Some people in the U.S head to Canada to purchase a used vehicle since prices together with taxes are mainly lower. The complicated import process is enough to make anyone’s head, however, spin. Most people therefore prefer a car transport company to handle the import.
However, indeed this handy guide it will help you to import a car from Canada to the U.S. if it is needed. You can use it if you want to roll your sleeves up and do everything by yourself.
Before initiating the import procedure, you must confirm the vehicle meets Emission Standards from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) that the U.S.D.O.T (Department of Transportation) established.
The DOT requires that all vehicles under 25 years old meet all FMVSS for permanent import into the U.S. Vehicles over 25 years old don’t have to meet any such standards, but can just be imported as-is.
We are discussing cars less than 25 years old therefore you must complete the HS-7 form. This form does certify the compliance of your vehicle with all of the D.O.T standards. Your vehicle should conform with the emission standards. EPA sets these standards. To do this, check under your car’s hood or in the engine area for asaying “Vehicle Emission Control Information” that certifies the vehicle.
If there’s no certification upon the label, you need to get a letter from the car’s manufacturer because it meets all standards by FMVSS. Here’s a complete list of auto manufacturers with contact details.
✅ Step 1: Importing a car from Canada into the United States can seem overwhelming-but the process is quite straightforward in the event that you follow the steps with care and you have all of your paperwork in order.
Be sure that you have all of the following items before you begin the import operation.
GST and PST do apply so note that Canada non-residents may be PST exempt.
✅ Step 2: Clean and Decontaminate the Car
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requires that foreign contaminants are to be completely absent from imported vehicles. Ensure the car is:
✅ Step 3: Organize Your Documents
Print and compile all the above forms and paperwork in a neatly organized file. Having everything in one place will make border processing much smoother.
✅ Step 4: Notify U.S. Customs at the Border
Call the local U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office in advance to let them know about your car import.
Be ready to show the documents now. These may be any documents belonging to you.
✅ Step 5: Submit Your Documents at CBP Office
Head inside the building then at the front desk, hand over your organized file. Customs will:
Copies that are stamped will be needed for you to register your car in the U.S.
✅ Step 6: Pay Duty and Fees
The vehicle’s value gains 3% on the initial $1,000. The remaining part does not get all of this.
Remaining balance sees at a 2.5% rate
✅ Step 7: Get Your Forms Stamped
Once payment is made and documents are approved, ensure all three key forms-EPA, CBP, and DOT–are stamped before leaving. These are required for registration in the U.S.
✅ Step 8: Drive Away and Register
Once all of the formalities are complete, you are then ready! Drive back your newly imported car to your destination in the U.S. After that, register it at your local DMV.
Regulations should always be double-checked since procedures may slightly vary according to vehicle type and port. For clarification, call CBP when there is doubt beforehand.
For this, is a checklist format or a printable guide needed? Just say the word!
But Wait, There’s More:
Once you’re in the U.S, you’ll need to visit your local Tax Assessor’s Office to get your car title as well as registration. Bring all paperwork that you organized in the file with you including the stamped DOT HS-7, EPA 3520, and CBP 7501 forms.
The Title form plus Application for License Plate form are some other documents that someone must require. A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are also things that are required. Call your Tax Assessor’s local office before, to learn of other needs and forms’ locations.
Since the fees regarding filing of the forms as well as applying for title and registration vary by state, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars in total. Once that’s done, the importing process concludes then. Then feel free to roam about in the ride you got.
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