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Sonora Only Vehicle Permits

Do I Need a Vehicle Permit to Drive in Sonora?

In order to increase tourism and facilitate investment in Sonora the free Zone program was launched; a unique program to Mexico. Called the "Hassle Free Program" or the Sonora Only Program. Visitors from the United States and Canada can enter and leave the State of Sonora and enjoy the tourist attractions without needing a vehicle permit, within the zone that covers the northeast part of the state, up to the municipality of Empalme and all the border areas. Even though the entering program Only Sonora has existed since 1996, the State Government launched this attractive Free Zone on December 14th 2006 that only requires obtaining a permit if traveling further than kilometer 98 of the Federal Highway No. 15.

Click to view Sonora Only - Permit Free Zone

What cities does this program cover?

Visitors to the interior of Sonora are now able to drive directly to such cities as Guaymas, San Carlos, Hermosillo, Bahia de Kino, Caborca, Father Kino Missions, Magdalena, Puerto Penasco and Santa Ana without the time consuming process of obtaining a car permit. With the movement of the "Only Sonora" vehicle checkpoint, visitors to the state will no longer have to obtain a car permit in order to travel south of Nogales.

Motorists entering Sonora through San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonoyta, Sasabe, Nogales, Naco and Agua Prieta will not need paperwork for their vehicles, either, if their destination is before the new 'Only Sonora' checkpoint.

Where can I get a Mexican Vehicle Permit?

Paperwork to obtain the decal for visiting the interior of the state of Sonora will be done at a new checkpoint located at kilometer 98 on Highway 15, just south of the Guaymas-bypass on the road between Ciudad Obregon and Empalme. Sonora will temporarily continue to staff a booth at the 21 Km. checkpoint that will take paperwork from vehicles that are returning to the US. Minimally, the elimination of this paperwork means a savings of 15 minutes. However, around certain holidays, the measure may save visitors several hours. You can also get a vehicle permit for Sonora at any Banjercito Location listed below.

What if I want to go past the Sonora free zone

If you want to travel past the Sonora free zone, a Mexican Vehicle permit can be obtained at any Banjercito branch office, located along the border of the United States and Mexico, which is valid for 180 days after complying with all the necessary requirements. For prices and permit requirements see Mexican Vehicle Permits

Obtaining a Mexican Vehicle Permit via the Internet

You may apply for a temporary vehicle import permit on the internet at Banjercito's website. After submitting the required information to the website, you will receive a pass code. After 24 hours and within 15 days of obtaining the pass code, you can visit any Banjercito location to obtain your permit document. For prices and permit requirements see Mexican Vehicle Permits

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Banjercito Locations and Hours of Operation

Baja California Norte (California Border Points)

Tijuana
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Otay Mesa
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Tecate
8am-8pm Monday-Friday
10am-2pm Saturday
Closed on Sunday

Mexicali
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Sonora (Arizona Border Points)

San Luis Rio Colorado
8am-12am - 7 days a week

San Emeterio (Sonoyta)
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Nogales
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Naco
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Aqua Prieta
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Cananea
8am-6pm Monday-Friday
8am-1pm Saturday & Sunday

Chihuahua (Texas Border Points)

Ciudad Juarez
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Palomas
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Ojinaga
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Piedras Negras
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Ciudad Acuna
24 hrs - 7 days a week

San Jeronimo
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Nuevo Laredo
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Reynosa
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Nuevo Amanecer
8am-12am - 7 days a week

Ciudad Camargo
8am-12am - 7 days a week

San Jeronimo
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Matamoros
9am-6pm Monday-Friday
9am-4pm Saturday
Closed Sunday

Puente Nuevo
24 hrs - 7 days a week

Puente Ignacio Zaragoza
9am-9pm - 7 days a week

Puente TLC
9am-6pm Monday-Friday
9am-4pm Saturday
Closed Sunday

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