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What do I need to travel to Mexico by car?

I want to drive from St. Louis to Mexico City for an adventure. However, I’m not sure what I need to have to cross the border. What documents do I need to travel to Mexico by car?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
That sounds like one heck of an epic road trip! To go along with your sense of adventure, make sure to pack a few documents that the border agent will ask to see when you get to the U.S.-Mexico boundary.
Here are a few of the documents you will need:
  • Your U.S. Passport
  • Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP), since you’re going more than 16 miles past the Mexico-U.S. border
  • Mexico tourist card, also known as an FMM
  • U.S. driver’s license or an International Driving Permit (IDP)
  • Mexican car insurance
Because Mexico has different insurance laws and no reciprocity with the U.S., your U.S. insurance won’t work. So before you head down south of the border, make sure you get Mexican car insurance.
However, many U.S. insurers work with Mexican
car insurance
companies to provide Mexican insurance for tourists. Call your current insurer or do some research to find out if other insurers offer Mexican car insurance, and then compare quotes with the
Jerry
app.
As a licensed broker, Jerry helps you find and compare quotes from over 50 top providers in minutes. When you find a better rate, Jerry can help you buy your new coverage and even cancel your old policy!
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