Importing a vehicle

Step 1: Before you buy

Is importation right for you?

Not sure which vehicle you want to buy? Check out our buying a new vehicle information tool. Do you already know what you want? Find out if importing a vehicle from the U.S. is for you. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles regulates vehicles originally manufactured for the U.S. market including:

• passenger cars, trucks, vans and jeeps
• chassis cabs and trailers
• motorcycles
• off-road vehicles
• snowmobiles less than 15 years old
• buses manufactured after Jan. 1, 1971

Price Differences

Price differences between the manufacturer's suggested retail price in Canada vs. the United States can vary based on the model of the vehicle. It's important to know these differences and additional costs, such as taxes, levies and importing fees before you plan to import. In some cases, it could be the same or even cheaper to buy the vehicle in Canada.

Before you buy

• Ensure the vehicle is admissible and can be modified to meet Canadian requirements. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) has a complete list of modification and inspection requirements that must be met prior to importing a vehicle from the U.S. into Canada.
• Some vehicle manufacturers have agreements with their U.S. dealers not to sell to Canadians.  If you are buying a new vehicle check with the dealership to make sure they will sell you a vehicle.
• Don’t forget about costs involved like travel expenses, food and gas if you will be getting the vehicle yourself, or shipping costs if you're having it shipped.
• Determine additional vehicle costs, such as duty and taxes.You will be required to pay a RIV fee of $195 + GST. North American manufactured vehicles imported for personal use generally enter Canada duty free, however there are some additional costs that are not included in the price. All vehicles imported are subject to GST and those with air conditioning will be taxed $100. If your vehicle was manufactured outside North America you will also have to pay duty. The vehicle may be subject to an excise tax on fuel inefficient cars. 
• Never buy a vehicle without seeing it first.
• If you are buying a used vehicle from the United States, check the vehicle's history by purchasing a CARFAX or CarProof VERIFIED™ report. The reports will give you important information from a third party about the vehicle.
• Know that you must pay for the vehicle with cash or with financing from a financial institution. Canadian citizens do not qualify for manufacturer financing.

Non-United States importations

Information on importing vehicles into Canada from countries other than the United States is available from Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. If you are thinking about buying a right-hand-drive vehicle, make sure you understand the risks. An ICBC study showed that right-hand-drive vehicles are more than 40 per cent more likely to crash than similar left-hand drive vehicles.

Step 2: After you buy

Once you have purchased your vehicle, you will need to obtain copies of the following documents:

• Recall clearance letter – issued by the original equipment manufacturer or in some cases an authorized American dealership.
• Certificate of title – issued by the dealer. If the title is NOT in your name, the seller must sign as the seller and your name must appear as the buyer.
• Bill of sale – issued by the dealer.
• Vehicle registration
• Statement of compliance label – this is usually affixed to the vehicle.

Documentation for your vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before the vehicle arrives at the border. You must decide where you plan to cross the border and contact that office for confirmation of document receipt.

Importing into Alberta

If you are crossing directly into Alberta you must use the Sweetgrass, Mont., border crossing. If you plan to drive the vehicle through the border yourself, you will need insurance before you go. Get a quick and easy auto insurance quote in three steps.

When your vehicle is purchased, the U.S. dealer will issue you a one-month temporary licence plate. You can drive in the U.S. and Canada, while you're completing the import process, with the temporary plate.

Step 3: At the border

Once you reach the border, you will need to produce your original title documents, registration and sales receipts to U.S. Customs.

The Canada Border Services Agency will collect your $195 RIV fee and any duty or taxes owing on the vehicle, check the admissibility of your vehicle, and verify the VIN and manufacturer’s statement of compliance label. You will also receive a Vehicle Import Form – Form 1, which must be completed and kept in the vehicle until it is registered.

Payment of fees and receipt of the completed Vehicle Import Form – Form 1 does not mean that your vehicle meets all requirements. You will still need to ensure that your vehicle complies with all applicable federal, provincial and territorial laws.

Step 4: In Canada

Modification work

Once the Registrar of Imported Vehicles receives payment and recall clearance documentation an Inspection Form (Form 2) will be mailed to you detailing any modification work that must be completed. The mechanic of your choice may do the modifications; however, it is recommended that you contact the original equipment manufacturer for proper parts or warranty issues. You are responsible for having this work completed and inspected within 45 days.

Vehicle inspection

You must present receipts for any modification work completed, Form 1, Form 2 and the recall clearance letter at the inspection. The RIV has contracted Canadian Tire to perform free federal inspections. Inspections can also be performed at any RIV authorized independent inspection centre.

What happens if the vehicle fails the inspection?

If the vehicle fails the inspection, there will be additional charges for another inspection. Further modifications may also be required. If the vehicle doesn’t pass the inspection within the 45 days it will be exported back to the United States without a refund of any fees or taxes paid.

Registration

Once your vehicle passes inspection, your Form 1 will be stamped. A new Canadian Certification label will be sent to you about one week after passing the federal inspection along with instructions on where to place it in your vehicle.

To complete the registration, you'll need the completed Form 1, photo identification, your bill of sale and proof of insurance, and the Out of Province inspection certificate.

Watch out for:

• Make sure there are no outstanding U.S. debts on the vehicle. U.S. Customs will not let the vehicle cross the border if the title is not in your name and the vehicle is not paid in full.
• Double check the VIN. Always make sure the number on the title is the same as on the vehicle. You will not be able to import the vehicle if these do not match.
• Double check the validity of your warranty. Canadian dealerships are under no obligation to honour warranties on U.S. purchased vehicles.
• Double check with the dealer in Canada where you plan to have the vehicle serviced and see if there will be any issues with having the vehicle serviced here.
• If the vehicle is used, beware of odometer fraud. The National Highway Safety Administration in the United States reports more than 450,000 vehicles sold with false odometer readings.