Exporting a Vehicle from the U.S. and Importing into Canada: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

[jeff198901]

@KBH Do you know if there is any issue importing a car before we have a PR card? Is this fine while we only have COPR?

 

[KBH]

@KBH Do you know if there is any issue importing a car before we have a PR card? Is this fine while we only have COPR?

No issue! I imported mine before I had my card

The only thing that's super important is making sure to bring that blue and white sheet they gave at landing with the car listed on it as no taxes owed. That's what lets them know you imported it as part of landing, not the PR card

 

[jeff198901]

No issue! I imported mine before I had my card

The only thing that's super important is making sure to bring that blue and white sheet they gave at landing with the car listed on it as no taxes owed. That's what lets them know you imported it as part of landing, not the PR card

Okay thanks! We landed April 27 but are importing on June 4th.

Did you import at time of landing or afterwards?

I can’t remember the blue and white sheet. But we do have it on the goods to follow which they stamped

 

[KBH]

Okay thanks! We landed April 27 but are importing on June 4th.

Did you import at time of landing or afterwards?

I can’t remember the blue and white sheet. But we do have it on the goods to follow which they stamped

I did goods to follow and imported about 1.5 months after landing. But I imported everything else at the time of landing. So they processed it and gave me a sheet that looks like this and had the value of all my stuff on it. It was stapled to the front of my goods forms http://i.imgur.com/RMSDUcf.jpg

If you did not get one, make sure they give you one when you import the car because that is what you will need to show when you register the car in Ontario to prove you do not owe any tax

 

[jeff198901]

I did goods to follow and imported about 1.5 months after landing. But I imported everything else at the time of landing. So they processed it and gave me a sheet that looks like this and had the value of all my stuff on it. It was stapled to the front of my goods forms http://i.imgur.com/RMSDUcf.jpg

If you did not get one, make sure they give you one when you import the car because that is what you will need to show when you register the car in Ontario to prove you do not owe any tax

Thank you!

 

[jeff198901]

I did goods to follow and imported about 1.5 months after landing. But I imported everything else at the time of landing. So they processed it and gave me a sheet that looks like this and had the value of all my stuff on it. It was stapled to the front of my goods forms http://i.imgur.com/RMSDUcf.jpg

If you did not get one, make sure they give you one when you import the car because that is what you will need to show when you register the car in Ontario to prove you do not owe any tax

Turns out we do have one! Thanks again

 

[RegardsDarren]

I have my car in BC as a temporary import, and when I got the car registered and insured here ICBC took both my original title and my plates. Has anyone done the export after having this happen?

ICBC gave me a form that says I surrendered them, and I have a transfer/tax form that shows I basically sold the car to myself. I do have a copy of my title but that is it.

 

[Forte]

Hi @KBH,
How long does it take to get the ITN?

Also, will my US insurance cover my vehicle after I drive it into Canada? I'm referring to the time period from when I drive it into Canada to when I get Canadian tags.

 

[tx-to-ca]

Does your US insurance cover the vehicle when you drive it into Canada? I'm referring to the time period from when you drive it into Canada to when you get Canadian tags.

You'll probably need Canadian insurance before you can get your car registered in Canada, though that may vary depending on the province. To register a vehicle in Alberta, for instance, you need insurance from a company that is licensed to operate in Alberta. Our U.S.-based provider is giving us coverage while we switch over. Definitely give yours a heads up and confirm that they can do the same for you before driving across because if you do so without their prior approval they might automatically void your coverage. You may also need an in-transit permit.

First I'd call registry services in the province to which you're moving to see what their procedure is once you've landed, and then call your U.S. insurance provider to double check if you can get temporary coverage while you finish the import and get your Canadian insurance. Make sure to mention that you would be a resident of Canada at that point (not a visitor) and that the car would not be returning to the U.S. For my wife and I, we got most of the information we need just by making those two calls.

 

[Forte]

You'll probably need Canadian insurance before you can get your car registered in Canada, though that may vary depending on the province. To register a vehicle in Alberta, for instance, you need insurance from a company that is licensed to operate in Alberta. Our U.S.-based provider is giving us coverage while we switch over. Definitely give yours a heads up and confirm that they can do the same for you before driving across because if you do so without their prior approval they might automatically void your coverage. You may also need an in-transit permit.

First I'd call registry services in the province to which you're moving to see what their procedure is once you've landed, and then call your U.S. insurance provider to double check if you can get temporary coverage while you finish the import and get your Canadian insurance. Make sure to mention that you would be a resident of Canada at that point (not a visitor) and that the car would not be returning to the U.S. For my wife and I, we got most of the information we need just by making those two calls.

