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

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Shipping a vehicle across the border is easy when you know which documents you’ll need and who handles what. This page is your one-stop guide for USA → Canada and Canada → USA paperwork, what we file on your behalf, and what you provide. If anything here feels unclear, just request a quote—our team will confirm the exact docs for your year/make/model and route.

USA → Canada (Exporting a vehicle from the U.S. into Canada)

Who this is for: Moving to Canada, returning Canadian residents, cross-border purchases, snowbirds, and company relocations.
Route page: Ship a Car from USA to Canada

What we handle for you

  • AES/ITN (U.S. export filing): For self-propelled vehicles, the U.S. requires an Automated Export System (AES) filing. This generates your Internal Transaction Number (ITN)—we prepare and file this for you.
  • Carrier paperwork & border coordination: Bill of Lading, dispatch details, and timing with the border crossing.

What you provide

  • Proof of ownership: Original Title (or Registration if your state doesn’t issue a title) and Bill of Sale if recently purchased.
  • Government ID: Driver’s license or passport.
  • Canadian import documents: Depending on the situation, you may need forms for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and, in some cases, RIV (Registrar of Imported Vehicles) if your vehicle is newer and subject to their program. We’ll tell you if RIV applies based on your VIN/age of vehicle.
  • Any lender permission letter if the vehicle has an active lien.

Tip: If you’re shipping motorcycles, requirements are similar; ask us whether palletized vs. un-palletized transport is best for your bike.
Route: US–Canada Motorcycle Shipping

Canada → USA (Importing a vehicle into the U.S.)

Who this is for: Returning U.S. residents, Canadians moving to the U.S. (work or study), purchases in Canada, gifts/inheritance.
Route page: Ship a Car from Canada to USA

What the CBP officer will ask for

  • CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
  • Bill of Sale
  • Foreign Registration (Canadian registration)

These three items are required regardless of whether you ship with us or bring the vehicle yourself. We’ll guide you so they’re prepared correctly.

Common questions (quick answers)

  • 72-hour rule? Not for Canada → USA imports. That 72-hour notice applies to vehicles exported out of the U.S., not imported into it.
  • Import duty on gifts? U.S. Customs will levy import duty on foreign-made vehicles, even if it’s a gift. We’ll confirm duty expectations based on your VIN and origin.
  • Compliance: Some vehicles may require EPA/DOT conformity or exemptions—tell us your VIN/age, and we’ll advise.

Will tariffs apply?

Tariff policies can change. Many vehicles are not affected, but some are. The fastest way to know is to request a quote—we’ll review your VIN, year/make/model, origin, and route and tell you exactly what applies before you book.

Quick checklists

You’ll get from us

  • AES/ITN export filing (USA → Canada)
  • Border coordination & carrier docs
  • Step-by-step instructions for your route
  • Live updates and delivery confirmation

You’ll prepare

  • Title (or Registration), Bill of Sale, and ID
  • Lienholder permission letter (if applicable)
  • Any status docs (work/student visa, immigration, returning resident) that may qualify you for specific treatment at the border

How we make customs simple

  1. Quote review: We confirm your route and paperwork needs up front.
  2. Document check: You upload scans/photos; we validate before dispatch.
  3. Filing & scheduling: We file AES (if required), schedule your pickup, and lock in the border plan.
  4. Delivery: We keep you updated and confirm safe arrival.

Languages: English • Français • Español
Prefer to talk? Call our Main (Toll Free) shown in the footer.

Helpful pages

FAQs: Customs & Documents

Do I need a 72-hour notice for Canada → USA?
No. The 72-hour rule applies to U.S. exports. For Canada → USA imports, CBP requires CBP 7501, Bill of Sale, and Foreign Registration at entry.

Who files the AES/ITN?
We do—for USA → Canada exports. We’ll collect your details, file AES, and provide your ITN.

What documents are always checked by U.S. Customs?
For Canada → USA: CBP 7501, Bill of Sale, and Foreign Registration.

Will I pay import duty if the vehicle is a gift?
For Canada → USA: Yes, U.S. Customs will levy import duty on foreign-made vehicles even if gifted. We’ll estimate this for you.

Can I put personal items in the car?
Policies vary and can affect clearance and carrier liability. Ask us before loading items—rules differ by route and carrier.

How long does clearance take?
Most shipments clear as scheduled when documents are correct. We’ll give you a realistic timeline when we review your route and paperwork.