Can a non-US citizen drive my US car in Mexico?

I have a US-registered vehicle in Mexico. An American friend once told me that only other Americans can legally drive a US car in Mexico. That is to say, I cannot legally lend the car to a Mexican friend--or possibly not to a foreigner from any other country.

Is this true?

I will be on a road trip later this year with some Mexican friends, and a friend from Guatemala. Can any or all of these people drive the car legally?

Best Answer

As long as you and your friends have valid licenses that permit you to drive within Mexico you should be fine. Many countries do however expect the vehicle owner to be present in the vehicle when it is being operated. You might want to check with the Mexican embassy to see if you need to have your proof of auto ownership on hand as well.

Pictures about "Can a non-US citizen drive my US car in Mexico?"

Can a non-US citizen drive my US car in Mexico? - From above of contemporary shiny yellow cabs riding on asphalt roadway in New York at night

Can a non-US citizen drive my US car in Mexico? - Taxi driver getting out of yellow cab

Can a non-US citizen drive my US car in Mexico? - Shiny cab and automobiles driving on night city street

Can you drive in Mexico with a US license plate?

Tourists & Temporary Residents.As a tourist or temporary resident you can bring your US plated car into Mexico without obtaining Mexican license plates. In this case, with a TIP (Temporary Import Permit) the car will have permission in the country for as long as your visa.

Can someone else drive my car in Mexico?

Yes, but it requires a notarized letter of permission from the owner. It will state that they give you authorization to drive the car into Mexico.

Can I drive my vehicle into Mexico?

Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit: To drive your car into Mexico, outside the border area or free zone, you'll need a permit which you can get on arrival at the border or purchase online 7 to 60 days prior to your trip.

Can my wife drive my car in Mexico?

Can my wife, friend, guide or someone else drive my car in Mexico? Yes, as long as the registered owner is listed as the named insured and the driver has a valid non-Mexican driver's license. It is a good idea for the person driving to have written permission to drive the vehicle.

Should you take your car to Mexico?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel, Tim Samuel