How Do I Buy a Car in the US for Canada?
Buying a car in the United States for Canada can be done by going to a dealer and paying the purchase price for the vehicle. You will then receive the vehicle title, registration and a temporary license plate from the dealer. Once you have purchased the vehicle, you will then need to go through the process of importing it into Canada. This will require following an import checklist to make sure you complete all the necessary steps.
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Instructions
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Obtain Import Checklist
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Go to the Importer Checklist for the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (see Resources).
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Enter the information for the vehicle and click the "Next" button.
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Select the border crossing you pan to use to bring the vehicle into Canada and then click the "Next" button.
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Select an inspection point or location of an RIV inspection center to have the vehicle inspected and then click the "Next" button.
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Select the Canadian Province where you plan to have the vehicle licensed and then click the "Next" button.
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View the checklist on the screen and click the "Print" button to send the checklist to your printer.
Crossing the Border
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Submit the required documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Protection at least 72 hours before you plan to take the vehicle into Canada. You will need to have the vehicle title and registration or proof of ownership. A Vehicle Import Form 1 will also be needed.
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Present the vehicle to Customs and Border Protection when you transport the vehicle to Canada.
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Wait while Customs and Border Protection checks your documentation and checks to make sure your vehicle is admissible from the United States into Canada.
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Pay the Registrar of Imported Vehicles fee to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The fee will be $195 + GST.
When Vehicle Is in Canada
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Make any modifications to the vehicle that are necessary to pass the RIV inspection. You will receive an inspection form in the mail from the RIV.
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Take the vehicle to a RIV inspection center. You can find the nearest inspection center by using the RIV website (see Resources).
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Contact the provincial or territorial licensing authority to have your vehicle licensed.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your bank to obtain financing in order to purchase a vehicle in the United States.
Contact the CBSA to obtain a Vehicle Import Form 1.
"GST" is a Goods and Services Tax.
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles fee is a non-refundable payment.
References
Resources
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