How to Import a Car From the US to Canada

Importing a car from the United States into Canada can be a smart move—but how do you make sure everything goes smoothly without delays or unexpected costs?

Whether you’re relocating, purchasing a vehicle, or bringing your own car back into Canada, the process involves more than just crossing the border. You need to confirm eligibility, prepare the right paperwork, ship the vehicle across the border, and follow specific customs procedures.

This guide walks you through how to import a car from the US to Canada step by step, so you can avoid common pitfalls and complete your import with confidence.

Who Can Import a Car From the US to Canada

Importing a vehicle into Canada is generally allowed for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and businesses. Returning residents who previously owned a vehicle abroad may also bring it into Canada, sometimes with specific exemptions.

However, the vehicle itself must also qualify. Canada has strict safety and environmental standards, and not all US vehicles are admissible. For vehicles under 15 years old, Transport Canada’s list of vehicles admissible from the US and the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) determine whether a vehicle can be imported and what modifications, if any, are required. Vehicles 15 years or older are not regulated by Transport Canada, though they still need to meet provincial requirements.

In most cases, vehicles originally manufactured for the North American market are easier to import. If the vehicle meets Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS), the process is typically straightforward. If not, you may need to complete upgrades such as installing daytime running lights or making metric conversions.

For a broader overview of cross-border vehicle movement, refer to our US-Canada car import guide.

Documents Required Before the Vehicle Moves

Preparation is the most important step in avoiding delays. Missing or incorrect documents can stop your vehicle at the border.

You’ll need several key documents ready before export:

• Original vehicle title – proves ownership and is required for US export approval
• Bill of sale – confirms purchase details and vehicle value for tax calculation
• Valid identification – passport or government-issued ID for border processing
• Recall clearance letter – verifies there are no outstanding safety recalls (required for RIV on vehicles under 15 years old)
• Export documents for US Customs – must be submitted at least 72 hours before crossing, along with the Automated Export System (AES) filing

In addition to these, Canadian authorities will require Form 1 at the border, which starts the import process officially. See our US-Canada customs documents page for the full checklist.

Working with a professional transport provider can help ensure every document is complete, accurate, and submitted—reducing the risk of delays.

Step-by-Step Border and Customs Process

Understanding how the process works step by step can help you plan better and avoid costly mistakes.

The process typically follows this sequence:

1. Submit export documents to US Customs
   You must send your title and export paperwork to the US border crossing at least 72 hours in advance for approval.
2. Vehicle export clearance from the US
   US Customs reviews and clears the vehicle for export before it can leave the country.
3. Transport to the Canadian border
   The vehicle is shipped or driven to the border, depending on your chosen method. See how cars are shipped between the USA and Canada.
4. Canadian customs inspection and declaration
   At entry, you present all documents, and officials assess taxes, duties, and compliance.
5. Complete Form 1 and enter RIV program
   This step officially registers your vehicle in the import system. Vehicles 15 years or older complete Form 1 but are exempt from RIV.
6. Vehicle inspection and compliance check
   Vehicles in the RIV program complete an inspection to ensure they meet Canadian standards before final registration.

Once these steps are completed, the vehicle can be registered and legally driven in your province.

For route planning and transport options, explore our US state shipping pages.

Typical Duties, Taxes, and Carrier Fees

Costs can vary depending on your vehicle, route, and province, but understanding the main components helps you budget effectively.

Here are the typical expenses involved:

• GST
  5% of the vehicle’s value, paid at the border. Provincial sales tax (PST, HST or QST) is paid when you register the vehicle.
• Import duty (if applicable)
  Usually 6.1% if the vehicle was manufactured outside North America and is under 25 years old.
• Canada’s surtax on US-built vehicles
  Many US-made vehicles under 25 years old are subject to a surtax of up to 25%. Vehicles more than 25 years old in original configuration are exempt.
• RIV fee
  $325 plus tax for vehicles under 15 years old. Covers inspection and compliance processing in Canada.
• Air conditioning excise tax
  A standard $100 fee applied to vehicles equipped with AC systems.
• Transport and carrier fees
  Vary based on distance, vehicle size, and whether you choose open or enclosed transport.

Open transport is typically more affordable, while enclosed transport offers additional protection for higher-value vehicles. For a full breakdown of government charges, see our guide to import duties for vehicles between the US and Canada and our tariffs page.

To get a full breakdown of your expected cost, it’s best to get a cross-border car shipping quote before starting the process.

Common Mistakes That Delay Cross-Border Delivery

Many import delays are preventable. Understanding common mistakes can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks.

One of the biggest issues is failing to confirm whether the vehicle is admissible. Not all US vehicles qualify for import, and discovering this too late can completely halt your plans.

Another frequent mistake is missing the recall clearance letter. Without it, the RIV process cannot be completed, delaying registration.

Timing is also critical. Failing to submit export documents to US Customs at least 72 hours in advance can prevent the vehicle from leaving the US as scheduled.

Other avoidable issues include:

• Incorrect or incomplete paperwork
• Mismatched information between documents
• Underestimating taxes, duties and tariffs
• Attempting the process without professional guidance

Working with an experienced cross-border auto transport provider significantly reduces these risks and ensures everything is handled correctly from start to finish.

FAQ About Importing a Car From the US to Canada

How long does it take to import a car from the US to Canada?

Most imports take one to two weeks, depending on documentation, transport, and inspection timelines.

Do all US vehicles qualify for import?

No. Vehicles under 15 years old must be on Transport Canada’s list of vehicles admissible from the US. Vehicles 15 years or older are not regulated by Transport Canada, though they still have to meet provincial requirements.

Is the recall clearance letter required?

Yes, for vehicles under 15 years old. It is mandatory to complete the RIV process and confirm there are no outstanding safety recalls.

Does every imported car go through the RIV program?

No. Only vehicles under 15 years old go through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program. The RIV fee is $325 plus tax.

Do I pay tariffs on a US-built car imported into Canada?

US-built vehicles under 25 years old can be subject to Canada’s surtax on US-made vehicles. Vehicles more than 25 years old in original configuration are exempt. See our tariffs and import fees page for current rates.

Can I drive the vehicle across the border myself?

Yes, but you must still complete all export and import procedures correctly.

What happens after the vehicle arrives in Canada?

If the vehicle is under 15 years old, you must complete an inspection through the RIV program. Then you register the vehicle in your province, which usually includes a provincial safety inspection.

Get Ready to Move Your Car

Importing a car from the US to Canada involves several important steps, but with the right preparation, it becomes a smooth and manageable process. By confirming your vehicle’s eligibility, organizing your documents in advance, and following each stage carefully—from US export to Canadian inspection—you can avoid costly delays and complications.

Let experienced professionals take care of the details. Partnering with a trusted cross-border transport provider adds confidence and efficiency, ensuring everything is handled correctly.