A model for DMFC anode performance is developed. The model takes into account potential--independent methanol adsorption on the catalyst surface, finite rate of proton transport through the anode catalyst layer (ACL), and a potential loss due to methanol transport in the anode backing layer. An approximate analytical half--cell polarization curve is derived and equations for the anode limiting current density are obtained. The polarization curve is fitted to the curves measured by Nordlund and Lindbergh and parameters resulted from the fitting are discussed.