friend driving back NOB with expired FM3

[Kevin K]

I have a non internet-savvy friend who's planning on moving back to the U.S. (driving) and is facing the prospect of doing so with an FM3 that's expired by a few weeks. He knows enough to cancel his vehicle permit but not what to do about the lapsed residency visa. Any suggestions much appreciated.

[RVGRINGO]

All I know is that he is now an illegal alien with no right to have a car in Mexico. That could be a serious problem, as they are getting strict. So, it might be better if he simply goes to INM here and begs forgiveness for 'forgetting to renew on time'. He'll probably pay a small fine and get his FM3 renewed. Then, he can have it cancelled on his way out of Mexico or keep it, if he will be coming back in time to renew it again.

[cosalamx]

I have a non internet-savvy friend who's planning on moving back to the U.S. (driving) and is facing the prospect of doing so with an FM3 that's expired by a few weeks. He knows enough to cancel his vehicle permit but not what to do about the lapsed residency visa. Any suggestions much appreciated.

I believe that anyone can drive your vehicle out of Mexico and cancel the import permit (I did it for a friend a few years ago), so I don't think there will be a problem to cancel the permit. After that, just drive over the border, no exit paper is required. After that, out of an abundance of caution, your friend can send the expired FM-3 to the Mexican Consulate and advise them that it will not be renewed. Everything should be fine. The chances of being caught in Mexico with an expired visa are really slim, and although I do not recommend that anyone let their visa lapse, since it already is, I wouldn't bother renewing, providing that he is leaving soon.

[Kevin K]

Thanks very much! Will pass this on.

Kevin