Returning a vehicle permit to Mexico when you forgot to the first time through..?

Question

We drove to Cancun of October 07, and had to obtain a vehicle permit. Crossed over in Matamoros.

When we returned to US and crossed back over into Brownsville, no one asked for the vehicle permit.. we didn't realize this until about half way home to Minnesota.

We have since been informed we need to go back, and need to return this in person with the same vehicle so they see the vehicle is coming back out of Mexico. Not doing so would result in being banned from re-entering Mexico later we were told.

My question.. do we need to go through all the paperwork again to cross over (visitors permit from Counsulate) just so we can cross over and come back in to turn this in? OR, can we turn it in on the US side? This is becoming a nightmare driving all the way back down just so we can go back and also to avoid fines we are told.

Anyone have info on this? Foresee any problems we may have? Can we go back through Laredo instead of Matamoros as it is a bit closer?

Thanks for help

Answer 1

You need no paperwork to be in the border zone for less than 72 hours ... so you could easily return your sticker.

Disregard concerns about a $400 fine on your credit card.  I've never heard of it happenings.  I've been here 3 years on a permit that was originally on a tourist visa and I'm now on an FM3 visa - it just won't happen.

I'd think if you plan a trip next year you could turn it in then - but don't quote me *** with the same car ***

Try the consulate - but I doubt it.   If they take you sticker and it doesn't get done you are up the creek!

Answer 2

I no someone that did that and the next year they tried to go to Mexico and were refused entry

with a new vehicle

They went back to Texas and he put the vehicle in his wifes name and had no problem.

I know some others that found a place to park state side and bused it to southern Mexico.

The "Fiscal" have a very modern computer system and have been combating people that like to make money selling cars in Mexico.

Your best bet is to go to a consulate near you and take the paperwork and your story should not be a problem.

In all that paperwork you signed when you enter should be reviewed.  At one time they could add $350.00 to your credit card but there were problems associated with that system.

Answer 3

You  got a tourist card when you entered Mexico.  How many days are left on that card?  When that card expires, if you have not turned in your car permit, they can  charge  your credit card with a fine of up to $ 400.00.  Since you are so far from the border, I think it would be worthwhile for you to check with the nearest Mexican consulate.  See 1st site below.  Then "Mexico Mike"  has info on this problem...see 2nd site...but I believe Mike died a year or so ago...so you may not be able to get help at his site...but I am not POSITIVE.  Calling  Mexican consulate is always very difficult, but do try.  Last site has some good info  from a person who was able to turn in the permit to the consulate.  Good Luck.

Answer 4

we have returned back into texas several times without returning or canceling the permit, some of the times cause we know we are going to return within six months(the lenght of the permit) and don't want to go thru all the hassle again and pay again of course, other times, we just forgot, anyways, even if you don't return to mexico , lets says until one or two years later, just make sure you go in the same vehicle and that the same person that the permit is under goes to cancel it, and it does has to be at the same border.

also we have been able to cancel at our nearest mexican counsulate, the thing is most counsulates don't do this all year long, they permit it at a certain time of the year, maybe when they are least busiest.  I found out when to do it by our local news channel, (of course it was in spanish) but just call and ask you might be lucky. good luck.