Customs & Documents for Shipping a Car Between the USA & Canada

Shipping a vehicle between the United States and Canada requires compliance with federal export and import regulations on both sides of the border. Depending on the direction of shipment, vehicles may require U.S. export clearance, AES filing, Canadian RIV registration, or U.S. EPA and DOT import documentation.

The process is not the same in both directions. Exporting a vehicle from the United States into Canada involves advance filing and customs review, while importing a vehicle from Canada into the United States focuses on federal emissions and safety compliance.

Our team manages the full cross-border vehicle shipping process, coordinating transportation, documentation, and customs requirements to ensure smooth border clearance.

Requirements may vary based on vehicle age, origin, residency status, and whether the import is temporary or permanent.

Shipping a Vehicle from the USA to Canada

When shipping a vehicle from the United States to Canada, the vehicle must first be legally exported from the U.S. and then declared to Canadian customs upon entry. This process includes U.S. export clearance, AES filing, Canadian border declaration, and in many cases, RIV registration and federal inspection compliance.

Proper documentation is essential to avoid delays at the border.

72-Hour U.S. Export Rule

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires vehicle export documentation to be submitted at least 72 hours before the vehicle leaves the United States. This applies when permanently exporting a titled vehicle from the U.S. into Canada.

The required documents must be submitted to the designated U.S. port of export in advance for review and clearance.

This 72-hour requirement applies to vehicles being permanently exported from the United States. It does not apply when importing a vehicle into the U.S. from Canada.

AES Filing & ITN Number

Most vehicle exports require filing through the Automated Export System (AES).

Once filed, an Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is issued. This number confirms the export filing and is required before the vehicle can legally exit the United States.

Original Title Requirements

The original vehicle title (or certified copy, if permitted) must be presented to U.S. Customs prior to export. The title must:

Match the VIN exactly
Show no unresolved liens (or include lienholder authorization)
Be properly assigned if ownership is transferring

Bill of Sale (If Applicable)

If the vehicle is being sold or ownership is transferring, a Bill of Sale may be required to support valuation and customs documentation.

Declaration to CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency)

Upon arrival in Canada, the vehicle must be declared to CBSA. Duties, taxes, and fees may apply depending on:

Vehicle origin (VIN country of manufacture)
Residency status
Whether the import is temporary or permanent

RIV Program & Form 1

Most vehicles imported permanently into Canada must be registered with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).

At the border, you will receive Form 1, which begins the RIV compliance process. An RIV fee applies, and the vehicle must pass inspection to ensure it meets Canadian safety standards.

The RIV process ensures the vehicle meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) before provincial registration is completed.

Recall Clearance Letter

Canada requires proof that there are no outstanding manufacturer recalls on the vehicle. A recall clearance letter may be requested as part of the RIV compliance process.

Provincial Registration

After federal import requirements are satisfied, the vehicle must be registered and insured within the province of residence (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta). Provincial rules and timelines may vary.

After federal import requirements are completed, vehicles must be registered within the destination province. Learn more about shipping to Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, or Alberta.

What we handle for you

AES/ITN Filing (U.S. Export Clearance)
We prepare and submit the required Automated Export System (AES) filing for self-propelled vehicles, generating the Internal Transaction Number (ITN) needed for export approval.
Carrier Paperwork & Border Coordination
We manage the Bill of Lading, dispatch timing, and coordination with the designated border crossing to ensure compliance with export timelines.

What you provide

Proof of Ownership: Original Title (or Registration if your state does not issue titles) and Bill of Sale if recently purchased.
Government ID: Driver’s license or passport.
Canadian Import Documentation: CBSA forms and RIV documentation if applicable.
Lienholder Authorization: Required if there is an active loan on the vehicle.

Tip: Note: Motorcycle export requirements are similar. See our US–Canada Motorcycle Shipping page for details.

Duties and taxes are assessed separately from documentation requirements and depend on vehicle origin and trade agreements. See our Vehicle Tariff Guide for details.

Shipping a Vehicle from Canada to the USA

When shipping a vehicle from Canada into the United States, the vehicle must be declared to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon entry and must comply with federal import regulations. Unlike exports from the U.S., the process focuses on EPA and DOT compliance rather than advance export filing.

No 72-Hour Export Filing Requirement

There is no 72-hour export filing requirement when importing a vehicle into the United States from Canada.

The 72-hour rule applies only when exporting a vehicle out of the United States. Vehicles entering the U.S. from Canada do not require advance AES filing or export clearance from Canadian authorities.

EPA Form 3520-1

All vehicles entering the United States must comply with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations.

