Import A Vehicle To Canada - Avioding Problems

• Always make sure that the dealer has the title in their possession before going to pick up the vehicle. You cannot cross under any circumstances without the "original" (photocopies not allowed) title.
  
• Make sure United States Customs receives a fax or copy of the title (at the crossing you will be using) at least 3 business days before crossing 
•  A recall clearance letter will be necessary to register the vehicle in you province
• Make sure that if your vehicle has been modified that it is up to the RIV standards. Many trucks that have lift kits will have a problem crossing the border.
• Custom vehicles will also have issues trying to cross into Canada 
• A good tip from a veteran. Load up on a new set of tires if they are low on tread the states, it's much cheaper! 
  

These are just a few tips we have to make you import easy and successful.
Please read our complete article on How to Import A Vehicle Into Canada

How To Import A Car To Canada

  We have gathered all the necessary information to make importing your new vehicle into Canada a success. We have shipped hundreds of vehicles to Canada. We know all about the shortcomings people have trying to get across the border. Through repetition, we have devised these simple steps and precautions to make it hassle free. The first step is to check if the car that you are planning to purchase is admissible for importing into Canada. 

 1. If you have not had a vehicle inspection performed, we recommend you have an expert check for damage and unforeseen mechanical issues. It would not be fun to arrange everything and be disappointed with the condition.

2. Make sure the dealer has the title. In the United States, there are common delays getting the "title in hand" from the dealer. Request a copy of the original title before moving forward.

3. Get your new car insured by your Canadian insurance company. Make sure that your insurance covers you while you are in the United States. The insurance coverage should begin the day that you are planning to pick up your car.

4. After purchasing your car at a U.S. Dealer, they will issue you a one-month temporary license plate also called a "temp tag". You can drive in the U.S. and Canada (while you are completing the import process) with the temporary license during this period.


5. Fax the car's Certificate of Title to the U.S. Customs at the border where you will be exiting the Country. U.S. Customs needs three business days to process the title before they can authorize exportation of your car (a stamp is needed for importing the car into Canada). Call the U.S. Customs office to ensure that they have received your fax. Note of Caution: If the US Customs does not allow a fax at that crossing you will have to have the US dealer mail them a copy. You cannot pass the crossing pre 72 business hours of US customs receiving the copy of the title! 

6. Request a "proof of recall clearance document" from your car's manufacturer. This will be required to register your car in Canada. Most dealers will be happy to retrieve this document for you. If the dealer refuses, you can offer to pay for the service. However, these letters are free from the manufacturer.

7. Drive the car to Canada. Remember to allow three business days from when you faxed or mailed a copy of the title to U.S. Customs. Note that Canada Customs may not allow a Canadian resident to drive their car with a U.S. license plate in Canada, unless they are satisfied that the owner is in the process of licensing the car in Canada. Make sure you go through the U.S. Customs office that received your fax.

 8. Get your Certificate of Title stamped for exportation by U.S. Customs.

 9. Drive to the Canadian Customs office. They will need the Bill of Sale and the Certificate of Title stamped by U.S. Customs for exportation. You will have to pay GST and other fees. 

Read Common Problems When Importing A Car Into Canada