Mexico - International Driving Permit (2024)

FAQs

Does Mexico require IDP? ›

Valid driving licences from most countries are legal in Mexico, including UK, EU, Canadian and US licenses. However, you may be required to purchase an International Driving Permit if your license is not printed in English. This will allow you to drive in Mexico for two year after it is issued.

While obtaining a Mexican driver's license is relatively simple, you may be curious about exchanging a foreign driving license in Mexico. Foreign driving licenses are valid in Mexico, so you do not have to acquire a local one while your foreign license is still valid (unless you're registering a vehicle in your name).

When you travel to Mexico by land, you need one of the following documents to return to the US. These include the US Passport Book, US Passport Card, Nexus, SENTRI, FAST card, or an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL). Currently, only a small number of states offer Enhanced Driver's Licenses.

If you're renting a car in Mexico, you will need to have a valid U.S. driver's license, proof of civil liability car insurance, and a valid credit card to reserve the rental and cover incidental costs.

International Driving Permits are Required* in the following countries for US Licensed Drivers: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Italy, Japan, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, and Thailand.

China, Hungary and Montenegro are the hardest countries to pass your driving test. On balance, these countries have tough theory tests and require more practical experience before being able to sit a practical test.

Obtaining Your Permit Online

Applying for the Permit online on the Banjercito Website will speed up the process and allow you to avoid potentially long lines at the border. Online purchases must be made 10 to 60 days prior to travel into Mexico. You must purchase your FMM online before buying a TIP online.

Foreigners can typically use their driver's license for 3 to 6 months ¹ from entry date into the US. After this duration, the license won't be valid, and you'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to keep driving.

The short answer to the titled question is yes, it is safe to drive in Mexico with US plates. No major issues will present themselves.

Can I get back into the US from Mexico without a passport? ›

All U.S. citizens need U.S. passport books if re-entering by air. Land and sea border crossings accept additional travel documents, such as U.S. Passport cards and Trusted Traveler cards. Child travelers have additional options - see the Traveling with Children section.

Vehicle permits may be obtained through Banjercito's online process, at a Banjercito office at the border or at certain Mexican Consulates (listed below). Banjercito (Mexico's Banco Nacional del Ejército Fuerza Aérea y Armada) is the government authority who issues vehicle permits.

If you enter or leave Mexico, you must declare any sum of money equaling US$10,000 or more that you bring in cash, checks, money orders, other cashable documents or a combination of them. Failing to declare carries a fine ranging from 20% to 40% of the exceeding amount.

A valid passport book is required to enter Mexico by air, and those attempting to enter at an airport with a U.S. passport card only may be denied admission.

Yes, Mexico and Canada are considered international travel.

Driving in Mexico can be a lot of fun, but know the rules and the culture. On freeways and toll roads, driving is very similar to driving in the USA. You signal to pass and pull over to the ample shoulders in an emergency. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour.

Yes, car insurance is required for visitors to Mexico, and your United States auto insurance policy won't be valid there.