EPA Form 3520-1 is required to declare the vehicle’s emissions compliance status. The form confirms whether the vehicle meets U.S. emissions standards or qualifies for an exemption (such as age-based exemptions).

DOT Form HS-7

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires Form HS-7 for vehicle imports.

This form declares whether the vehicle complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) or qualifies for an exemption (for example, vehicles that are 25 years or older).

CBP Import Clearance

At the U.S. port of entry, CBP officers will review:

Vehicle title or registration
Bill of Sale (if ownership is transferring)
EPA Form 3520-1
DOT Form HS-7

Import duties may be assessed depending on the vehicle’s country of manufacture and trade status.

Import Duties (If Applicable)

Duty rates vary based on:

Country of manufacture (based on VIN)
Trade agreements
Vehicle type

Some vehicles qualify for duty-free entry under applicable trade agreements, while others may be subject to import tariffs. For detailed duty rates, see our Vehicle Tariff Guide.

State Registration After Entry

After federal import clearance is completed, the vehicle must be registered in the state of residence.

Each state has its own requirements for:

Title transfer
Registration
Safety or emissions inspections

State-level registration requirements are separate from federal import compliance.

Will tariffs apply to my vehicle?

For a detailed explanation of current tariff rules, see our Vehicle Tariff Guide.

Common Questions About US–Canada Vehicle Shipping

Yes. When exporting a self-propelled vehicle from the United States to Canada, U.S. Customs generally requires an Automated Export System (AES) filing. This generates an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which must be approved before the vehicle can legally leave the U.S. The 72-hour advance submission rule applies to these exports.

The 72-hour export rule requires vehicle export documentation to be submitted to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before a vehicle leaves the United States. This applies only to exports from the U.S. into Canada. It does not apply when importing a vehicle into the United States from Canada.

The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program is a Canadian federal system that ensures imported vehicles meet Canadian safety standards. Most vehicles imported permanently into Canada must be registered with RIV and may require inspection before provincial registration. An RIV fee applies in most cases.

Import duties may apply depending on the vehicle’s country of manufacture and applicable trade agreements. Some vehicles qualify for duty-free entry, while others may be subject to tariffs based on VIN origin. Duty requirements are separate from EPA and DOT compliance. See our Vehicle Tariff Guide for detailed rates.

Snowbirds temporarily bringing a vehicle into Canada typically do not need to complete full RIV registration if the vehicle is not being permanently imported. Temporary imports are treated differently from permanent imports and may have time limits. Permanent residency or long-term importation usually triggers RIV requirements.

For USA → Canada exports, we prepare and submit the required Automated Export System (AES) filing and generate your Internal Transaction Number (ITN). This confirms export compliance before the vehicle crosses the border.

For Canada → USA imports, U.S. Customs typically reviews CBP Form 7501, Bill of Sale (if applicable), and the foreign registration or title. EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7 are also required to confirm federal compliance.

Yes. For Canada → USA imports, U.S. Customs may assess duty on foreign-manufactured vehicles even if the vehicle is gifted. Duty is based on the vehicle’s country of manufacture and trade status, not whether payment occurred.

Policies vary by carrier and route. Personal items inside a vehicle can affect customs clearance and carrier liability. Always confirm with us before loading personal belongings.

When documentation is prepared correctly, most shipments clear on schedule at the designated port of entry. Clearance timelines depend on document accuracy, port workload, and inspection requirements. We provide realistic timelines once your route and paperwork are reviewed.

Temporary vs Permanent Vehicle Imports

Vehicles crossing the border between the United States and Canada may be imported temporarily or permanently, and the requirements differ depending on the purpose of the move.

Temporary Imports

Temporary imports are common for seasonal travelers, including Canadian snowbirds spending the winter in the United States. In these cases, the vehicle remains registered in its home country and is expected to return after the visit.

Temporary imports typically:

Do not require full vehicle import compliance programs such as RIV in Canada
Must comply with temporary entry rules set by CBSA or U.S. Customs
Are limited in duration based on visitor status
Require valid registration and insurance from the home country

Because the vehicle is not permanently entering the country, the documentation process is usually simpler.

Permanent Imports

Permanent imports occur when a vehicle is being moved across the border for long-term use or ownership in the destination country.

Permanent imports typically require:

Federal compliance documentation (EPA and DOT forms for U.S. imports)
RIV registration and inspection for vehicles entering Canada
Customs declaration and potential duties or taxes
Provincial or state registration after import

Permanent imports involve more documentation because the vehicle must meet the safety and regulatory standards of the destination country.