I just went online and did the vehicle permit on the bajercito website. Quick and painless.
You also have to return copies of documents, probably registration and passport etc. I'll comment on that when I get the package in the mail.
OK,
I received the vehicle permit within 3 days by FedEx
I did not have to show any documents to the FedEx guy
I did email back to Mexico City Banjercity HQ a .jpg of the registration, drivers license, and passport, and I went ahead and added a .jpg copy of the corresponding official paper received with the actual permit, so they could be sure to credit the right account.
Here is the official reply from Mexico City:
Dear Robert:
Thanks for sending us so prompt the requested documentation. Everything is complete and we have integrated them into the respective file.
With best regards.
----- Mensaje original -----
De: x
Fecha: Miércoles, Octubre 1, 2008 2:18 pm
Asunto: Permiso de Importacion Temporal de Vehiculos
A:
itvnet@banjercito.com.mx, x
> Attached please find scanned documents for Permiso de
> Importacion Temporal de Vehiculos
>
> Muchismas Gracias
>
> Robert
>
So, my assessment is that the whole process could not have been sweeter.
I could have mailed hard copy documents to Mexico City, or brought them to the border, or taken them to the consulate.
What happens if you don't follow through with this part? They don't flag your file and you probably have to present them when exiting the country, or have your bike confiscated there, or you could be made to watch re-runs of Rosie O'Donnell. Who knows, I didn't want to find out. And I thought, why do the hardcopy part when .jpgs are so easy - and it was.
Just food for thought if you want to go online and skip waiting in line come border time.
Bob