Export/Import Car From US!

[Staunts2015]

Hello, I haven't been on here in a few weeks, since I've been getting everything together to move. I completed the landing process on May 9th and officially became a Canadian Permanent Resident! I got my SIN right after leaving the Peace Arch border, and began applying to jobs. My husband and I both got offers sooner than expected, and now we're in a rush to move.

Can someone please explain the export/import car process to me, please?! I'm not used to the new forum layout and haven't been able to find a thread that spells it all out. I asked the border agent before, but he said just export it, drive it over, and the agents will do everything to import it. I'm not sure about this though, because I thought we had to make all the maintenance changes beforehand. I also don't know what goes into exporting the car, anyway. I am so confused, if anyone could give me a step-by-step, I'd be forever greatful!! THANK YOU!

 

[jeff198901]

I am curious about this too !!!

 

[methyl]

It's all spelled out here:
https://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx
Before you import in to Canada you'll need to get a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer.
If the vehicle doesn't conform to Canadian standards (eg labels, daytime running lights, etc) you should be able to do the modifications after you import it. It's not a terribly complicated process to export/import.

 

[Staunts2015]

It's all spelled out here:
https://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx
Before you import in to Canada you'll need to get a recall clearance letter from the manufacturer.
If the vehicle doesn't conform to Canadian standards (eg labels, daytime running lights, etc) you should be able to do the modifications after you import it. It's not a terribly complicated process to export/import.

Thanks, but I was told to export the car first, and I believe RIV just explains importing, at least that's all I could see when I went through the site.

 

[methyl]

For exporting you you might need to use AES system - this is something new, I'm not too sure how this works. At the time I exported/imported it was necessary to fax the title 72 hours in advance to the US customs at the border point where you cross.
Your main concern is import though, a bit more involved and complicated.

If you don't do all the US recalls on the car you won't be able to register it in Canada. You might be able to do it in Canada in theory but it's much easier to take care of that before crossing the border.
"The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) will not release the inspection form for your vehicle until confirmation that there are no outstanding recalls, has been received."

 

[Staunts2015]

Ok, sounds easy enough. My car had a recall on it, but the dealership took care of it. Do I just get a document from the dealership stating that the recall was addressed?

 

[chikoo1985]

Seems like I can get answer here. I have loan on my car. Is possible to move without paying it off at once? Ofcouse I will pay off the installments but paying all at once will be a big task for me. Is there any other option?

 

[PMM]

Hi

Seems like I can get answer here. I have loan on my car. Is possible to move without paying it off at once? Ofcouse I will pay off the installments but paying all at once will be a big task for me. Is there any other option?

1. You need the "pink slip" to export the car, since you owe money on it, you have to get permission from the lender to export the car. It is unlikely that the lender will allow the export, since s/he would have nothing to seize if you defaulted on the loan

 

[Staunts2015]

Hey, so I finished the paperwork for export/importing my car. For the date of export, I put 27 June 2017. I'll be driving with a trailer on 24 June 2017, so at those speeds, it's estimated to take 56+ hours of driving, not including stopping to sleep and whatnot. My question is, what if I don't make it to the port of entry by 27th of June? I'm behind 3 hours (driving from west coast to east coast), and the office closes at 4:30pm, so I don't have much time to spare. Do I just email the port to alert them? Do I have to re-do all my paperwork? I don't want to feel rushed into driving fast, I just want to make it to Canada safely.

 

[chikoo1985]

Hey, so I finished the paperwork for export/importing my car. For the date of export, I put 27 June 2017. I'll be driving with a trailer on 24 June 2017, so at those speeds, it's estimated to take 56+ hours of driving, not including stopping to sleep and whatnot. My question is, what if I don't make it to the port of entry by 27th of June? I'm behind 3 hours (driving from west coast to east coast), and the office closes at 4:30pm, so I don't have much time to spare. Do I just email the port to alert them? Do I have to re-do all my paperwork? I don't want to feel rushed into driving fast, I just want to make it to Canada safely.

I am not an expert but seems like it's better to inform them about the delay if any. It's a long Drive dude! Good luck

 

[Staunts2015]

I am not an expert but seems like it's better to inform them about the delay if any. It's a long Drive dude! Good luck

Thanks for the advice! I tried calling the specific port and they said I can cross any time, as long as I meet the 72 hour requirement. So I can export my car the next day

 

[chikoo1985]

Thanks for the advice! I tried calling the specific port and they said I can cross any time, as long as I meet the 72 hour requirement. So I can export my car the next day

Nice...

I have a Question for you. Did you pay off the loan on the car? How did you get the original title?

 

[Staunts2015]

Nice...

I have a Question for you. Did you pay off the loan on the car? How did you get the original title?

I bought the car from a friend, with cash, so I've had the title in my name for a few years now.

 

[asinght]

Hey, so I finished the paperwork for export/importing my car. For the date of export, I put 27 June 2017. I'll be driving with a trailer on 24 June 2017, so at those speeds, it's estimated to take 56+ hours of driving, not including stopping to sleep and whatnot. My question is, what if I don't make it to the port of entry by 27th of June? I'm behind 3 hours (driving from west coast to east coast), and the office closes at 4:30pm, so I don't have much time to spare. Do I just email the port to alert them? Do I have to re-do all my paperwork? I don't want to feel rushed into driving fast, I just want to make it to Canada safely.

I've recently done this entire process, so it is pretty fresh in my mind, hopefully can help others.

I'm assuming by paperwork you mean the AES part. Just make sure they border crossing gets your title copy by fax/email at least 72 hours before you arrive to export the car. Some crossings only do exports during certain hours (e.g. monday to friday), so best call up your particular border crossing and verify with them if they will be able to do your export at the time you arrive.

They will just look at the car and stamp the title - shouldn't take too long. Good luck with everything, and in advance- welcome to Canada!

 

[Staunts2015]

I've recently done this entire process, so it is pretty fresh in my mind, hopefully can help others.

I'm assuming by paperwork you mean the AES part. Just make sure they border crossing gets your title copy by fax/email at least 72 hours before you arrive to export the car. Some crossings only do exports during certain hours (e.g. monday to friday), so best call up your particular border crossing and verify with them if they will be able to do your export at the time you arrive.

They will just look at the car and stamp the title - shouldn't take too long. Good luck with everything, and in advance- welcome to Canada!

I remember attaching a copy of my title during the AES process. I then emailed the border my VIN and ITN. Do I also have to email a scanned copy of my title?