permit.

Another thing that you'll need to figure out when traveling to Mexico is how to pay for accommodations, meals, and entertainment there. It's not a good idea to carry a lot of cash on you, and changing USD to MXN often comes with steep fees.

For a hassle-free way to spend like a local once you arrive, use Wise.

Sources

1. US Department of State - Get Your Processing Time
2. US Department of State - Crossing the US-Mexico Border by Land
3. Progressive - Requirements for Driving to Mexico
4. Relaciones Exteriores Mexico - Traveling to Mexico by Land
5. Adventure Mexican Insurance Services - What You Can Bring Into Mexico and How to Do It
6. Adventure Mexican Insurance Services - What to Avoid Bringing to Mexico
7. US Department of State - Mexico Travel Advisory

Sources checked 05/29/2025