How to Import Used Cars From the USA

Regulations governing importing a used car from the United States vary from country to country. Each nation has a different law of what is acceptable. You may also need to put your vehicle onto a ship. In Canada, the Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) has strict standards of what can be imported from the United States. Ensure that the used vehicle you are importing meets the standards. You may be required to make a few alterations.

Instructions

1

View the Transport Canada list containing the makes and models of importable vehicles. This will help you determine whether the used vehicle you want to import can be brought into Canada. It will also show you what modifications it may need.

2

Enter your vehicle's vehicle identification number (VIN) at a National Motor Vehicle Title Information System's-approved site to complete a history search. This search will show your vehicle's history, including accidents that are serious enough to "brand" the vehicle. Branded vehicles are allowed into Canada, but additional testing may be required. If the brand issued designated the vehicle as non-repairable, your vehicle can't be imported.

3

Insure your car with Canadian insurance even while the vehicle is still in the United States. Keep the insurance document with you.

4

Complete a mechanical inspection of your vehicle. This must be done by a government-authorized mechanic. Make any modifications to your vehicle that are necessary for its importation.

5

Find the contact information for the exit port at the website for U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Fax the original title certificate to the Customs department located at the land border. Make sure you submit the certificate at least 72 hours before you cross into Canada. Bring a copy of the original title with you as you cross the border.

6

Contact the vehicle manufacturer for a copy of the recall clearance document to ensure there aren't outstanding recalls of the vehicle. You can do this with a letter from the manufacturer's Canadian or U.S. office. You can also request a printed document from your dealer, or obtain an online printout if available.

7

Drive to Canada through the U.S. Customs outpost that you mailed the certificate. Bring an original copy of the certificate for the customs office to stamp.

8

Present the stamped certificate to the Canadian Customs office. Pay the import fee and the additional tax for vehicles with air conditioning, if applicable, to the RIV. Present the Vehicle Import Form 1 to the provincial authorities. Vehicle Import Form 2 should arrive in the mail a couple weeks later.

9

Take Form 1 and 2, as well as the recall clearance to the federal vehicle inspection center. The center will put your car through a vehicle standards test. If you pass, the center will stamp Form 1.

10

Give Form 1, bill of sale, insurance certificate and the vehicle's title to the provincial license plate office. Pay the fees and purchase your license plate. Attach your license plate to your vehicle.