The step people forget most. Cancelling on time is what gets your deposit back and keeps you able to get a permit in future.
Add a reminder to your calendar
Enter the expiry date printed on your permit. We create an event that alerts you 10 days before. It all happens in your browser; nothing is stored.
Where to cancelOfficial source
Only at Banjercito border modules, with the vehicle physically present (plus any towed vehicles and trailers). Consulates do not cancel permits. Some modules do not offer returns (marked in offices). There is no online cancellation.
Partial return vs definitive cancellationOfficial source
A partial return records that the vehicle left but keeps the remaining days for more entries; it does not refund the deposit. Only a definitive cancellation refunds it.
For foreigners the permit lasts as long as their immigration stay (visitor or temporary resident), including renewals. The law sets no fixed 180-day figure for this case; the stay length comes from the immigration document. Foreigners who renew their status must notify customs within 15 days.
Permit length for Mexicans living abroadOfficial source
Up to 180 days (six months) of actual stay, with multiple entries, within a 12-month period counted from the first entry; one vehicle per 12-month period.
ANAM's page says 10 years (renewable up to 15 days before expiry). The Customs Law as amended on 19 Nov 2025 puts motorhomes of permanent residents abroad under 'up to five years'. Check your permit's printed date.
ANAM says 10 years, extendable 10 more. The Customs Law as amended on 19 Nov 2025 puts recreational boats over 4.5 m under 'up to five years', extendable once for an equal period. Baja Bound also says five years.
If you don't return or cancel in timeOfficial source
The vehicle is considered to be in Mexico illegally. You lose the deposit and may face sanctions, confiscation or seizure of the vehicle, and in some cases loss of liberty. Mexpro also says you will not be allowed to get another permit; no official page fetched states that.
The Customs Law sets a fine of $3,020 to $4,560 pesos per 15-day period for spontaneous late returns of goods, but says this fine does not apply to people who spontaneously return temporarily imported vehicles.
If the permit has expired, customs offers 'Retorno Seguro': a 5-business-day window to take the vehicle out legally after filing the paperwork. Don't drive the vehicle before filing.
An accident notice must be filed within 15 business days. Theft or accident abroad needs the original or apostilled/sealed police report; a notary certification is not accepted.
Bring the vehicle and the printed permit to the border module. Keep the return receipt (comprobante de retorno). For a cash refund, bring valid photo ID and the deposit receipt.
Sources (3)
secondaryBaja Bound (insurer): Vehicle permits · must present the vehicle and the printed permit at a border Banjército module when you leave. · Checked