I just landed and imported my car. Here are the steps I went through and wanted to share them with you.
Before you leave, make sure you have your original title, sales receipt and recall clearance letter. I went to an authorized GM dealer and asked for the letter. Have your VIN available.
Fax the original title to the US customs where you will leave the US. You must fax the title 72 hrs in advance. Make sure you bring an extra copy of the title and the transmit proving you did fax the title. Also, make sure they service exports at the time you will cross the border (usually open between 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM). I crossed at midnight and had to wait forever to get the export cleared.
Once you have landed and sent to Canada Customs make sure you have all the papers in order. The easier it is for the officer the better for you… The will ask for the above docs and your landing papers. You must give them an address (temporary or permanent – it doesn’t matter).
Canadian customs will give you a copy of your Form 1 which you need to keep in the car. It serves as your temporary registration. I had Allstate auto insurance in the US and transferred my auto insurance to Allstate Canada the next business day. Very easy process, but expensive – but at least I was driving legally…
I paid the RIV fee on-line next day and faxed them my recall clearance letter (Form 1 has all the information you need). 24 hrs later RIV emailed me the Federal Inspection (case number and Form 1 number is the same). I took my Form 1 and Federal Inspection form the Canadian Tire and had the car inspected. As I had no recalls and metric odometer all I passed. This service was free of charge. I also had to do e-test and safety test.
Canadian Tire faxed RIV the inspection form and I will now take the car to get it register in the province I live (I don’t foresee any issues… and if there are I will let you know…)
Before you leave, make sure you have your original title, sales receipt and recall clearance letter. I went to an authorized GM dealer and asked for the letter. Have your VIN available.
Fax the original title to the US customs where you will leave the US. You must fax the title 72 hrs in advance. Make sure you bring an extra copy of the title and the transmit proving you did fax the title. Also, make sure they service exports at the time you will cross the border (usually open between 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM). I crossed at midnight and had to wait forever to get the export cleared.
Once you have landed and sent to Canada Customs make sure you have all the papers in order. The easier it is for the officer the better for you… The will ask for the above docs and your landing papers. You must give them an address (temporary or permanent – it doesn’t matter).
Canadian customs will give you a copy of your Form 1 which you need to keep in the car. It serves as your temporary registration. I had Allstate auto insurance in the US and transferred my auto insurance to Allstate Canada the next business day. Very easy process, but expensive – but at least I was driving legally…
I paid the RIV fee on-line next day and faxed them my recall clearance letter (Form 1 has all the information you need). 24 hrs later RIV emailed me the Federal Inspection (case number and Form 1 number is the same). I took my Form 1 and Federal Inspection form the Canadian Tire and had the car inspected. As I had no recalls and metric odometer all I passed. This service was free of charge. I also had to do e-test and safety test.
Canadian Tire faxed RIV the inspection form and I will now take the car to get it register in the province I live (I don’t foresee any issues… and if there are I will let you know…)