BajaNomad

SENTRI Pass for non-resident of CA

Chapala-ex - 4-2-2010 at 02:07 PM

We have some questions regarding getting the SENTRI Pass to lessen the crossing times into San Diego.

I filed the online application and have scheduled an interview for mid-May with the Otai Mesa center. In preparation for that meeting I called them to ask if there could be issues with my application since:
1) We currently live in the Lake Chapala area of Jalisco.
2) Our “official” residence is in Texas
3) I have a Texas DL but the car is titled and tagged in South Dakota.

The young lady thought that there would be no problem but checked with her supervisor only to be told that I must have a CA DL and CA tags. WHAT???? That sounds a bit limiting. She implied that the Otai office only issues passes to Californians. And what about AZ, OR, UT NM and the rest???? Even if we wanted to comply by changing everything to California, we are not residents in the state.

I am sure that there are Nomads out there that have similar “anomalies” to mine but are SENTRI blessed. How did you do it? We have family (also Nomads) in Ensenada that have the passes but they are CA residents.

Need some assurance that there is a way (or a person to contact with definitive answers) around this probably expensive alternative.

Thanks for your help

bajaguy - 4-2-2010 at 08:16 PM

Sorry, they provided you with bad info. I have NV tags and a NV DL, obtained (at Otay) a SENTRI with no problems. In fact, replaced my vehicle sticker due to cracked windshield on Thursday.....took 15 minutes.....again at Otay.

You need your passport, DL, current registration, no severe tint on windows and current vehicle insurance

[Edited on 4-3-2010 by bajaguy]

Alaska plates, Alaska Drivers license

akshadow - 4-2-2010 at 09:03 PM

We have Alaska Plates and Alaska Drivers licenses and just got our Sentri pass in Calexico.
I think they may have meant to say your drivers license and vehicle plates should be in the same state. since most State vehicle licensing is supposed to be registered at you home address and you are supposed to have your drivers license in the state in which you live. I know Alaska has a limited time to turn in your old drivers license and get a new one when you move to the state. There are federal standards for many more items used as ID and think drivers license information is one item if your state has joined some interstate commission.

Chapala-ex - 4-2-2010 at 09:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Sorry, they provided you with bad info. I have NV tags and a NV DL, obtained (at Otay) a SENTRI with no problems. In fact, replaced my vehicle sticker due to cracked windshield on Thursday.....took 15 minutes.....again at Otay.

You need your passport, DL, current registration, no severe tint on windows and current vehicle insurance

[Edited on 4-3-2010 by bajaguy]


Thanks bg. I sensed that the answer they were giving me was an off-the-cuff "NO" because it is always easier (in a position of authority) to say "no" than "yes". At the end of the day, what do the tags and drivers license state have to do with determining the honesty of the driver??????

Chapala-ex - 4-2-2010 at 09:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by akshadow
We have Alaska Plates and Alaska Drivers licenses and just got our Sentri pass in Calexico.
I think they may have meant to say your drivers license and vehicle plates should be in the same state. since most State vehicle licensing is supposed to be registered at you home address and you are supposed to have your drivers license in the state in which you live. I know Alaska has a limited time to turn in your old drivers license and get a new one when you move to the state. There are federal standards for many more items used as ID and think drivers license information is one item if your state has joined some interstate commission.


thanks for your input. Our living in Mexico does create some "out-of-the-ordinary" conditions which could raise questions as to our eligibility for the program. I know that using logic when trying to understand govt policy can be an exercise in frustration/futility but I do not understand how the state of registration and drivers license issuance has any bearing on the honesty/truthfulness of the applicant for this pass.

residence address

akshadow - 4-3-2010 at 07:54 AM

A neighbor or ours has a Sentri pass and I believe he used his
Baja address. They want to know where to find you. He used electric bills and lease agreement. IF my memory serves me correctly.
He has same state US drivers license and vehicle registrations.

durrelllrobert - 4-3-2010 at 10:25 AM

Approximately 50% of cars I see in SENTRI lane have MX plates:yes:

bajalou - 4-3-2010 at 11:00 AM

A friend has Sentri and a Calif DL with SD plates. No problem.

Chapala-ex - 4-3-2010 at 06:00 PM

that's what I wanted to hear!!!!:tumble::spingrin::tumble:

CortezBlue - 4-3-2010 at 07:50 PM

Quote:
You need your passport, DL, current registration, no severe tint on windows and current vehicle insurance

[Edited on 4-3-2010 by bajaguy]


You will also need a pay check stub, unless you are retired and then you will need a SS receipt.

colamexc - 4-4-2010 at 09:21 AM

On a similar note, I am wondering whether I can qualify.

I am a Canadian citizen, and wish to travel regularly from Rosarito to San Diego. with a Baja plated vehicle and a Baja license. Does one have to be an American to qualify?

DENNIS - 4-4-2010 at 10:09 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by CortezBlue

and then you will need a SS receipt.


I assume that's Social Security, but what do they give receipts for?