BajaNomad - another FM3 question

another FM3 question

marv sherrill - 3-20-2007 at 02:36 PM

Got my FM3 a few months ago - got it stamped when we crossed the border - no problem - got yelled at in Guerro Negro for not having the habitation - address of my house/lot in Baja not filled in - Stopped at immigration in Ensenada 35 days after we entered - got really yelled at because we were over the 30 day limit - we would have to pay a hefty fine!! - Collected 3 pages of junk to fill out, told to get copies of all pages of my passport and FM3, copies of the lease - ad naseum - QUESTION - have all of you FM3 holders out there in Nomadland had this done? We we told at San Diego that just get it stamped when you cross the border and that's it!
Before heading to Ensenada Thursday I'd like to know - thanks in advance - Marv

rob - 3-20-2007 at 02:45 PM

. . . er, what 30 day limit?

rhintransit - 3-20-2007 at 03:52 PM

I believe what they were referring to is that when you get your FM3 in the states you are given 30 days to get to your LOCAL migracion office where they 'finish up'...essentially run you through the same paperwork drill and fill in the domicile address, etc. I elected NOT to get mine in the states for that reason. seems easy but really isn't. bueno suerte.
another thing friends have run into is that the renewal date can be tied either to date of issue or date of finalization, and that can created a problem cause you have to present it IN PERSON only at your local migracion office for renewal and if your plans don't coincide you either get to change them or pay another huge fine...they paid over 200 bucks to correct the date so that it was when they were usually here.

shari - 3-20-2007 at 03:56 PM

Yes it's ALWAYS a huge rigamaroll...lots of copies of everything and it seems you always are missing something or other. I disagree that you HAVE to go to your local office...our local office in guerrero negro but things never go well there and it takes forever and the folks nice as they are aren't very efficient so I always just do mine in La Paz (through an agent) which ends up cheaper than me going personally...just give him a carta poder and he does the works....much easier.

Dave - 3-20-2007 at 04:59 PM

Guys, you would all save yourselves tons of grief if you would just hire a preparer.

In nine years I've been to immigration a total of twice. Once for my first FM3 and then when I got my FM2. And it doesn't matter when my FM is due or if I'm "in country". I can just leave it with my preparer and sign a power of attorney. He files the documentation and picks it up when ready.

Spend the few extra dollars and fugetaboutit. Why sweat the small stuff?

marv sherrill - 3-20-2007 at 05:08 PM

Rob - the 30 days was after I got it stamped and entered Baja for the first time - Dave - any recommendation for a preparer? Sounds like the way to go! I'll gladly spend a few bucks to save the headache and numerous trips to Ensenada - thanks - Marv

David K - 3-20-2007 at 05:19 PM

Marv, hope you are taking great photos for next year's calendar!

marv sherrill - 3-20-2007 at 05:22 PM

David - heading back down in a couple of weeks - maybe catch the late whale watching boat form Mario's - Plan to make a few trips "off the beaten track" while in the area - Maybe a drive to Guadlupe bay

Dave - 3-20-2007 at 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by marv sherrill
Dave - any recommendation for a preparer?

Only if you live within the Rosarito city limits. Your preparer needs to be located near the immigration office where you live.

Don Alley - 3-20-2007 at 05:37 PM

We always get our work done in Loreto. They require fewer documents than some other places. We don'tuse a preparer and have not had a problem in three years. But this year they are sending our file to Cabo San Lucas, it will take three weeks instead of one or less (they say) so who knows what will happen.

Lots of threads like this. Yes, it's really easy to get your FM3 in the states. But then you hear all these stories about having to essentially do everything over again in Mexico; wow, it wasn't as easy as believed.

aliibike - 3-20-2007 at 06:02 PM

We were debating whether to get an FM3 or not. I've heard all the arguments about home ownership.......I still think a fideocomiso with the bank takes care of ownership. Anyway, we got our FM3's in Cabo by just following the checklist the agent went over with us. No, it wasn't smooth.......my wife got hers three weeks before me, and, my address is in Todos Santos, and hers is out here on the East Cape! But, an agent wanted $150 each to do what we did ourselves. Got more time? Or money? You can do it yourself.

David K - 3-20-2007 at 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Originally posted by marv sherrill
Dave - any recommendation for a preparer?

Only if you live within the Rosarito city limits. Your preparer needs to be located near the immigration office where you live.

