Getting a INAPAM card - how easy

Went to get my INAPAM card today, after researching all the items I would need to do that. Many different versions out there as to what documentation is required. I found out today - all you need is one color copy of passport, visa, utility bill, two photos, and a completed application. The woman in the office handled everything and was very helpful and completed my application in fifteen minutes - I was out the door and on my way with my new card.
One word of advice - dont believe anything the cop at the front door tells you - he was telling me they did not have the materials (cards) and they could not give me a card, I would have to return another day - ignore him and go directly to the office that handles INAPAM applications. He did not know what he was talking about (usual) and gave me incorrect information.

What office did you go to and where is it?

If you're in the Ajijic area, go to LCS and sign up for their next INAPAM event, bring all the stuff mentioned above including the pictures and when the day comes, prepare to spend several hours sitting in the LCS back patio waiting your turn to be called. Bring a good book or something. It took me over two hours.

otrocanuck: Are you sure about the color copies? Color copies are not usually accepted. When I got my INIPAM card, black and white copies only. Just asking?

color copies as a rule are not a good idea especially for official documents.

I took only one color copy of each document - not B&W - the lady there accepted them with a smile and said nothing negative about the color copies, I also read that on the government website. I went to the Chapala office on Dellagado. Could not have been better or easier, of course the lady serving me was the reason for such a smooth process.
If you want to go through the LCS and spend a few hours waiting - that is always an option. Dont see why when you can get it directly,
I had the card in my hands in 15 minutes and was able to use it in the same day.

otrocanuck wrote:Went to get my INAPAM card today, after researching all the items I would need to do that. Many different versions out there as to what documentation is required.          I found out today - all you need is one color copy of passport, visa, utility bill, two photos, and a completed application. The woman in the office handled everything and was very helpful and completed my application in fifteen minutes - I was out the door and on my way with my new card.  
 One word of advice - dont believe anything the cop at the front door tells you - he was telling me they did not have the materials (cards) and they could not give me a card, I would have to return another day - ignore him and go directly to the office that handles INAPAM applications. He did not know what he was talking about (usual) and gave me incorrect information.

You didn't mention Immigration document?  I presume that is required or have they changed the requirement?

I believe colored copies are considered to be counterfeits of whatever document you have copied. That's why you always do B&W.

Yes that is correct, it is not a good idea to make color copies as they can be considered as fraudulent. But if people want to make color..let them if they are lucky they will be ok otherwise they will find the hard way. No skin off our back.

Where did you get/find the application?

otrocanuck wrote:Went to get my INAPAM card today, after researching all the items I would need to do that. Many different versions out there as to what documentation is required.          I found out today - all you need is one color copy of passport, visa, utility bill, two photos, and a completed application. The woman in the office handled everything and was very helpful and completed my application in fifteen minutes - I was out the door and on my way with my new card.  
 One word of advice - dont believe anything the cop at the front door tells you - he was telling me they did not have the materials (cards) and they could not give me a card, I would have to return another day - ignore him and go directly to the office that handles INAPAM applications. He did not know what he was talking about (usual) and gave me incorrect information.

[quote="El Bajio"]Where did you get/find the application?

You get the application at the DIF office in Chapala

I just took a friend to the DIF office in  Chapala a couple of weeks ago to get a card and it was in and out very quickly.....probably even less than 15 minutes.
They took b/w copies, so don't know about colored.
 As the previous post said, they went first to get information on needed documents and whatever paperwork had to be filled out.

Where is the DIF office in Chapala? Directions please. What size photos are required?

the tiny photos size infantile is what they want.

Pogo wrote:Where is the DIF office in Chapala? Directions please. What size photos are required?

On Degollado, between 5 de Mayo and Guerrero, north side of the street. Don't know the street number but it's easily identifiable by all the activity around it.

Isn't there a DIF office in Lower La Floresta too?

Yeah, but they do not do much there.

Thanks for the information.

Went to Chapala today no wait, Very helpful lady, I was worried when she said " Oh my God" but she was just pulling my leg. In and out in 15 minutes. 327 Delgado.

Wow - great to hear this. We've been to the Chapala DIF five times in the past couple of years, carrying all the materials to get our INAPAM cards, but each time were (nicely) turned away as they "did not have any now". Will try again soon.

About the utility bill, do they keep a copy or just look at it?
Someone mentions a Visa for this. Maybe I misunderstood. I thought you could just show whatever type of residency you have, which I would not call a Visa--or maybe that is what they call it??

Go to LCS they have the form and requirements in English. After that you can do it yourself or wait til LCS announces another Inapam session and turn your paperwork in one day than a few weeks later you come back to be fingerprinted and get your card. I don't know the next session but they have the form now you can pick up. You do not need to be a member.

Directions:

From Ajijic, go to the firt light in Chapala

Turn left.

Turn right on the first street past the plaza that you can turn right

Go 4-5-6 blocks, looking to the left. Has a DIF sign. Is about mid block.

Took a friend today to Chapala DIF, they are out of cards and won't have any for a month, middle of December, more or less.

Has anything changed regarding getting the INAPAM card since the last posting?    Anyone get one recently?    Thanks.