fourfourmag - 6-24-2006 at 11:54 PM
I have been reading and searching on this forum and learned a lot but have a few questions. Next week I am going to be in Sand Diego on business and
want to take the opportunity to cross the border check out Baja. I am going along with a friend in my Dodge 2500 4x4 and will have my ATV and my
friend's dirtbike in the truckbed. I will only have about two days to spend in Baja I am planning on going to Ensenada and surrounding area.
Now if I understand correctly I do not need any special paperwork like tourist cards because I will not be going south of Ensenada or be there for
more than 72 hours. I understand I will need to get Mexican insurance for my truck. Do I need insurance for the ATV's?
How closely do they inspect the ATV's entering Mexico? I have registration for mine but my friend's dirtbike is old and registration/title is missing.
Any other suggestions?
Bob and Susan - 6-25-2006 at 07:04 AM
CA DMV has ALL the records...
just go-on-down and fill out a lost cert of ownership form and statement of facts and you're in....pay the fee
it's all about the money...
load'um up and you're on your way...
you'll be "one of the herd"
Bruce R Leech - 6-25-2006 at 07:12 AM
I would get the papers that Bob is talking about just to be legal. chances are good that you wont get checked but if they do check you you will lose
the bike if you don't have papers.
fourfourmag - 6-25-2006 at 11:11 AM
One more question I don't have apassport, do I need to carry my birth certificate or will my driver's license be enough since I am not going past the
border zone?
David K - 6-25-2006 at 11:47 AM
Anytime you leave the United States you should have proof of citizenship!
Passport, Birth Cerificate, Voter's Registration along with a photo ID like a driver's License (if no passport), works.
Bob and Susan - 6-25-2006 at 12:44 PM
no, you just need you DL...and insurance papers
you don't think people who drive across to go to Puerto Nuevo for lobster dinner bring their birth certif do you david?
in 2008 you'll need a passport...but not till then...and may be not EVEN in 2008...we'll see
have fun
David K - 6-25-2006 at 07:25 PM
Bob and Susan, I said SHOULD, not MUST. Obviously I know just a driver's license is all the customs needs (now)...
I think any time you leave your country you SHOULD have proof of your citizenship... Don't you?
Bob and Susan - 6-26-2006 at 06:07 AM
nope...not in tj or ensenada...drivers license is enough...
if you're a US citizen you know how to whine and get assistance
bajalou - 6-26-2006 at 06:44 AM
I'm with David on this one - anytime in any part of a forign country, more ID is better than less.
ID
MrBillM - 6-26-2006 at 09:44 AM
I'm one of those guys who has carried a certified copy of my birth certificate for travel South of TJ since Day One. That old certified copy is in a
sealed envelope dated 1966. I've never had to show it, but I've always carried it. Since the early 80s, I've carried a passport. Even with the
price increases, it is well worth it.
Having said that, a Driver's License will probably get you anywhere and sometimes even that isn't necessary as long as you've got cash. A close
friend of mine made a trip to Malarrimo with another friend and when they got to the Maneadero Checkpoint, it was open. The other friend had no
acceptable ID on him so the officer said that, for a ten dollar fee, he could give him a "certification" that would make him legal. You have to love
the entrepreneur spirit of the Mexican bureaucracy.
Neal Johns - 6-26-2006 at 10:01 AM
Yep, carrying a birth certificate or passport (or at least a copy) is a good idea. You just might need it to get back into the USA. I like Baja, but
.....
One of our gringo DOD goverment employees (before 7/11!) who was dirty and unkempt from working on a USN ship in Ensenada was held for several hours
by the Border Patrol in San Diego before getting back into the good old USA. His nickname forever after was The Mexican.
leadmoto - 6-27-2006 at 04:10 PM
For many years I have brought my motorcycles back and forth across the border and never had any problems. I have even been through check point and
never been ask for any paper work.
I used to bring a birth certificate, but now I only bring my drivers license for ID. Never had any problems.
I suppose it's best to play it safe and listen to the other post, but I'm willing to take some risks.
David K - 6-27-2006 at 09:51 PM
Think how nice it would be to have that piece of paper birth certificate or passport when you come up to the gate (in a hurry to get home) and that
Homeland Security officer detains you or turns you back!
So much easier to have it and not need it THAN to need it and not have it!!!
Remember, it's nothing personal just that we are at war and terrorists don't wear uniforms!
Al G - 6-28-2006 at 10:50 AM
You need Mexican liability and I recommend get out of trouble insurance ( Attorney services)
The place I use is: http://www.vagabundos.com/
[Edited on 6-28-2006 by Al G]