I hope there is one in Bahia de los Angeles then!!

David K - 3-20-2007 at 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by aliibike
We were debating whether to get an FM3 or not. I've heard all the arguments about home ownership.......I still think a fideocomiso with the bank takes care of ownership. Anyway, we got our FM3's in Cabo by just following the checklist the agent went over with us. No, it wasn't smooth.......my wife got hers three weeks before me, and, my address is in Todos Santos, and hers is out here on the East Cape! But, an agent wanted $150 each to do what we did ourselves. Got more time? Or money? You can do it yourself.

I am always amazed at how many people escape the requirement to have an FM-3 once they start using Baja as a second home, leave personal property there, lease a lot, build a palapa or house, etc.

An FM-T is only for tourists (people visiting Mexico on a vacation). Also, no work, even volunteer work is permitted when you are in Mexico with an FM-T (Touist card).

I bet it is one of the most mis-understood formalities facing us, as visitors to Mexico.

shari - 3-20-2007 at 09:16 PM

You are sooo right david...and be careful because when you do go to get your FM3 cause if they find out you've been here awhile they can fine you hefty pesos for each year you weren't a "tourist". I had an immigration official discourage me from getting my FM3 many years ago then later I got fined for not getting it!!! I have learned that just cause they are officials doesn't mean they're right so it's good to check lots of sources.

bajabound2005 - 3-20-2007 at 09:30 PM

If you own property in Mexico; if you have intentions of buying property in Mexico; or LEASE land in Mexico -- get an FM3. This is your ONLY protection to proof you were a legal resident to sign any documents! Don't let realtors talk you out of it. Yes, you CAN get the document at the consulate in the US but YOU MUST get it stamped when you cross the border with it for the first time AND register at the local immigration office that covers where you are in Mexico within that window of time which is sounding like 30 days. In all cases, PIA, but must be done. Ensenada is especially time and $$$ consuming. And yes, by all means use an intermediary if you don't have a perfect understanding of the language. For the getting registered in your own area -- shouldn't run more than $50 US per person. Oh, and worth it!

viabaja - 3-21-2007 at 12:17 PM

Dave said it all - pay a licensed agent and let them do the run-around. Best value you will ever pay!

Dave - 3-21-2007 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabound2005
If you own property in Mexico; if you have intentions of buying property in Mexico; or LEASE land in Mexico -- get an FM3. This is your ONLY protection to proof you were a legal resident to sign any documents! Don't let realtors talk you out of it.

But the real fun starts when you go to sell. Think a tourist visa will get you resident taxpayer status? Get your FM. It will save you thousands in cap gains.

And when you buy insist on full price disclosure. Realtors don't like that, either.

rhintransit - 3-21-2007 at 01:30 PM

can't agree about the agent thing...sure throwing money at something is an acceptable way to do things, and more power to you if you can do so. however you CAN DIY and save a whole lot. smile, be patient, follow the rules, that's it.

of course if your local migracion office has a bad reputation, it may be worth the money not to deal with them.

Loreto is easy...just go in, ask what you need for an original, they will give you a check list. go gather everything and take it back. wait. that's it. the wait is hard, and it's hard wondering if someone else could do it faster. but, what's the hurry? and, no they can't.

my original DIY FM3 took a little under three hours, start to olive drab book in hand. my first renewal took 13 weeks. absolutely nothing that paying someone else to do would have changed. just an internal routing migracion thing. (by the way I understand that they are supposed to start doing everything again in Loreto soon, rather than send to Cabo. keep your fingers crossed) inconvenient in that I wanted to fly out and back after 10 weeks, and migracion wanted a fee for the same, but I was able to talk them out of that.

marv sherrill - 3-22-2007 at 04:18 PM

Thanks for all of the comments - Loreto, unfortunately is not in Baja Norte - but I did get a preparer in Ensenada who will take care of the whole thing for 200 pesos - name on request - I just have to get them my FM3 and pick it up in 4 days or so - no fine for over 30 days, etc - and little paperwork - someone just has to stamp the little green book!! way cool - (don't forget Fred Halls Boat and Tackle Show in San Diego this weekend!)

danaeb - 3-22-2007 at 04:42 PM

Now I'm more confused than ever. My residence will be in La Paz when my home is finished, which should be next month. I got my FM3 at the consulate in San Diego in December. I was instructed to have it stamped at the border within 90 days. In February, I went to TJ for the day and got it stamped. I don't understand the 30 day requirement. Is that from the date that I arrive in La Paz, or was that from the date of the first border crossing in February? I had planned to go to LP next month when the house is finished and take care of the FM3 registration then.

rob - 3-22-2007 at 06:11 PM

I never argue with Ultra Nomads (their powers are frightening) but I have to agree with Rhintransit. The first three years in La Paz I used an agent - expensive, took about 6 weeks (once 11) - twice lost all papers (as my agent seemed incapable of making copies).

