How it works
No permit needed within 20 km of the US border, anywhere on the Baja California peninsula, or in the "free zone" of northwest Sonora, as long as someone who lives outside Mexico is in the car. Heading deeper into Sonora only? Ask Banjercito about the "Only Sonora" permit, which has its own terms.
Anywhere else in mainland Mexico, you need a TIP. Apply online or in the Banjercito app 60 to 10 days before you cross, or get it in person at the border. Some Mexican consulates issue them up to 6 months ahead. One vehicle per person, and the title or registration has to be in your name (or you need a lease or loan letter that allows it).
The fee is set in US dollars and charged in pesos: US$45 plus Mexican sales tax (about US$52) online, or US$51 plus tax (about US$59) at the border or a consulate.
You also leave a refundable deposit based on model year: US$400 for 2007 and newer, US$300 for 2001 to 2006, US$200 for 2000 and older.
The permit ends when your immigration stay ends, which is the number of days the officer writes on your FMM, up to 180.
On your way out, the permit holder shows the vehicle, permit and windshield sticker at a Banjercito desk at the border. That closes the permit. A card deposit goes back to the card the next banking day; a cash deposit comes back in cash at a border Banjercito desk.
The permit holder, their spouse, parents, children or siblings, or another foreign visitor can drive the vehicle. A Mexican citizen can drive it only if the permit holder is in the car.
An example
You cross at Nogales on 15 November 2026 in your 2019 4Runner. INM gives you 180 days on your FMM, and you pay the fee plus a US$400 deposit for the TIP. Your permit and your stay both end around 13 May 2027. You head north at Laredo on 20 April 2027, stop at the Banjercito desk before crossing, and have the sticker taken off and the return logged. The US$400 is back on your card the next banking day.
Mistakes people make
- Driving across without stopping. If nobody logs your exit, the permit stays open and you lose the deposit. Mexico allows one vehicle per visitor, so expect to be refused a new permit until the old one is sorted out.
- Taking the ferry from Baja to the mainland without a TIP. Get it online ahead of time or when you cross into Baja. Banjercito has historically had a desk inside the Pichilingue terminal at La Paz, but don't count on it, and there's no official desk at Santa Rosalía.
- Sending a family member to close the permit. Relatives can drive the car, but the rules put the return on the permit holder. If you can't be there, call Banjercito first and ask what they'll accept.
- Getting fewer than 180 days on the FMM. The TIP ends when your stay ends, not on day 180.
- Staying past the expiry date. After that, the vehicle is in Mexico illegally and can be fined or seized. If it has already expired, file a "Retorno Seguro" (safe return) notice with Mexico's customs. You then have 5 days, counted from the next business day, to drive the vehicle to the border zone or the exit customs office.
Quick answers
Do I need a TIP to drive in Baja?
No. You don't need one on the Baja peninsula, within 20 km of the US border, or in the free zone of northwest Sonora. You do need one before taking the ferry to the mainland.
How long does a Mexico TIP last?
As long as your FMM, which is the number of days the officer gives you, up to 180.
How much does a TIP cost?
About US$52 online or US$59 at the border, plus a refundable deposit of US$200 to US$400 depending on your vehicle's model year.
What happens if I don't close my TIP?
You can lose your deposit, and Mexico may refuse you a new permit until the old one is sorted out.
Where this comes from
Government sources only. Read the rule yourself.
What changed
3 Oct 2026. Checked against Mexico's 2026 foreign trade rules and Banjercito. Corrected Retorno Seguro and who can drive, and added the exit step.
A plain-language summary of the official rules. It isn't legal advice. If your situation is unusual, confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