Hi, thanks a lot. I'll be landing in Ontario and from what I understand, I need to have an Ontario drivers licence (DL) before getting car insurance. Problem is, due to logistic issues, I don't expect I'll be able to get an Ontario DL till about 1 month after I land. I'll talk to Geico and see if I can get out of country coverage.

The annoying thing is that apparently, visitors to Canada can use out of country insurance.

 

[tx-to-ca]

Hi, thanks a lot. I'll be landing in Ontario and from what I understand, I need to have an Ontario drivers licence (DL) before getting car insurance. Problem is, due to logistic issues, I don't expect I'll be able to get an Ontario DL till about 1 month after I land. I'll talk to Geico and see if I can get out of country coverage.

The annoying thing is that apparently, visitors to Canada can use out of country insurance.

My wife is also with Geico and they told her she can be temporarily covered in Canada as a resident. Though it's true that online they state that the moment you become a resident, it's void. My best guess is that they probably just want to be informed prior to entry so that they can approve it and adjust your policy accordingly. My wife hasn't obtained a quote for those extra few weeks yet but we're not expecting it to be the same as her usual policy.

 

[Forte]

My wife is also with Geico and they told her she can be temporarily covered in Canada as a resident. Though it's true that online they state that the moment you become a resident, it's void. My best guess is that they probably just want to be informed prior to entry so that they can approve it and adjust your policy accordingly. My wife hasn't obtained a quote for those extra few weeks yet but we're not expecting it to be the same as her usual policy.

Awesome! I'll call them.

 

[amitix]

Hey guys,

I am getting ready to import my car and I was really struggling to find comprehensive, up-to-date info on the complete process. It was really stressing me out, so I decided to put together a comprehensive, step-by-step guide that was up to date. There are some helpful posts on this forum, but it seems like the process has changed a little bit since those were published, so I figured something up-to-date might be helpful for everyone.

I will note that you can import your vehicle either at the time of landing, or AFTER your landing (if you mark your car as "goods to follow" on your B4 form), but you should not import your car BEFORE you land, as importing it as part of your landing ensures you are exempt from paying duty or taxes on the car.

Chapter 1 - Before You Export

STEP 1
The first thing you need to do is make sure your vehicle is admissible to Canada. You can check that here: http://www.tc.gc.ca/motorvehiclesafety/SafeVehicles/Importation/Usa/VAFUS/list2/Section3_0.htm

STEP 2
If you are currently financing your vehicle, you need to obtain a clearance letter from the lender stating that you have their permission to export the vehicle. Note that the majority of lenders are NOT likely to give this permission, so if that is the case, you will need to pay off your vehicle in order to obtain the title clear of liens so that you can export the car. If this is not an option, selling the car in the US and buying a new car in Canada will be the best option for you.

STEP 3
Research the port of entry where you plan to export your vehicle from the US. Note that not all border crossings process vehicle exports and you will need to confirm the location and hours of operation and general procedures for the port of your choice. For example, we were planning to do my landing at the Peace Bridge crossing, but discovered that the Queenston-Lewiston crossing is the only place you can export a vehicle in Western New York.

Reach out by phone or email so you can confirm the days/times they are open to process vehicle exports and the email or fax information you will need to submit your 72 hour export notice to.

STEP 4
You will need to enlist the services of a customs broker to complete an AES filing for you. This filing will result in the issuance of an ITN number, which is needed to export the car. The AES is basically an electronic system where everything exported out of the US gets "logged" into, and we as average everyday citizens do not have easy access to it, which is why a customs broker has to do it. You should be able to find a broker to do this for around $50-$75. Google "AES vehicle export customs broker" and you will find lots of options. They will have you fill out some mildly confusing forms and when the filing is complete, they will issue the ITN number. Note you need this process to be completed PRIOR to giving your 72 hours export notice.

STEP 5
72 hours prior to export, your vehicle needs to be INSIDE the United States (and needs to stay in the U.S. from that point on until you export it). At 72 hours prior to export, submit (via email or fax depending on the instructions you got from the port of entry) your notice of intent to export. This generally will just include your VIN, the ITN number, and a note stating the day and approximate time you plan to export your vehicle.

STEP 6
To save time, you should complete the "Vehicle Export Form" (this is used for the Canadian part of the process) online in advance, print and bring with you to your landing. http://www.riv.ca/OnlineForms/Home/Landing

CHAPTER 2 - AT THE BORDER

STEP 7
Immediately before you report to the Canadian border crossing to complete your landing and import your car, you need to complete the export at the U.S. side. (When you contact the export office in Step 3, ask them where you need to physically bring the car at the time of export).

