How to Keep Your US Plated Car Registered while Living at Lake Chapala Ajijic Mexico

Hi Audrey, I know it sounds a little complex. I’m working on perfecting my recording skills, but doubt a second go at it would improve it.

Send me an e mail to Sid@ChapalaClub.com and I’ll send you the steps in all written form. That way you can just follow the steps and check them off one at a time as you do them.

Thanks for your comments. I’m sure given the complexity you’re not the only one who didn’t understand the explanation totally.

So, I’ll prepare a short report to send to those who request it by e mailing me directly to Sid@ChapalaClub.com rather than redoing it and sending it out to all our club members.

All for now, Siempre tu amigo, Sid

Hi El Lobo, Thanks for your questions. First let me congratulate you for considering the expat lifestyle here at Lake Chapala Ajijic.

I think most states now give 5 years or so on driver’s licenses so renewal will not be very often.

Of course it varies from state to state. I have both a Texas and Jalisco, Mexico valid DL. I use a family member’s address in Texas, but could probably also use a mail forward service address I also have in Texas with a street address.

Also a Mexican driver’s license it not hard to get and it too is good for 4 years at a time. A bonus is that your Mexican License is good ID in Mexico and if perchance you are stopped on traffic the officer is more likely to give you a break I think since it’s obvious you’re trying to fit in, to comply with the law etc.

They like looking a document they’re familiar with in their language.

Hope this helps. Keep you questions coming. Siempre tu amigo, Sid

You would have to drive to Texas with your car, give the registrar a Texas address, provide the registrar with proof of Texas Vehicle Insurance. and get a Texas Safety Inspection.

You should be able to do this in Webb County at Laredo if you can find a Webb County address to use.

Handy Mail in San Antonio Tla. can rent you a mail box with a Webb County address.

You may also have to get a Texas Drivers License.

here’s a link to check for more/better info:
http://www.txdmv.gov/vehicles/registration/register.htm

Hope this helps. Sid

Hi JM, If the car is financed you must get a letter from the lien holder giving you permission to take your car into Mexico. Most lein holders are familiar with the process and have form letters.

The letter should be notarized. You present the title in your name and the notarized letter from the lien holder as you enter Mexico and apply for your tourist visa and temporary car import windshield sticker.

Hope this helps. Tu amigo, Sid

Hi Henry, Thanks for your comments.

You can buy insurance on foreign plated cars here at Lake Chapala. Of course you should secure insurance for Mexico before arriving at the border.

Be sure and follow the instructions for South Dakota plates as set out in the article here on ChapalaClub.com.

Not sure of the process of changing from Canadian plates to US plates, but it should work if you follow the directions in the article.

There are so many variables it’s hard to give the best advice without know all the variables.

Things like lien holders if any, type of immigration documents, whose name is on the title, who will be driving, etc. etc.

I hope this helps. If not send me a e mail to Sid@ChapalaClub.com with all the details.

Tu amigo, Sid