How to Ship a Vehicle from Canada to the U.S. – 3 Customs Forms You Must Have

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Shipping a vehicle from Canada into the United States involves more than just handing over the keys. To legally import your car and clear U.S. Customs, there are specific steps and documentation required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). If you’re not prepared, your vehicle can be delayed—or even denied entry.

At US Canada Auto Transport, we’ve helped thousands of customers move vehicles across the border smoothly. In this post, we’ll walk you through how the process works and the 3 essential forms a CBP officer will ask for when you’re importing a vehicle from Canada into the United States.

Step-by-Step: How Vehicle Import Works at U.S. Customs

  1. Schedule Your Shipment
    Whether you’re a snowbird, a U.S. resident purchasing a Canadian vehicle, or moving back to the U.S., your first step is to schedule transport with a company familiar with cross-border shipping (like us!).
  2. Prepare the Required Documents
    Regardless of who ships the vehicle—a professional transport company like us or you personally driving it across—U.S. Customs will still require the same set of documents. These forms are non-negotiable.
  3. Arrival at the U.S. Border
    When the vehicle arrives at the port of entry, a CBP officer will inspect the shipment and verify the documents.
  4. Customs Clearance
    Once all paperwork is verified and approved, your vehicle will be cleared for entry into the United States.

The 3 Forms the CBP Officer Will Ask For

Here are the three mandatory documents you need to provide to CBP when importing your vehicle:

1. CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)

The CBP Form 7501 is the official entry document used by U.S. Customs and Border Protection to record import details.

  • Issued by: Department of Homeland Security – U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • Purpose: Declares the vehicle’s value, classification, and import duties
  • Tip: This form is usually prepared by a customs broker or import specialist. If you’re using a professional auto transport service, they can help facilitate this.

2. Bill of Sale

This document proves your ownership or purchase of the vehicle.

  • What It Includes: Purchase price, buyer/seller details, VIN number, and date of sale
  • Why It Matters: Confirms the value and legal transfer of ownership required for customs processing.

3. Foreign Registration

Your vehicle’s original registration from Canada.

  • Why It’s Required: Confirms the car was legally registered in Canada and is eligible for export.

Note: It doesn’t matter if the car is shipped by a transport company like us or driven across the border by you—the CBP officer will still require all three of these forms. Having them ready ensures a smooth and legal entry into the U.S.

We Make the Process Easy

Importing a vehicle across an international border may sound complicated, but when you ship with USCanadaAutoTransport.com, we guide you every step of the way.

We’ll help you:

  • Prepare and gather the right documents
  • Coordinate with customs brokers (if needed)
  • Avoid unnecessary delays at the border

Whether you’re bringing in a car, SUV, truck, or motorcycle, our experienced team ensures your vehicle crosses the border safely and legally.

Need help with vehicle shipping from Canada to the U.S.?
Get a free quote or call us today—we’ll help you handle the paperwork and get your vehicle home.

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