Our FM-3's are up for renewal around July 1. The last three years we have spent 3 weeks for fun and for getting our FM3's renewed in La Paz. This
year, due to work obligations we can't make it down until November or December. That means our FM's will be expired.
Is there anyway to resolve this and renew without being there in person. Or, can we wait until Nov/Dec to renew?
Any solutions? It seems likely that others may have encountered this same situation. Will the new FM-3 regulations have any impact on our course of
action.
Thank you!DianaT - 5-3-2010 at 11:36 AM
In the past, we had our agent renew our FM3s for us in La Paz. But now he says the new rules will not allow him to do this any more.
According to him, we have to personally go to the local immigration, be fingerprinted, etc. No more third person.
It was much easier for us the other way and we do not doubt what he is saying as it is lost income to him.durrelllrobert - 5-3-2010 at 06:34 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by DianaT
According to him, we have to personally go to the local immigration, be fingerprinted, etc. No more third person.
Renewals do not require new photos or fingerprints and my agent in Ensenada even did our last ones for us while we were in Canada. He just FEDEXed
forms to sign and we FEDEXed them back to himdanaeb - 5-3-2010 at 06:53 PM
Bob - The new rules just went into effect May 1, so you were probably under the old rules.
PS - I believe my agent - Alonso Lopez - is the same as Diane's and Shari's (and other nomads). He is totally hooked in to the immigration
bureaucracy in La Paz and is a straight shooter. I would trust his info.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by danaeb]BajaWarrior - 5-3-2010 at 07:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
Bob - The new rules just went into effect May 1, so you were probably under the old rules.
PS - I believe my agent - Alonso Lopez - is the same as Diane's and Shari's (and other nomads). He is totally hooked in to the immigration
bureaucracy in La Paz and is a straight shooter. I would trust his info.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by danaeb]
So what are the new rules for May 1st? I have to renew by mid-summer...DianaT - 5-3-2010 at 08:02 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
Bob - The new rules just went into effect May 1, so you were probably under the old rules.
PS - I believe my agent - Alonso Lopez - is the same as Diane's and Shari's (and other nomads). He is totally hooked in to the immigration
bureaucracy in La Paz and is a straight shooter. I would trust his info.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by danaeb]
Since we have to renew in June, we will see what happens. Alonso has told us a couple things that will be required, but I am waiting to hear from him
on some clarification.
It was so much easier having Alonso do it for us--and he would do it just like before if he could.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by DianaT]
FM3 renewal?
akshadow - 5-3-2010 at 09:48 PM
Did you sign out of Mexico when you left? If not drive to the border go into Mexican immigration and have them sign for your exit on your FM3. This I
understand will at least get you out of penalties for being late on renewal, since you were not in the country and therefore could not renew.
Will need to be done before it expires, and probably even 6 weeks in advance.BAJA.DESERT.RAT - 5-4-2010 at 08:17 AM
Hola, i just had my accountant renew my fm3 and was ONE day late. she said one day late is the same as a month late and my penalty was 800 pesos and
yes, i did get a receipt from immigration showing same. being out of the country doesn't give you any grace periods.
a couple of years ago, i wasn't going to be on time and i sent the fm3 to her in los barriles via DHL at a cost of $ 50.00 U.S. each way. we do have
UPS in cabo and la paz but haven't used it yet or heard anything about it.
BIEN SALUD, DA RATdurrelllrobert - 5-4-2010 at 09:47 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
Bob - The new rules just went into effect May 1, so you were probably under the old rules.
PS - I believe my agent - Alonso Lopez - is the same as Diane's and Shari's (and other nomads). He is totally hooked in to the immigration
bureaucracy in La Paz and is a straight shooter. I would trust his info.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by danaeb]
My wife's FM-3 is due next month so I'll start process with my agent in Ensenada tommorrow and see what he say's.akshadow - 5-5-2010 at 07:19 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by BAJA.DESERT.RAT
being out of the country doesn't give you any grace periods.
BIEN SALUD, DA RAT
The immigration office in San Felipe has told me if you are signed out before you could start the process, 6 weeks before due I believe, and return
after your due date, You would not be penalized.Tod - 5-6-2010 at 11:18 AM
I'm struggling to find the best solution. After thinking about it last night I wondered if it makes sense to miss my July 1 renewal and when we go
down in December do it then, knowing there will be a penalty. I honestly can't figure another solution. Hate to add hassle and $ to the process.
Any other ideas?
Thanks much.
Todmeme - 5-6-2010 at 11:27 AM
The penalties are steep! $$$$durrelllrobert - 5-7-2010 at 09:39 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by durrelllrobert
Quote:
Originally posted by danaeb
Bob - The new rules just went into effect May 1, so you were probably under the old rules.
PS - I believe my agent - Alonso Lopez - is the same as Diane's and Shari's (and other nomads). He is totally hooked in to the immigration
bureaucracy in La Paz and is a straight shooter. I would trust his info.
[Edited on 5-4-2010 by danaeb]
My wife's FM-3 is due next month so I'll start process with my agent in Ensenada tommorrow and see what he say's.
Yesterday we went to my agent (Carlos Victrica), who's office is attached to the miggration office in Ensenada, to renew my wife's FM3 which expires
in June. Because the new FM3/ FM2 format is a driver's license size laminated card we had to first go and have new smaller sized photos (180 pesos)
taken, then we had to submit bank statements (3 months- that did not have to be translated into Spanish). Filled out and signed application and that
was it. Carlos walked these next door, submitted them and they were approved instantly. The miggration officer said we could come back tommorrow to
have fingerprint and signature added to card before lamination EXCEPT THAT HIS OFFICE DOES NOT HAVE THE CARDS YET (check back manñana?). Total cost,
including: agent fee, was $257 US.
PS: how do you get an exit stamp on a laminated FM3
