The Custom Brokerage ordered a taxi for us and our possessions were unloaded from my Ranger and loaded into the taxi. (We were "green lighted" at the border.) A driver from the brokerage took the Ranger, cleared customs and drove across the border. We were deposited at the brokerage's Nuevo Laredo office and waited approx 30 minutes for the Ranger to appear.

Heading south, at the entrance ramp to Hwy 85 we were flagged over for inspection. The officer had noted my Ontario plates and started to inform us that we were not allowed further without a Temporary Vehicle Import Permit. Upon seeing my Permanent Resident card and brokerage documents he waved us on.

There were no other "situations" until, several days later, I attempted (with the help and translations of Jesse Medina) and was unsuccessful in applying for a Jalisco license plate at the office in La Huerta. (My application was refused for lack of the decal (hologram and docs) which would show that I had "legally" driven my vehicle from the border to Jalisco. The offcial was concerned that my Ford Ranger would be impounded as a result and refused to process the necessary paperwork. This resulted in two weeks of delay, much stress, and my hiring of an "expeditor" who was familiar with the requirements.)

Getting a license plate for an imported vehicle is a three step process.

1. An application is made in La Huerta (see picture below of the office) and if approved a Folder is returned to the applicant (Fee 730 pesos) with an appointment for the physical inspection of the vehicle in Autlan. The physical inspections only takes place one day a week -- in the morning. Autlan is a further 45 minute mountainous drive from La Huerta.

2. The physical inspection in Autlan takes place in the parking lot of a "community center" at Ave. Carlos Santana 231 -- the community center is located next to a fire hall (see pictures). The applicant opens the hood of the vehicle and places the Folder from La Huerta in a conspicuous place. The contents of the applicant's Folder is verified by an "inspector" and given a placement in the order of inspections based on one's arrival time. The "inspection" is basically confirming that the vehicle's VIN number is correct on all documents. You may be asked to start the vehicle.

Once the "inspection" is complete -- wait some more, until it is your turn to have paperwork processed and stamped.

The whole procedure took approx 3.5 hours. A local entrepreneur sets up a taco/refreshment stand on site. NB. There is limited shade and no seating -- take a chair and hat.

3. Upon completion of the inspection -- return all paperwork to the office in La Huerta. The Jalisco license plates for the vehicle will likely be available the next day. My fee for the plates 3711 pesos.


The "Motor Vehicle Office" at the corner of Francisco Madero and Iturbide. From La Manzanilla take Hwy 80 to La Huerta, turn right at first traffic light in La Huerta, drive to Jardin, turn left, turn left again on Francisco Madero. Two blocks and the office is on your right. The "rollup" doors will be open during business hours and there is seating for approx 10 people.

A copy of my Appointment Folder for the inspection at Autlan.


The entrance to the "community center" parking lot.


Some of the approx 30+ vehicles waiting for "inspection".

The total cost, including all fees, unplanned hotel accommodation, and hiring of an "expeditor" to import my 2007 Ford Ranger (market value approx $3400 USD) amounted to just over $9,000 USD.