Importing car from the US - need valid car registration?

[amethystfaire]

Evening all! I got my permanent residency a few months ago, but I'm still in the process of bringing my car over (2002 Explorer) which we declared on the goods to follow. I'm originally from Texas and my vehicle registration expired in September (forgot about it since my car is in storage in NY). Since it's expired and TX isn't close enough to renew in person (which is required for expired registration), the hubby and I are kind of in a bind.

Does anyone know if US and Canadian customs requires the registration to be current before importing? I know it needs to be current in order to legally drive, but does either side of customs care for exporting/importing reasons? Or are the title in you name and the recall clearance the only things that are required?

Thanks for anyone who has any information on this!

[steaky]

check this website for info:

http://www.riv.ca/

[AllisonVSC]

My registration was not checked at either import or export. In fact there were truckloads of unregistered new cars being exported the day I was there.

For export all you need is your title (with copies sent to the office in advance) in your name and the vehicle so that the officer can check that VIN numbers and names match. For import you need title and goods to follow list. You may be able to be the RIV fee at the border too; I paid online. After importing you have 45 days to complete the process.

Your main problem is going to be driving it with expired tags. Have you considered towing it from NY to your new Canadian home? I think you can rent a front wheel tow thingy (yeah that's the technical word for it, lol) from uhaul and tow it home on a trailer hitch.

PM me if you want to know more about my import/export experience and the costs incurred. Be sure to get a 10 year driving record and insurance claims statement. You'll want these for licensing or insurance, perhaps both.