When you first enter into Mexico with either a FMT or FM3 and car, you deal with three different governmental agencies -- although you may not have recognized that there were three. The immigration agency took care of you and your FM3 or FMT; the customs people (Aduana) took care of your possessions; and the Banjercito took your money.

It often takes 15 minutes tops and you are on your way. It's simple. Make sure you have 3 copies of your passport, birth certificate, car registration, car insurance and any other photo ID, just in case. You can never have too much ID or paperwork.

The car permit which you got at the border is valid so long as your FM3 is valid -- with renewals for as long as you wish. You will see an expiration date on the permit. That is the date your permit becomes invalid unless you renew your FM3.

You will renew your FM3 yearly and usually people use a lawyer or a facilitator who handles all the paperwork and the hassles for a small fee. I strongly ugre you to go this route. You know it's done right and for a whole year you have no worries.

Insurance:

Car insurance is readily available at Lakeside and is relatively inexpensive. I insured my 1999 Ford Taurus for approximately $350. That was without collision. Make sure when you get your insurance that a travel pack is included as well as bond coverage should you have an accident. You WILL need a lawyer immediately.

Your car in Mexico must have the front and rear license plates that were issued with your registration that you had when you arrived in Mexico. From that time on, Mexico has no interest in whether you keep that out-of-country registration up to date. Likewise they don't care what you do with your non-Mexican insurance. They are only interested in your plates for identification. Your "registration" in Mexico is the permit you were issued at the border.

Unless you need to drive back to the old country from time to time, you can probably save a goodly sum by letting registration lapse. If you need to return, you can arrange a transit permit that will 'legalize' your expired plates for 30 days; and you can buy trip insurance.

Some Rules for your car:

Who can drive my car? Anyone with a valid driver's license can drive your car IF YOU ARE IN THE CAR. If you are not present, the car can be driven only by a person with the same immigration status -- FM3. No matter how pressing the circumstances, don't loan your car to your Mexican friend, or gardener, or maid. etc. What is the penalty for breaking this rule? -- the confiscation of your car.

Can I use my car to make money? No. Any for-hire use of the car is a violation of the permit. Consequence of cheating? -- confiscation of your car.

Do I need a Mexican driver's license? No, if you have a valid license from the old country, it is OK in Mexico. However, as the lady in my local license office explained to me, while the law says you don't need a Mexican license, some cops don't understand that and having a Mexican license may save a hassle. I have one. It was very easy to get. Since my old license was still valid, I did not have to take a written or driving test. Nor a vision test. All I had to do was fill out an application, have my picture taken in the office, pay some money, and know my blood type. My blood type appears on my license. Actually I think that is a good idea. Driver's licensing is a state matter, so the rules vary about what tests you may have to take and how much it costs.

Can I own a Mexican plated car? Yes. But then you would be required to have a Mexican license. In addition to my foreign plated car? Yes.

What if my car is stolen? If it is recovered, you only need to deal with the local police and your insurance company. If it is not recovered, you will also need to deal with the Aduana/Banjercito. The basic view of the government is that an unrecovered stolen car could also be a car that you sold and then reported stolen. Unless they have a real reason to suspect you of the crime, they won't make a point of it, but you will have to pay a "tax" on the car that you cannot account for. You will have to pay this tax before you can clear the stolen car from the computer and thus be allowed to bring another car. If bringing in another is not an issue, then I guess you could just let the car ride on the records. I hope I don't ever have any first-hand experience with this.

What if my car is destroyed in a wreck? There is a procedure for removing it from the records. Go to you local Aduana office for the forms and instructions.

What if my car is broken down and not worth repairing? There is a procedure where by you can give the car to the Mexican government, and that gets it off the records.. Go see the Aduana or a lawyer or facilitator.

The Mexican government is very gung-ho about their car rules. Don't mess with them; you'll loose.