Ship a Car From California to Canada

When you ship a car from California to Canada, it involves more than just booking a carrier—it requires coordination across long distances, compliance with US export and Canadian import regulations, and proper vehicle preparation. Whether you’re relocating, selling a vehicle, or sending a car to family, understanding how this cross-border process works can help you avoid delays and unexpected costs.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from transport methods and pricing factors to customs requirements and choosing the right carrier.

How California to Canada car shipping works

Shipping a vehicle from California to Canada follows a structured process designed to ensure smooth transport and legal compliance.

First, you request a quote and confirm your shipment details, including pickup and delivery locations, vehicle type, and preferred shipping method. Once scheduled, a carrier is assigned to pick up your vehicle from your specified location in California.

The vehicle is then transported via truck to a designated border crossing. Before crossing into Canada, the shipment must go through U.S. export procedures: the export is filed electronically, and the original title goes to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before the vehicle reaches the border. After clearance, the vehicle enters Canada and goes through CBSA import processing, where duties, taxes, and RIV fees are paid if applicable.

Finally, your vehicle is delivered to your destination in Canada, either directly to your address or to a nearby terminal.

For a broader understanding of cross-border processes, see our guide to how vehicles are shipped between the US and Canada.

Practical tip: Always confirm whether your shipment will be door-to-door or terminal-to-terminal, as this affects both convenience and pricing.

Cost factors that affect this route

Shipping a car from California to Canada can vary significantly in cost depending on several key factors.

Distance and destination

California is far from most Canadian provinces, so distance plays a major role. Shipping to nearby provinces like British Columbia may cost less than shipping to Ontario or Quebec.

Vehicle size and weight

Larger vehicles such as SUVs, trucks, and vans typically cost more to transport due to the space and weight they occupy on the carrier.

Transport type

• Open transport: More affordable and commonly used
• Enclosed transport: Offers added protection but comes at a premium

Seasonal demand

Prices tend to increase during peak moving seasons, such as summer and early winter, when demand for cross-border transport is higher.

Pickup and delivery accessibility

Urban areas are generally easier and cheaper to service than remote or rural locations.

Customs duties and taxes

What you pay at the Canadian border depends on where the vehicle was built, not where you bought it. Many cars sold in California were built in Japan, Korea or Europe.

• US-built, under 25 years old: Canada’s 25% surtax applies, reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles
• Built outside North America, under 25 years old: 6.1% customs duty, no surtax
• More than 25 years old, in original condition: duty- and surtax-free
• Always: 5% GST, plus provincial tax when you register, the $100 air-conditioning excise tax if equipped, and the RIV fee for vehicles under 15 years old

Rules for new residents bringing a car as settlers’ effects differ. See our tariffs page for current rates.

Practical tip: If your schedule is flexible, consider booking during off-peak months to secure better rates.

To learn more about shipping vehicles within the state before export, visit the California shipping page.

Transit time and border-crossing expectations

Transit time from California to Canada depends on your exact pickup and delivery locations, as well as border processing timelines.

Estimated delivery timelines:

• West Coast Canada (e.g., Vancouver): 5–8 days
• Central Canada (e.g., Toronto): 8–12 days
• Eastern Canada (e.g., Montreal): 10–14 days

Border crossings can introduce delays if documentation is incomplete or inspections are required. U.S. Customs requires the export filing and original title at least 72 hours before the vehicle reaches the border.

On the Canadian side, processing times vary depending on whether your vehicle complies with Canadian import regulations and whether additional inspections are needed.

Practical tip: Build a buffer into your schedule to account for possible customs delays, especially during busy seasons or holidays.

Documents and vehicle prep before pickup

Proper documentation and preparation are critical when shipping a car across the border.

Required documents

You will typically need:

• Original vehicle title
• Bill of sale (if applicable)
• Valid government-issued ID or passport
• Letter of authorization (if someone else is handling the shipment)
• A recall clearance letter from the manufacturer
• US export filing and Canadian import forms (Form 1 from the RIV program)

If your vehicle is financed or leased, you may also need a lienholder authorization letter. See our US-Canada customs documents guide.

