Shipping A Canadian Registered Vehicle for Snowbirds

Every fall, thousands of Canadian snowbirds head south to Florida, Arizona, and California — and many need their vehicle shipped down to meet them. If you’re looking into snowbird vehicle shipping for a Canadian-registered car, here’s exactly what US Customs requires, what documents you need, and how the process works with US Canada Auto Transport.

Do You Need to Own the Vehicle?

Yes. To ship your vehicle to the USA as a snowbird you must own it outright. If there’s an outstanding loan, you’ll need written permission from the lienholder. If the vehicle is registered in someone else’s name, their written consent is required before we can ship it.

What US Customs and Border Protection Requires

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) controls whether your vehicle enters the USA. Requirements vary by port of entry but generally include:

• Proof of your intention to return to Canada (your “closer connection” documents)
  Examples: bank statements, mortgage papers, utility bills, property tax statements, pay stubs, return air tickets
• A copy of your passport and flight details — which your shipping company uses to prepare CBP paperwork on your behalf

The attending border officer has discretion at the port of entry, so having complete documentation is critical. See our US-Canada customs documents page for more.

How Long Can a Canadian Vehicle Stay in the US?

US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle into the US duty-free for personal use for up to one year. The vehicle can’t be sold in the US and must be exported within that time—so plan to ship it home at the end of the season. Keep in mind that your own permitted length of stay as a visitor is a separate limit from your vehicle’s.

Can You Leave Belongings in the Vehicle?

No. Carriers can’t use your vehicle as a shipping container, for safety, insurance and customs reasons. Before pickup, remove:

• Luggage, clothing and golf clubs
• Valuables, electronics and loose items
• Toll tags, parking permits and dash cams

Items left inside aren’t covered by transport insurance and can cause problems at the border. Bring luggage on your flight or ship it separately. Leave only standard equipment such as the spare tire and jack.

How Long Does Snowbird Shipping Take?

Transit times vary by route:

• Ontario → Florida: 5–8 days
• Vancouver → Palm Springs or Arizona: 8–12 days

This is a door-to-door service — drivers collect and deliver multiple vehicles, and occasional mechanical or weather delays can affect timing. We’ll keep you updated throughout. Fall is peak season for southbound snowbird shipping, so book early—see the best time to book snowbird car shipping.

Can Someone Else Hand Over or Receive Your Vehicle?

Yes. If you can’t be present for pickup in Canada or delivery in the USA, you can designate a third party to handle it on your behalf. Just let us know at booking and we’ll coordinate accordingly.

Importing Your Vehicle: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you are planning to ship your vehicle to the USA as a snowbird, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

Step 1: Confirm Vehicle Ownership

You must own the vehicle outright to ship it across the border. If there’s an outstanding loan, obtain written permission from your lienholder before booking. If the vehicle is registered under someone else’s name, their written consent is required.

Step 2: Gather Your “Closer Connection” Documents

US Customs and Border Protection requires proof that you intend to return to Canada after your stay. Acceptable documents include bank statements, mortgage papers, utility bills, property tax statements, pay stubs, and return air tickets. The more documentation you have, the smoother your border crossing.

Step 3: Empty the Vehicle

Remove all personal belongings, including luggage, golf clubs, valuables and loose items. Leave only standard equipment such as the spare tire and jack, and keep the fuel at about a quarter tank.

Step 4: Provide Your Passport and Flight Details

Share a copy of your passport and your flight information with us when you book. We use this to prepare all required CBP paperwork on your behalf — you don’t need to handle the customs documentation yourself.

Step 5: We Schedule Door-to-Door Pickup

Once your booking is confirmed we coordinate pickup directly from your Canadian address. No terminal drop-off required. We’ll confirm your pickup window and keep you updated as your vehicle moves toward the border.

Step 6: Your Vehicle Is Delivered in the USA

After clearing customs your vehicle is delivered directly to your US destination — whether that’s a Florida condo, an Arizona winter home, or anywhere else you’re spending the season. A final inspection confirms it arrived in the same condition as pickup. When the season ends, we can ship it back to Canada too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Canadian snowbird ship their car to the US?

Yes. Canadian residents can bring their own vehicle into the US for personal use. You’ll need to own the vehicle (or have lienholder or owner consent), provide proof you intend to return to Canada, and share your passport and flight details so the shipping company can prepare the US customs paperwork.

How long can my Canadian vehicle stay in the US?

US Customs allows nonresidents to bring a vehicle in duty-free for personal use for up to one year. The vehicle can’t be sold in the US and must be exported within that time. Your own permitted length of stay as a visitor is a separate limit.

Do I pay duty on my Canadian car when I ship it to the US for the winter?

Generally no. A vehicle imported by a nonresident for personal use during a temporary stay can enter duty-free for up to one year, as long as it isn’t sold and is exported on time.

What are “closer connection” documents?

They’re proof that your permanent home is in Canada and that you intend to return—for example bank statements, mortgage papers, utility bills, property tax statements, pay stubs and return air tickets. The term comes from the IRS Closer Connection Exception (Form 8840), which many snowbirds also file for tax purposes.

Can I pack belongings in my car?

No. Remove all personal belongings before pickup. Items left inside aren’t covered by transport insurance and can cause problems at customs. Ship luggage separately or bring it on your flight.

When should I book snowbird car shipping?

Book early—fall is peak season for southbound snowbird shipping, and spring is peak season heading north. See our guide on the best time to book snowbird car shipping.

Get a Free Snowbird Quote

• No hidden fees
• Full customs handling
• Real humans, not brokers

See our snowbird auto shipping service and the snowbird auto transport cost guide for pricing.