The truth is that you wouldn’t be able to legalize all vehicles which are brought in the country. That’s why we’ve outlined some of the procedures and the costs about how much to legalize a car in Mexico which is going to make it easier for you to determine whether this is the most appropriate choice and what kind of question you need to be asking.
Which Cars can be legalized?
If you have a query on how much to legalize a car in Mexico, it depends on the vehicle. Right now, you can only legalize vehicles which are 10 years of age and which were made in countries part of the NAFTA. In order to determine whether you fit that criterion, you have to check the VIN number and if it’s starts with 1,2,3,4 or 5 – you are eligible. There are talks of expanding this particular option later on. There are restrictions and different options available for pickups and other kinds of vehicles. This is going to apply usually to regular vehicles. The process usually takes between two and three weeks.
What kinds of papers are required?
In order for everything to go smoothly, you will need the original title and go ahead and sign it to the buyer. You may also be asked to submit the certificate of origin even though that’s unlikely. You have to have a Mexican resident with you who is willing to buy the car from you and sell it back unless you are a citizen on your own. If you have a FM3 form then this is something that you can do. The buyer as well as you would have to provide ID. Make sure to see whether there are any tax implications that have to be taken into account.
Do I need to take the car out of the country?
Not really. There are local customs agencies which are capable of obtaining all the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
What is the total cost?
Now, the costs to import should include all of the possible charges. The major one is the 16% Sales Tax which is based on the value of the vehicle and the fee of the broker amongst a few minor government fees. You need to confirm with your broker that this is, in fact, that total cost and that there are no possibilities for extra and larger costs so that you can properly prepare the necessary amount of money.
A very approximate estimate would put the whole cost of legalization somewhere about 15,000 pesos. This would cover things like fees, permits, and the customs agency's services, among other things. Add on another thousand pesos for the license plates and the purchase tax due at the DMV. The cost of insurance must also be considered. The experts at A1 Auto Transport can help you figure out which course of action is most prudent given your unique circumstances.