Hello all,

I´ve read a couple of posts on HUBB about border crossings in Mexico/Central America for an Aussie travelling on a bike purchased in USA. They are great but I just wanted to confirm something that will impact our trip very soon.

My question; do they require to view the original Title document at the borders or if we provide a good colour photocopy would that suffice? The borders I´m referring to are the Mexico/Guatemala borders and the rest heading south.

Thanks in advance.

Michael

No reason not to have at least the registration certificate which is all they really need since many foreign countries don't have titles. Some US titles don't have the licence plate shown and that is one thing they will want to see on an official document.
Sometimes copies are accepted, but as often as not they require the originals of all documents. Copies are good for working documents to get the details off but then they can decide to see originals just as a check.

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Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map

Michael,

The unshakable rule is...it depends. Border to border, official to official, it depends. Some go over your documents with a fine tooth comb. Others are more laid back. I read about a rider entering Colombia from Ecuador, where the customs official didn't leave the office to look at the bike and confirm the vehicle identification number (VIN.) That is a rare event, so best to be prepared. Sometimes copies are enough, sometimes they'll ask for the originals, but not so much.

Here is my border crossing CV... In 2008 I rode round trip from the US to Costa Rica, riding through Belize on the trip south. In 2012-2013 I rode from the US to Panama, took a boat to Colombia, rode clockwise around South America, but didn't ride in Paraguay and Chile. From Colombia the bike saw Cuba, then Mexico and back to the US. Every border crossing means getting stamped out, then papered and stamped into the next country. The count is not as many border crossing as the Round the World crew, but enough to be experienced.

My advice and what I have seen happen. I highly suggest taking your original title and color copies. I prepared two books with plastic sleeves that hold full sheets of papers. They are sometimes called presentation books. Available a finer stationary stores everywhere. In one book I kept the original title, insurance purchased for whatever country I was entering, the temporary importation paper work, bank receipts, yellow fever card, international driver permit, etc.

In the second book I keep multiple copies of my title of ownership, driver’s license, registration card (issues by the State of New Jersey) and page 2 + 3 of my passport (one country in South America (?) wanted a copy of the last two inner pages of my passport...) It will save you time and stress to have xerox/photo copies of these key documents in hand. Yes, there are often copy shacks, but it’s one more hassle getting loose change and finding the person...perhaps all while out of sight of your bike, not fun. Yes, some countries will require a copy of one of more document, then they stamp it and tell you they need another copy with the stamp. Don't argue, just do it, with a smile. I also made scans of the above and credit cards and medical evacuation insurance card, which I kept on a USB stick and emailed to myself. I threw in a print out of a Google map with my route. It makes for conversation.

So, when you get to customs, pull out the copies and walk the official through the documents. The usually read Spanish better than English, so in a friendly manner point and walk them through the location of the key data points:

• License plate number
• Color of bike
• Make and model
• Vehicle Indentification Number
• Driver’s license number
• Home address

Sometimes they want to know the weight of the bike. Figure that out in advance or make a good guess. Officials like to see all boxes filled out. Some even care if it’s filled out correctly.

In the event that you decide to engage the service of a border helper, do not give them your original papers, never ever. Give they copies, or you may regret what they charge to return the documents. It happens. Also, don't give them money while they run in and pay a bank fee or whatever. You would not get change back or not the right amount. Simple follow them and you should be the one paying a clerk or official for any fees, not them. Do it that way and there will be no question about how much was or was not paid. Negotiate the 'tip' for helper services beforehand. Make it clear, you are on a budget and can only pay $5.00 USD, which you will pay when you are 100% done. If they complain, turn to the next helper...free market competitions at its finest. Take your time and keep your papers organized. Don't let anyone rush you. Check the dates and VIN numbers before leaving the frontier. I only had one problem, leaving Suriname, and talked my way out of it. While entering Panama I put my document book down and a truck driver made a lot of noise while putting his stack on top of mine - then he pick up my papers with his. I caught his attempt to steal my papers and once I got the out of his grubby hand he got an ear full from me.

Keep a sense of humor about yourself, atop the night before near the border then get to the border early (yes early tourist gets the visa), keep some small bills for tips and to exchange for local (USD $1.00 are popular) and don't exchange too much money at the border unless you know what you are doing... I have a currency converter on my smart phone. Its very useful.

I traveled with an Israeli and a Mexican, either had their titles with them and both talked there way through border after border. I think their registration was also their title. These guys could talk there way out of anything...

Have fun. Border corossing can actually be amusing.

__________________
Peter B
2008/09 - NJ to Costa Rica and back to NJ
2012/13 - NJ to Northern Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba and back to NJ
2023 - Peru, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia...back to Peru.

Blogs: Peter's Ride

Just to emphasize the contrariness of border crossings, at that same crossing 3 months ago the aduana on both sides came out and took photos of the VIN, the license plate and the whole vehicle and then went back and checked the photos against the ORIGINAL documents. Further down south I don't recall anyone leaving the office except to open the gate.

Do you have the original of the registration certificate?

I drove a UK reg vehicle over half a dozen borders and all we had is the registered keeper document and that has in BIG printing that the document does not constitute proof of ownership. Never a problem

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Tony
Click here for Travel Photos & Travel Map

Hey Michael,
Timely question from you. I just got back to the US after spending 10 weeks in Mexico, Belize and Guatemala. My bike is registered in Arizona and titled in my name. I have a NSW licence.
I had no requests to see the title crossing any borders, just the registration, my passport and occasionally my licence. There was no problem with different addresses on the documents - just double check any TVIP has the correct VIN entered before you ride away from the border.
Any more questions, just ask.
Have a great trip - I did.
Matt

Thanks so much to all that replied, it does sound like it depends on what border official you get on the day as to what documents they want to view. Thankfully the original copies of our titles finally arrived by mail to Mexico city where we had them sent from LA so all is good! Thanks again everyone...what an awesome forum of experienced people! Wish us luck

Cheers, Michael