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

[badpusacat]

Let's tackle it from different angle. What issues you expect during export process that's prompting you to finish export process in Toronto instead of Calgary. Why not just drive directly from NJ to Calgary?

Honestly, I don’t know. I’m just worried. I just felt that it is easy in case of return if it is from Toronto.

 

[Alex54321]

The title has to be under my name to export? Is that accurate?

Isn’t it that in order for me to export I just need the title (even not under my name), bill of sale, and/or a letter allowing me to export the car.

It has a proper US registration plate.

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

"The certificate of title is the core requirement in the Customs export process..."

"A person attempting to export a used self-propelled vehicle shall present to Customs, at the port of exportation, both the vehicle and the required documentation describing the vehicle to include the VIN "

"For used, self-propelled vehicles issued, by any jurisdiction in the United States, a Certificate of Title or a Salvage Title that remains in force, the owner must provide to Customs the original Certificate of Title or a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Title and two complete copies of the original Certificate of Title or the Certified Copy of the original."

 

[badpusacat]

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

"The certificate of title is the core requirement in the Customs export process..."

"A person attempting to export a used self-propelled vehicle shall present to Customs, at the port of exportation, both the vehicle and the required documentation describing the vehicle to include the VIN "

"For used, self-propelled vehicles issued, by any jurisdiction in the United States, a Certificate of Title or a Salvage Title that remains in force, the owner must provide to Customs the original Certificate of Title or a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Title and two complete copies of the original Certificate of Title or the Certified Copy of the original."

If that’s the case then does it mean that only americans or US residents can export a vehicle because they can get an insurance?

 

[badpusacat]

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

"The certificate of title is the core requirement in the Customs export process..."

"A person attempting to export a used self-propelled vehicle shall present to Customs, at the port of exportation, both the vehicle and the required documentation describing the vehicle to include the VIN "

"For used, self-propelled vehicles issued, by any jurisdiction in the United States, a Certificate of Title or a Salvage Title that remains in force, the owner must provide to Customs the original Certificate of Title or a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Title and two complete copies of the original Certificate of Title or the Certified Copy of the original."

I called CBSA just now and the agent said IT IS FINE if the title is not under my name. I just need a Bill of Sale and an authorization from the owner that I can export the car.

 

[Alex54321]

I called CBSA just now and the agent said IT IS FINE if the title is not under my name. I just need a Bill of Sale and an authorization from the owner that I can export the car.

Do not mix export with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection ) and import with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).

 

[badpusacat]

Do not mix export with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection ) and import with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).

I’m so confuse. Please explain.

What should I do?

 

[badpusacat]

Do not mix export with CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection ) and import with CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency).

So I cannot export from the US if the title is NOT under my name?

 

[KBH]

I’m so confuse. Please explain.

What should I do?

There are two steps to this process... the first is exporting the vehicle with US customs. The second is importing with Canadian customs. What each country requires is different so even though you confirmed with CBSA that the title not being in your name is OK, you need to confirm it with the US customs as well.

 

[badpusacat]

There are two steps to this process... the first is exporting the vehicle with US customs. The second is importing with Canadian customs. What each country requires is different so even though you confirmed with CBSA that the title not being in your name is OK, you need to confirm it with the US customs as well.

Thank you!

Out of curiousity, if the title needs to be under my name, does it mean that canadians or non-US residents can only buy vehicle in the US if it will be towed? As you said, I need a proof of NJ insurance (?) to transfer the title to my name which I have no way of getting since I don’t reside there.

 

[jaydoshi3292]

Thanks for the detailed post. I am still months away from doing this process but I have a few questions:

1) Did you complete export/import and went back to US? Or did you enter Canada at that point permanently? If you need RIV inspection done before getting plates, where did you leave your car? At Canadian import station? Or do they give you temporary plates or something to drive to your destination?

2) If you are entering Canada for the first time after getting approval and stamping, do they have facilities to process your arrival (landing) as well?

Thanks in advance

 

[KBH]

Thanks for the detailed post. I am still months away from doing this process but I have a few questions:

1) Did you complete export/import and went back to US? Or did you enter Canada at that point permanently? If you need RIV inspection done before getting plates, where did you leave your car? At Canadian import station? Or do they give you temporary plates or something to drive to your destination?

2) If you are entering Canada for the first time after getting approval and stamping, do they have facilities to process your arrival (landing) as well?

Thanks in advance

1) I entered Canada at that point permanently. You can still drive on your US plates until you complete the inspections and get your Canadian tags, as long as you remain insured.

2) All border crossings process landings, but all border crossings do not process car imports/exports. You'll need to research ahead of time and make sure your border crossing of choice processes the car stuff so that you can do both at once.

 

[mhentry]

Hi, my car title says “Flooded” is it possible to import my car with the flood title ?? Need suggestions and help.

 

[KBH]

Hi, my car title says “Flooded” is it possible to import my car with the flood title ?? Need suggestions and help.

Hi, unfortunately you cannot import the car. There is no way around it.

 

[arthurmr]

Very helpful guide mate!

So I found this in the RIV checklist: "French supplementary restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance"

How did you go about yours?

 

[KBH]

Very helpful guide mate!

So I found this in the RIV checklist: "French supplementary restraint system label for airbags that require periodic maintenance"

How did you go about yours?

Mine already had a French one. You should double check and make sure yours doesn't. I assumed mine wouldn't, but it did!

Otherwise, I've heard of people using Google Translate and making their own based on the English one and taping it in there lol