border crossings - WA vehicle registration vs. title?
 

Hello!

I recently bought a car in Washington state (I'm a tourist) and I'm planning to drive it down to Argentina. The problem is the title is not ready yet, they told me I would have to wait like 6 weeks but I can't since I've made commitments to be in Mexico in less than three weeks. I have the registration certificate though!

Basically, I have two questions:

1) I have read online that to enter Mexico the registration certificate will suffice, is this correct?
2) Will the registration be enough for other border crossings or will I absolutely need the title?

If the registration certificate only works for Mexico, I can eventually have my uncle post me the title (I used my uncle's address to register the car) somewhere in Mexico and continue with it. Does this sound like sensible plan?

Thanks in advance,
Juan.

I can't comment specifically on Washington registered vehicles. But in 2010 I took my British Columbia registered bike through Mexico and all of Central America. In BC we do not have vehicle titles, only a registration document. It was not a problem in any of the Central American countries or Mexico.


...Michelle

Border officials at main crossings are aware that Canadians don't have titles issued. They're aware that Americans do. They'll want your title--later if not sooner. Have your uncle send it to you.

In truth I can't even remember whether a title was needed for my (Washington registration) bike entering Mexico. I do know that I used a color photocopy painted with map sealer for durability throughout Latin America, and I was rarely called on it.

Hope that's helpful.

Mark

Thank you Mark.
Was that a color photocopy of the title?

Australia, Britain also don't have titles.

We have crossed several borders in our US vehicles using just the registration paper - including Mexico