My wife (bless her) now does our FM3s herself - 4-5 working days and we're outta there.

La Paz Inmigracion are very cool people.

bajabound2005 - 3-22-2007 at 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by danaeb
Now I'm more confused than ever. My residence will be in La Paz when my home is finished, which should be next month. I got my FM3 at the consulate in San Diego in December. I was instructed to have it stamped at the border within 90 days. In February, I went to TJ for the day and got it stamped. I don't understand the 30 day requirement. Is that from the date that I arrive in La Paz, or was that from the date of the first border crossing in February? I had planned to go to LP next month when the house is finished and take care of the FM3 registration then.

After having ready many, many posts about FM3s, I think that since you are dealing with the La Paz office when you get there you should not have a problem. When the 30 days is supposed to begin and end is subject to the individual on the other side of the counter. Me thinks if you simply explain that this you first time in La Paz since have the FM3 issued, no problem. Besides, you need to register with the address where you will be living -- if the house isn't complete you can't well live there now can you?

beachbum1A - 3-23-2007 at 04:55 AM

It's 30 days from the date its stamped in TJ (when you crossed the border).

rob - 3-23-2007 at 11:26 AM

My apologies to the forum.

In the strict interest of truth, the management tells me it is NOT 3-4 days for La Paz FM# processing, but rather 7-10.

Rob

Bob and Susan - 3-23-2007 at 02:24 PM

2 weeks in Santa Rosalia processing time since they are shipped to la paz

tripledigitken - 3-23-2007 at 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
2 weeks in Santa Rosalia processing time since they are shipped to la paz

Bob and Susan,

What office in Santa Rosalia handles the FM3's?

Thanks

marv sherrill - 3-23-2007 at 03:44 PM

I'll add another thread - do you have to get the FM3 stamped when you leave Mexico to go back to the States? I know that you are supposed to turn your old visas in when you leave but few do it. thanks

bajalou - 3-23-2007 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by marv sherrill
I'll add another thread - do you have to get the FM3 stamped when you leave Mexico to go back to the States? I know that you are supposed to turn your old visas in when you leave but few do it. thanks

Not necessary to get stamped on exit or entry from Baja. BUT if you won't be back on renewal date, get it stamped to avoid penalties.

Bob and Susan - 3-23-2007 at 07:14 PM

the fm3 office in santa rosalia is on mex1 right at the entrance to the town upstairs

very professional crew

comitan - 3-23-2007 at 07:36 PM

Rob

The last 6-7 years in La Paz I have gotten renewed 3-4 days, the most important thing is to have everything for renewal, then it goes like clockwork now.

FM3 EXPIRATION

rob - 3-25-2007 at 09:15 AM

Just yesterday received an email from a lot owner here at the ranch - they are leaving for Baja next week, but his FM3 expired 22 March . . . could not find any posts in the Forum (except for one that mentioned a penalty). Wat should he do?

- illegal to "fake it" with an FMT

- the nice folks at Guerrero Negro imigracion checkpoint will spot the expiry in a heartbeat, and sending him into town to pay (as with not having an FMT) is not an option.

Any advice I Can give him?

Rob

Yeah

Dave - 3-25-2007 at 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by rob
Any advice I Can give him?

Tell him next time to use a preparer. It's kinda hard to do it yourself when you ain't there.

bajalou - 3-25-2007 at 10:45 AM

If he got "Salida" stamp when he left it's no problem. He has 30 days from returning to get the renewal going.

FM3 EXPIRY

rob - 3-25-2007 at 11:09 AM

Bajalou - it gets worse . . . he drives - no salida stamp.

I really am concerned about that GN checkpoint.

In the great sweep of the universe, it's not the end of the world - but it IS nerve wracking for the otherwise law-abiding offender.

Should he surrender himself in Ensenada, where at least there is a large office which has, presumably, options for the offender?

Time and Money.

