Do I need a permit to take a motorcycle to the Sonora free zone?
It depends
Sources disagree on motorcycles in Sonora: ANAM excludes recreational units from the free zone, and Mexpro says Sólo Sonora is for autos only; Sanborns says Sólo Sonora covers up to 3 recreational vehicles.
secondarySanborns (insurer): Baja & Sonora · The visitor is allowed to import up to 3 recreational vehicles, including one boat up to 15 feet length · Checked
Where to get it
Check with Banjercito before relying on the free zone.
Documents
Passport or US Passport Card (foreigners); green card, non-Mexican passport, Passport Card or work visa valid 1+ year (Mexicans living abroad)
Immigration form issued by INM (foreigners); INM pre-authorization if applying online or at a consulate
Proof of ownership: title or current registration
If financed: credit contract in your name dated within 3 months
If leased: lease contract showing the VIN plus a letter from the leasing company authorizing the import
Credit or debit card in the importer's name (cash only at border modules)
Banjercito's tariff lists 45 USD for online permits, plus IVA (16% VAT). Apply 10 to 60 days before entry; online payment only by card in the importer's name. Banjercito publishes no separate motorcycle tariff; the 'Auto Americano' line is the general vehicle permit.
Temporary import permit (TIP), car/pickup/SUV/motorcycle, at a Banjercito border module or US consulateSources disagree
$51 USD + IVA tax
51 USD plus IVA at border modules and at the Mexican consulates that issue permits. Cash is accepted only at border modules. 51 USD + 16% IVA works out to 59.16 USD. The Oklahoma consulate instead states 939.60 pesos (about 53 USD).
secondaryMexpro (insurer): Vehicle import permit FAQs · The boat TIP costs the same as a regular vehicle TIP; about $51.00 USD including IVA (tax), or about $45.00 USD online. · Checked
Guarantee deposit for a vehicle permit, by model yearOfficial source
2007 and newer
$400 USD
2001–2006
$300 USD
2000 and older
$200 USD
Paid on top of the permit fee and refunded when the permit is definitively cancelled at a border module before the maximum return date. All official sources fetched agree on the three amounts.