Notarising a Title in Mexico

[goo]

I have a UK registered bike and have just entered Mexico from the USA and had some problems with customs recognising my title. I bought it privately and it's a simple contract between myself and the seller back in London. My V5 registration document says 'This is not proof of ownership' in big red letters on it.

My question is, is there someplace in Mexico that I can get my title notarised? That way I won't have problems at all the other borders I have to cross on my way to Argentina.

I managed to talk my way into Mexico by showing them my US temporary import docs but I think was lucky that I had a friendly official - this time!

Thanks for any suggestions!

[MikeMike]

What constitutes "proof of ownership" in Britain? Only your buy/sell note?
If that is the case, translate it and take both documents to a notary public and have them handle it and try to get it a certified translator stamp it as well.
You can then carry the original letter from Britain that is notarized, the translated copy that is notarized, and a notarized copy of a certified translation and that should be enough paper to satisfy almost any bureaucrat you are likely to encounter.
Set a price for everything beforehand. If you do the translation yourself and take it to a certified translator (not just anyone but a certified translator and you will know as they carry a certification number which is on their stamp) just ask them to check it and certify it.
What you are trying to avoid is anything excessive in the way of fees.
Go with a recommendation of someone in Mexico, if you just wander in off the street to either a translator or notary you will be fleeced accordingly.
What you are trying to do is arm yourself with enough paperwork that will show the bike is really yours.
All of this is keeping in mind there might be a simpler way of doing things.
I am curious as to how a vehicle can be registered to someone if they are not the owner, of course, the exception being when it is under a payment plan from a bank etc...

Make sure all the documents mention that the bike was bought second hand and how much it cost to you and how much tax was paid for the title transfer in Britain.

What did the Mexican customs authorities tell you they wanted???????
Which bike are you traveling with and where are you heading to? Drop me a line if you are coming to the Gulf side.

[goo]

AFAIK, the only proof of ownership I have or need to have in the UK is the contract between myself and the seller. At the time of the sale, the seller sends part of his reg doc to the DVLA and then they send a new reg document to me, the buyer. No tax is paid for this - the document only says who is resonsible for taxing and insuring the bike. That's all there is to it. Proof of ownership is only necessary when it is contested which in the normal course of events doesn't happen. Borders are another story of course.

We are currently in Real de Catorce on our way to Mexico City - whereabouts are you?

[MikeMike]

I am in Veracruz.