If, you buy from a dealership they should provide you with the documents needed to clear United States Customs, make sure you get the required CarFax and “read” it! Make sure it doesn't "Rebuilt" or "Salvage" on it!
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.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/export_docs/motor_vehicle.xml
Service Port – Blaine
Port Information
Port Code 3004
Location Address:
9901 Pacific Highway
Blaine, WA 98230
General Phone: (360) 332-5771
General Fax: (360) 332-4701
Operational Hours: Twenty Four (24) Hours A Day
The last I know of the required information was:
1. Proof of Purchase
2. Copy of Title
3. CarFax
Without this, you will be stuck on the U.S. side. You can also call ahead to get copies of this to expedite the process, as some dealerships do not have access to Titles on the weekends. Contact them by phone or Email to check on availability and pricing. They should email all the documents to you for the Purchase and Export. Also, most now will only release the vehicles after funds have cleared!
Be prepared to have three forms of proof that you live outside the States, in the “Buyers” name. Acceptable forms include a Drivers License, fishing license, and utility bill. This will exempt you from State Sales Tax.
With that - Buy the vehicle – get a “Trip Permit” from Motor Vehicles drive it to the U.S. Customs Office, with the above documents, and you are done - with the United States.
Now “Importing” into Canada is not hard at all, if you know what to look for do before getting to the border! This might give you some insight and help you out? In addition to the above documents!
While the provincial and territorial governments have jurisdiction over after-market additions to motor vehicles, Transport Canada develops standards and regulations for new vehicles manufactured or imported for use in Canada.
Before buying a vehicle in the U.S., Canadians should check with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles about the rules and process for importing vehicles (
www.riv.ca). Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles program verifies that new vehicles sold at the retail level in the U.S. and imported for use in Canada meet Canadian safety requirements. Imported vehicles may have to be modified to meet requirements for daytime running lights, child tether anchorage systems and anti-theft immobilization devices.
Questions about duties and taxes on imported goods, including vehicles, should be directed to the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999 (in Canada) or 1-506-636-5064 (outside Canada).
Importing a vehicle into Canada from the United States is not as simple as buying a car, driving to the border and paying some duty. There are a number of steps you must take and questions to be answered.
1. Do you know what makes and models of vehicles can be imported into Canada?
2. Are any modifications required?
3. Is there a recall on that particular vehicle?
4. Does your province have requirements that must be met?
5. What documentation do you need?
6. What duty and taxes must be paid?
7. How do you move the vehicle without permanent licence plates?
These and other questions need to be dealt with before you bring the car home. With that said it is fairly easy.
1. Find the vehicle you want to buy
2. Check the Importation list and make sure it is importable:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-importation-index-443.htm
3. Make sure you have “acceptable” proof of no “Defect Investigation & Recalls”:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safevehicles-defectinvestigations-index-76.htm
4. Make sure it has the “Child Safety” requirements:
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/safedrivers-childsafety-index-53.htm
Contact Information
Transport Canada
Vehicle Importation
Tower "C"
Place de Ville
330 Sparks Street
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
Within Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Outside Canada: (613) 998-8616
Facsimile: (613) 998-4831
http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/roadsafety/menu.htm
Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV)
405 The West Mall, Suite 400
Toronto ON M9C 5K7
Within North America: 1-888-848-8240 (English and French)
Outside North America: 1-416-626-1803
Internet Address:
www.riv.ca
E-mail Address:
info@riv.ca
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Within Canada: 1-800-461-9999
Outside Canada: 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064
Internet Address:
www.cbsa.gc.ca