MrBillM - 3-25-2007 at 11:12 AM

All of this Back and Forth regarding the use of a Broker really boils down to how you value your time. IF the Particular Broker didn't (doesn't) do a good job, then I imagine that Broker won't last since there are so many of them available for approximately the same price.

Although retired with no demands on my time, I usually make decisions like this based upon convenience and the opportunity to avoid dealing with Civil Servants. I use a Broker because the $60.00 (for two) per Year is a pittance to avoid multiple trips to Immigration and the possibility of errors which might delay the process.

If someone else feels like they're saving a worthwhile amount and don't mind the trotting around and details dealing with the process, that's their decision.

bajalou - 3-25-2007 at 11:42 AM

If they are from Baja Sur, Ensenada has nothing to do with it. The fact they are late only means they will have to pay a penalty for the late renewal - Just tell them at Guerro Negro they know they're late and will pay when they get to their destination. The FM3 (even expired a little while) is their documentation for being in Mexico and the late penalty will be assessed and all will be happy again.

bajalou - 3-25-2007 at 11:43 AM

This underscores the belief of mine that it's worth stopping at the border and getting stamped out if you'll be gone several months. Saves this worry.

rhintransit - 3-25-2007 at 02:04 PM

if he's worried about GN, just hit the place when it's closed. or buy a tourist card there and toss it.

haven't had any success getting my FM3 stamped when I leave via car. flying is easy, but the migracion office at Tecate professes to know nothing about this and has declined to stamp mine in the past. and it's not easy stopping there anyway.

anyone had their FM3 stamped on exit in Tecate?

bajalou - 3-25-2007 at 02:07 PM

Never used Tecate, but with effort got it stamped in Los Algodones and Mexicali. Sure beats paying the penalties.

jerry - 3-25-2007 at 03:00 PM

when i was in the loreto office a guy came in 5 months late for his renewal the officer said the fine was $100.00 us per month plus the renewal fee total $670.00 u.s. he said he didnt have is to they reduced the fine to $250.00 u.s. plus renewal he said he didnt have that eather never did hear how they ended up
the fine of $100.00 a month was changed to $50.00 at the loreto office so they do have the power to change things

cabobaja - 3-25-2007 at 04:56 PM

Rob, have just received email from the "offender's" stating their FM's expired on 22-3-07 and they are on their way to Baja. Will contact immigration tomorrow in La Paz and get the real scoop as to what they will need to do. Do not believe it is a big deal. Yes, they might have to pay a small fine, but my boss, mi esposa y delagda has connects in La Paz office. I will post once I have info for future criminals who do not renew on time. No worries!!

cabobaja - 3-26-2007 at 09:31 AM

Just spoke with Bertha Camarena in the La Paz Immigration office. If you are returning to Baja by car and your FM3 has expired, when you arrive at the check point in Guerrero Negro explain that you will renew your FM3 in La Paz. But, expect to pay a small fine there at the check point in GN. If you do pay a fine, be sure to keep receipt to present at La Paz immigration office. Probably would not hurt to drop the name of the Immigration Delagado in La Paz, Jesus Sanchez Villasenor.

David K - 3-26-2007 at 09:35 AM

If you turn right for the airport, north of the eagle monument, the road continues around the west end of the runway and turns south for downtown Guerrero Negro... Or, go south from L.A. Bay to Guillermo Prieto/ Vizcaino... or El Arco. Highway One is not the only road across the state border.

FM3 EXPIRY

rob - 3-26-2007 at 10:42 AM

Many thanks for all the advice!

Have sent it on to the "offender". I think that they will turn in to lifelong Bajanomadders as a result.

Rob

vandenberg - 3-26-2007 at 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
If you turn right for the airport, north of the eagle monument, the road continues around the west end of the runway and turns south for downtown Guerrero Negro... Or, go south from L.A. Bay to Guillermo Prieto/ Vizcaino... or El Arco. Highway One is not the only road across the state border.

Dave,
That reminds me of years ago,when we by-passed the checkpoint at Maneadero via a few zigzags through town. And at the Cal-Nev border in Truckee we knew how to get around the checkpoint while bringing in cheap booze by the case from Reno. The good old days.

Pescador - 3-29-2007 at 06:45 AM

David K. Geez, I thought that was a really well kept secret. :lol:

David K - 3-29-2007 at 07:43 AM

Let's call it a secret among Baja Nomads, okay? :light: