Discovering Mexico

Page 12

Discovering Mexico

Social Security Number

Mexico has a social security system which is free at the point of delivery for Mexicans as

well as foreign nationals with a TRC (Tarjeta de Residencia).

The Mexican Social Security Institute, known by its Spanish acronym, IMSS, is an

autonomous government institution that provides health and social security

services to private sector workers and is governed by representative from the state,

employers and workers

Expatriates who work for Mexican employers are subject to Mexican social security

contributions when an employment relationship is deemed to exist in Mexico

Steps to obtain your Mexican Social Security Number online (You must already have your

CURP available):

Go to the IMSS website:

Follow the online instructions after clicking “Iniciar”

Note:

The website is completely in Spanish.

Driver’s License and Vehicle Insurance

U.S. driver’s licenses are valid in Mexico. If you are planning on living in Mexico for more

than one year, the law says you must get a Mexican driver’s license.

Mexican vehicle insurance is required for all vehicles, including rental vehicles in Mexico.

Travelers should obtain full coverage insurance when renting vehicles in Mexico. Travelers

arriving in their own vehicle can easily obtain Mexican insurance on the U.S. side of the

land border and are advised to do so.

In Mexico, it is each state's responsibility to regulate driving in their respective jurisdiction,

and therefore each state issues their own driver’s license. Drivers need to demonstrate

residence in a state in order to acquire that state's license. All states recognize each

other's license.

+ Mexican citizens and legal residents can only acquire a proper driver’s license

once they have turned 18, with the typical validity of a license being three years

Minor Permit:

For residents aged over 16 years but less than 18 years, driving

restrictions may apply, such as speed restrictions, a driving curfew, or special

license. The minor permit has a validity of one or six months, or one year,

depending on the state issuing the permit or the type of permit acquired. The

holder can drive any vehicle intended for 'personal use', such as motorbikes (any

type) or motor vehicles that do not exceed 3.5 tons in weight