Vehicle compliance requirements

Canada has strict import regulations. Vehicles under 15 years old must go through the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) program and be on Transport Canada’s list of admissible vehicles. Requirements may include:

• Daytime running lights
• Metric speedometer
• Child safety anchor systems
• An approved immobilizer

Non-compliant vehicles may require modifications before they can pass the RIV inspection and be registered in Canada. For the full process, read how to import a car from the US to Canada.

Vehicle preparation checklist

Before pickup:

• Clean your vehicle to allow for accurate inspection
• Remove all personal belongings
• Ensure the gas tank is about ¼ full
• Disable alarms and remove toll tags
• Check for leaks and mechanical issues

Practical tip: Take clear photos of your vehicle before pickup to document its condition in case of any disputes.

How to choose the right carrier for this lane

Choosing a reliable carrier is one of the most important steps in ensuring a smooth shipping experience.

Look for cross-border experience

Not all carriers are familiar with international shipping requirements. Choose one with proven experience handling U.S.–Canada routes.

Verify licensing and insurance

Ensure the carrier is properly licensed and provides adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle during transit.

Understand pricing transparency

A trustworthy carrier will provide a detailed quote that outlines all costs, including transport fees, customs handling, and potential surcharges. For typical prices, see our guide to the cost to ship a car from the US to Canada.

Check communication and support

Clear communication is essential for cross-border shipments. Choose a company that keeps you informed throughout the process, and check customer reviews.

Review delivery options

Some carriers offer flexible delivery options, including expedited shipping or specific delivery windows.

Practical tip: Avoid choosing a carrier based solely on the lowest price—reliability and experience are equally important.

Get started with your shipment

Shipping a car from California to Canada doesn’t have to be complicated when you understand the process and plan ahead. By preparing your documents, choosing the right transport method, and working with an experienced cross-border carrier like US Canada Auto Transport, you can ensure a smooth experience from pickup in California to delivery anywhere in Canada. When you’re ready, get a cross-border car shipping quote tailored to your route and vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How much does it cost to ship a car from California to Canada?

Transport costs typically range from $1,200 to $2,500 or more, depending on distance, vehicle type, transport method, and seasonal demand. Duties, the GST and RIV fees are paid separately at import.

How long does shipping take?

Transit times usually range from 5 to 14 days, depending on your destination in Canada and border processing times. Vancouver is usually the fastest, at 5 to 8 days.

Will I pay duty or tariffs to import a car from California into Canada?

It depends on where the car was built. US-built vehicles under 25 years old face Canada’s 25% surtax (reduced for CUSMA-compliant vehicles). Vehicles built outside North America generally pay 6.1% duty. Vehicles more than 25 years old in original condition are duty- and surtax-free. You’ll also pay 5% GST. See our tariffs page for current rates.

What documents do I need to ship a car from California to Canada?

You’ll need the original title, a bill of sale if applicable, ID, a recall clearance letter, and your US export filing, with the title submitted to US Customs at least 72 hours before the border. See our US-Canada customs documents guide.

Does my car need to go through the RIV program?

Yes, if it’s less than 15 years old. You pay the RIV fee at the border, then complete a federal inspection within 45 days. Vehicles 15 years or older are exempt from RIV.

Do I need to be present at pickup or delivery?

In most cases, either you or an authorized representative must be present to release and receive the vehicle.

Can I ship personal items inside my car?

No. Remove all personal belongings before pickup. Personal items are not covered by carrier insurance and may cause delays at customs.

What happens if my car doesn’t meet Canadian standards?

Check that your vehicle is on Transport Canada’s list of admissible vehicles before you ship. Some vehicles need modifications through the RIV program before they can be registered in Canada, and some can’t be imported at all.