BajaNomad

CA drivers license paper permit in baja, mexico?

defrag4 - 2-7-2011 at 03:10 PM

I am still waiting on CA to send me a permanent license, not sure why this backwards state doesn't just print it out at the DMV. I have been issued a sheet of paper that is my "temporary driving permit" until the real one arrives.

Will this be sufficient in Baja if traveling further south than Ensanada? My girlfriend has a hard license but the truck is registered in my name. Would it be better for her to drive or will there be issues as well?

I have a valid US passport.

What documents are they checking as you pass through and get a tourist visa?

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by defrag4]

defrag4 - 2-7-2011 at 03:43 PM

OK I found an article describing the process but there is a hangup here, Can you verify if this is true?

Step up to the Car Bonding Window, and lay these documents down for the clerk to review:

1. Your freshly obtained Tourist Card
2. Your valid driver license (must not expire while you are in Mexico)
3. The current registration forms or vehicle title for the vehicles to be bonded. Expired registration forms are not acceptable although the presence of an ownership certificate bearing the owner’s name will supersede an expired registration.
The name on the Driver License, Car Registration and Credit or Debit Card must be the same. Spouses can use the same credit card to bond an additional motor vehicle but must have their own valid driver license
4. NOTE: You may be asked to submit photocopies of numbers one through three above. In that case, there will be a handy booth nearby that performs that service for a very modest fee.
5. Official ownership receipts for motorbike, ATV, etc.

defrag4 - 2-7-2011 at 03:45 PM

ie: Will it be possible to obtain a car permit under my gfs name while the truck is registered to me? I will be present with all my documents

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by defrag4]

karmatourer - 2-7-2011 at 03:50 PM

What's all this about a car "permit"?

Car permit

bajaguy - 2-7-2011 at 03:55 PM

Are you going to Baja or the Mainland?????

shari - 2-7-2011 at 03:59 PM

if you are just going to drive in baja, you dont need a car permit at all. Your temp license should even be fine.

Jim/Liisa - 2-7-2011 at 04:10 PM

Just read in todays paper that they are about 3 months behind on the issue of the new tamper proof drivers licence. the cops are aware of this issue. don't know how you are going to handle this in Mexico? At US border, they are probably aware of this.

defrag4 - 2-7-2011 at 04:16 PM

Sorry I am planning to drive the Baja peninsula, perhaps all the way to Cabo which I why I believe i need the car permit/temporary import permit? I thought if you go further south than Ensanada you needed one?

Is the FMM all that is required?

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by defrag4]

Martyman - 2-7-2011 at 04:24 PM

No car permit needed. Only tourist papers and might want insurance.

Russ - 2-7-2011 at 04:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by defrag4
Sorry I am planning to drive the Baja peninsula, perhaps all the way to Cabo which I why I believe i need the car permit/temporary import permit? I thought if you go further south than Ensanada you needed one?

Is the FMM all that is required?

[Edited on 2-7-2011 by defrag4]


Just the FMM and I suggest car ins. No car permit needed on the peninsula.
Have a great trip

David K - 2-7-2011 at 04:47 PM

The peninsula is a free zone where no permit for your car is needed... Also, the mainland state of Sonora is free zone to Guaymas.

You passport is all the photo ID you need to get a tourist card at the border. Have your expired drivers license along with the new paper one on you. You will need to get Mexican Auto Insurance to be covered in Mexico... Contact the folks at BajaBound.com and let them know your license situation, as well.

Bajahowodd - 2-7-2011 at 05:39 PM

I don't even think you need to mention the license thing when getting insurance. Your temp license has a number on it, and expiration date. For all practical purposes you have a valid CA drivers' license. There is but a single caveat in that on your temp license, it states that it is not a valid ID. Your passport is. Go and enjoy.

Marc - 2-7-2011 at 07:24 PM

You will need a car permit only in southern Sonora and all other states. If you do need to apply be sure you have all documents listed above in the original and copies to hand over.

defrag4 - 2-7-2011 at 09:35 PM

Thanks guys! This board is great