You will need to bring the following items:
-Your ITN number
-Your VIN number
-Copy of the 72 hour notice you submitted
-Original vehicle title showing there are no liens/loans, OR a certified copy of the title along with a letter from the lender stating it is OK for you to export the car
-Your passport
-Bill of sale

Once they process the export you can report immediately to the Canadian border crossing to import your car and complete your landing.

STEP 8
At the Canadian border. You should have your vehicle and its VIN listed on your B4 form with all the goods you are importing, but you also need to have the Vehicle Import form mentioned in Step 6. You also need to have:

-Any documents/receipts given to you by the US export office
-Original vehicle title showing there are no liens/loans, OR a certified copy of the title along with a letter from the lender stating it is OK for you to export the car
-Bill of sale

CBSA will electronically submit your Vehicle Import form to RIV (the organization in Canada responsible for completing the process of importing your vehicle).

Chapter 3 - IN CANADA

STEP 9
You have 45 days to complete the RIV process once the vehicle is in Canada. To begin this process, you need to submit a few things to RIV in order for them to release your inspection letter. Check their website for the contact information/email addresses as to where to submit this information.

1. To speed things up you can re-submit a copy of your Vehicle Import form to RIV, even though CBSA does submit it to them also.
2. You also need to submit a manufacturer recall clearance letter (this can be done up to 30 days in advance). http://www.riv.ca/RecallClearance.aspx
3. Lastly, you need to pay the import fees: https://www.riv.ca/MakeAnRIVPayment.aspx

STEP 10
RIV will send you an inspection letter specific to your vehicle which you can use to get your vehicle inspected. The letter will list the specific modifications applicable to your vehicle that you need to make sure are completed PRIOR to your inspection. These are typically completed at the dealership. You also need to ensure your car has a US compliance label on it somewhere (it should already have this).

STEP 11
Once your modifications are completed, locate the RIV inspection location nearest you and bring in your car to be inspected. When the inspection is successfully complete, they will stamp your Vehicle Import Form indicating this, which is what you will bring to get your car registered and tagged. They will also send you a Canadian compliance label in the mail which you will affix to your vehicle to replace the US one.

STEP 12
Bring your stamped form to wherever vehicles are registered in your province (ex, Service Ontario) along with whatever other proof is required in your province (for example, drivers license, proof of insurance, bill of sale, and original title). Get your tags and you are done!

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A NOTE ON DRIVERS LICENSE AND CAR INSURANCE
Before you complete the final step of getting your car registered and tagged, you will need a provincial drivers license. You will need Canadian insurance policy on the car in order to get it tagged, and you will need a Canadian drivers license in order to obtain that policy, so the order should be as follows - 1) Get Canadian drivers license first (try to do this immediately after landing, for most US residents you should be able to do an instantaneous trade in of your existing US license); 2) Then get Canadian insurance policy on the car (try to set this up prior to landing so that all you have to do is submit your new Canadian drivers license info to them in order to finalize and activate the policy). Once you have the proof of insurance, you can proceed with Step 12 above.

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I really hope this is helpful and please let me know if there is anything I am missing or forgetting!

Hi KBH,

Do you know why is it necessary for the vehicle to be inside the US for 72 hours (step 5)? Also do you know how do they figure out if the vehicle has indeed been inside for that long?

I live in Canada and I do not have a US visa (got a rejection recently). I am planning to use a friend's help to do the export. I am not sure how would I be able to leave the car in US for 3 days.

Thank you.

 

[KBH]

Hi KBH,

Do you know why is it necessary for the vehicle to be inside the US for 72 hours (step 5)? Also do you know how do they figure out if the vehicle has indeed been inside for that long?

I live in Canada and I do not have a US visa (got a rejection recently). I am planning to use a friend's help to do the export. I am not sure how would I be able to leave the car in US for 3 days.

Thank you.

Having the car in the US for 72 hours is the law unfortunately.

The first thing they ask you when you enter the export office is where you are coming from. If you were not in the US with the vehicle already then you would have to lie which I would not recommend doing to armed customs officers

I know there are people who have lied and exported right after crossing the border into the US but it is not a good idea.

 

[APPNOV2014NY]

https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle

Exportation by vessel or aircraft. For those vehicles exported by vessel or aircraft, the required documentation and the vehicle must be presented to Customs at least 72 hours prior to export.

Exportation at land border crossing points. For those vehicles exported by rail, highway, or under their own power. The required documentation must be submitted to Customs at least 72 hours prior to export; and The vehicle must be presented to Customs at the time of exportation.

Here is my interpretation of above:

If car is being exported by vessel ( for ex- Ships) or aircraft then car+documentation has to be presented to Customs 72 hours in advance.
If car is being exported by rail, highway or if owner is accompanying the car then car need not be in US for 72 hours only documentation need to be submitted.