Moving to the USA for Work? How to Bring Your Car From Canada

If you need to move to the USA for work, one of the biggest practical questions is what to do with your car. Driving it across the border is only part of it: depending on how long you’ll stay, your vehicle may need to meet US safety and emissions standards, clear customs, and pay a tariff before you can register it in your new state. US Canada Auto Transport ships cars from Canada to the USA for work relocations every week. This guide explains your options for the car, the import rules, and how to time the shipment around your start date, along with the other essentials of the move.

First, confirm your work status

Before you plan the car, confirm how you’ll be working in the US, because it affects how long you’ll stay. Common options for Canadians include:

• TN status: for Canadian professionals in listed occupations under USMCA
• H-1B: for specialty occupations
• L-1: for intracompany transfers
• O-1: for people with extraordinary ability
• Green card: for permanent residence

An immigration lawyer or your employer’s relocation team can confirm which applies to you. Once you know whether your stay is short-term or long-term, you can decide what to do with your car.

Your three options for the car

• Bring it temporarily: if your assignment is short, you may be able to bring the car in as a nonresident for up to one year, without meeting US import standards. It can’t be sold in the US and must leave within the year.
• Import it permanently: if you’re moving for longer, the car has to meet US EPA and DOT standards and clear a formal customs entry, and you’ll pay any duty or tariff.
• Sell it in Canada: for some newer cars, the tariff and paperwork make selling before you move the better choice.

Not sure which applies? Read about temporary vehicle import between Canada and the US, or ask us when you request a quote.

Importing your car permanently to the USA

Most people moving to the US for work long-term import their car permanently. These are the main steps:

US compliance (EPA and DOT)

Most Canadian-market vehicles are built to the same standards as US models, but US Customs needs proof. That usually means a letter of compliance from the manufacturer, along with EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7. Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from DOT standards, and vehicles 21 years or older in original configuration are exempt from EPA rules. See our compliance letter guide.

Duty and tariffs

• Under 25 years old: most passenger vehicles face the 25% Section 232 tariff. For a USMCA-qualifying vehicle built in Canada or Mexico, it applies only to the non-US content.
• 25 years or older: excluded from Section 232. USMCA-qualifying North American vehicles are generally duty-free; others pay the regular 2.5% duty.
• Fees: a merchandise processing fee and a customs bond for the formal entry, arranged by the broker.

See our tariffs page for current rates.

Documents

• Title or registration in your name
• Bill of sale, if you bought the car recently
• Written permission from your lender, if the car is financed
• EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT Form HS-7
• The manufacturer’s letter of compliance
• CBP Form 7501, the customs entry, filed by the broker

Many Canadian lenders won’t allow a financed car to be exported permanently, so ask yours early. See our US-Canada customs documents guide and how to import a car from Canada to the US.

Shipping your car from Canada to the USA

Shipping saves you a long drive in the middle of a move, and lets you fly straight to your new job. We pick the car up at your home in Canada, handle the border and customs entry, and deliver it to your new address.

• Timing: start the compliance letter and documents as soon as your move date is set. Shipping itself usually takes 3 to 10 days, depending on the route.
• Plan around your start date: many people ship the car a week or two before they fly, so it arrives soon after they do.
• Open or enclosed: open transport suits most cars; enclosed is best for luxury or classic vehicles.
• Personal items: remove everything from the car. Ship household goods separately.
• Border crossings: usually Blaine from BC, Sweetgrass from Alberta, or Detroit, Port Huron, or Buffalo from Ontario.

For route details, see shipping a car from Ontario to the USA, British Columbia to the USA, and Alberta to the USA.

After the car arrives: registration and insurance

• Insurance: arrange a US auto policy before the car is delivered. Your Canadian insurer may cover you only for a short time.
• Registration: most states require you to register the vehicle within 30 to 90 days of becoming a resident. Bring the title, the stamped CBP Form 7501, and your ID.
• Driver’s license: most states also require a state license within a similar window.

Other things to plan for the move

While the car is on its way, keep these on your list:

• Budget: visa and legal fees, the car import costs, temporary housing, and differences in cost of living
• Health coverage: confirm your US health insurance starts when your provincial coverage ends
• Housing: research neighbourhoods near work using sites like Zillow and Apartments.com
• Taxes: talk to a cross-border tax professional about Canadian and US tax rules and the tax treaty
• Banking: open a US bank account early, and plan larger currency exchanges
• Family: research schools for children and job options for your spouse or partner

How we help with work relocations

US Canada Auto Transport has shipped vehicles across the border since 1985. Our staff guide you through the US import process, coordinate with US Customs and Border Protection, and deliver your car to your new home, so you can focus on starting your new job. Moving the other way? Read our guide to moving to Canada for work. You can also see what customers say on our reviews page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my Canadian car when I move to the USA for work?

Yes. It depends on how long you’re staying. For a short assignment, you may be able to bring it in temporarily as a nonresident for up to one year. If you’re moving for longer, you’ll import it permanently, which means meeting US EPA and DOT standards and paying any duty or tariff.

Do Canadian cars meet US standards?

Most Canadian-market cars are built to the same standards as US cars, but you usually need a letter of compliance from the manufacturer to prove it. See our compliance letter guide.

Will I pay a tariff to import my car to the USA?

Probably, if it’s under 25 years old. Most passenger vehicles under 25 years old face the 25% Section 232 tariff, applied only to non-US content for USMCA-qualifying vehicles built in Canada or Mexico. Vehicles 25 years or older are excluded. See our tariffs page.

Is it worth bringing my car, or should I sell it in Canada?

It depends on the car’s value, its age, and the tariff. A newer car may cost more to import than it’s worth to you, while an older car or one you love is often worth bringing. Get a shipping quote and check the tariff before you decide.

What documents do I need to import my car to the USA?

The title or registration, a bill of sale if you bought it recently, a lien release or lender’s permission if it’s financed, EPA Form 3520-1, DOT Form HS-7, the manufacturer’s compliance letter, and CBP Form 7501 for the customs entry.

Can I ship my car while it’s still financed?

Only with written permission from your lender. Many Canadian lenders won’t allow a financed vehicle to be exported permanently, so ask early.

How long does it take to ship a car from Canada to the USA?

Usually 3 to 10 days, depending on the route, plus a few days for compliance documents and the customs entry. Start the paperwork as soon as you set your move date.

When do I need to register the car in my new state?

Most states require you to register the vehicle and get a state driver’s license within 30 to 90 days of becoming a resident. Check your state’s DMV and bring your stamped CBP Form 7501.