Point of Entry

[SENKA 0]

Hey All,

I am wondering if anyone can give me some info on your experiences at the POE if you were taking your car down. Do I need anything else other than: Original Invoice, Title, and Letter of Compliance?.

Is it like going through an interview again at the POE? Or it is more of a formality?

Thanks

Senka

[Jersey Girl 2]

I imported my car from Ontario at Niagara Falls. You have to complete a customs declaration, as well as having all the documents you mentioned. They weren't used to handling this sort of thing at the Rainbow Bridge, which is mainly a tourist destination. There was a little confusion about forms. Luckilly, they didn't send me to the Lewiston crossing, which is more commercial. I had to go inside, and it added an hour to my trip. The officials were friendly and it was a formality, not an interview. Where are you crossing?

[SENKA 0]

We will be driving from Calgary down and will be entering at one of Montana's crossings, which are all small as far as I know. Do I get a customs declaration form at the border?

Thanks for the info

Senka

[KiminON 0]

I imported my car from Ontario at Niagara Falls. You have to complete a customs declaration, as well as having all the documents you mentioned. They weren't used to handling this sort of thing at the Rainbow Bridge, which is mainly a tourist destination. There was a little confusion about forms. Luckilly, they didn't send me to the Lewiston crossing, which is more commercial. I had to go inside, and it added an hour to my trip. The officials were friendly and it was a formality, not an interview. Where are you crossing?

you really needed the original bill of sale? i have no clue where mine is. actually, i leased it for 2yrs and bought it at the end of the lease. is this something i should be tracking down?

thanks

k

[SENKA 0]

I imported my car from Ontario at Niagara Falls. You have to complete a customs declaration, as well as having all the documents you mentioned. They weren't used to handling this sort of thing at the Rainbow Bridge, which is mainly a tourist destination. There was a little confusion about forms. Luckilly, they didn't send me to the Lewiston crossing, which is more commercial. I had to go inside, and it added an hour to my trip. The officials were friendly and it was a formality, not an interview. Where are you crossing?

you really needed the original bill of sale? i have no clue where mine is. actually, i leased it for 2yrs and bought it at the end of the lease. is this something i should be tracking down?

thanks

k

I was told that I need the original invoice. If you don't have it, you could request a copy from your dealer. Hopefully, that will be o.k., but I would double check with customs.

[KiminON 0]

I imported my car from Ontario at Niagara Falls. You have to complete a customs declaration, as well as having all the documents you mentioned. They weren't used to handling this sort of thing at the Rainbow Bridge, which is mainly a tourist destination. There was a little confusion about forms. Luckilly, they didn't send me to the Lewiston crossing, which is more commercial. I had to go inside, and it added an hour to my trip. The officials were friendly and it was a formality, not an interview. Where are you crossing?

you really needed the original bill of sale? i have no clue where mine is. actually, i leased it for 2yrs and bought it at the end of the lease. is this something i should be tracking down?

thanks

k

I was told that I need the original invoice. If you don't have it, you could request a copy from your dealer. Hopefully, that will be o.k., but I would double check with customs.

i hope a copy is ok too as that's all i can get. i didn't even get anything from them when i bought it in december except the ownership in my name!

k

[Jersey Girl 2]

The original invoice (or copy) may also be needed later, after you've imported the car. Check your state's requirements for registering and "titling" the car. The title is your ownership paper. They may want to see an invoice proving the car belongs to you.

[SENKA 0]

The original invoice (or copy) may also be needed later, after you've imported the car. Check your state's requirements for registering and "titling" the car. The title is your ownership paper. They may want to see an invoice proving the car belongs to you.

Thank you very much for the info.

[Bonny 0]

My husband and I crossed at Sweetgrass Montana on May 24, 2005. My vehicle was not searched or inspected. The officers knew exactly what paperwork needed to be completed. This is what I noted about the crossing in my timeline:

Arrived at the border at about 10 PM on a Tuesday. Were in and out in less than 30 minutes. Brought personal vehicle loaded with personal belongings, did not have any problems. Was required to show vehicle compliance letter in order to import vehicle.

Hope it's what you're looking for.

[SENKA 0]

My husband and I crossed at Sweetgrass Montana on May 24, 2005. My vehicle was not searched or inspected. The officers knew exactly what paperwork needed to be completed. This is what I noted about the crossing in my timeline:

Arrived at the border at about 10 PM on a Tuesday. Were in and out in less than 30 minutes. Brought personal vehicle loaded with personal belongings, did not have any problems. Was required to show vehicle compliance letter in order to import vehicle.

Hope it's what you're looking for.

Thanks Bonnie for the info, that is very helpful. I already have a compliance letter. Did they ask you for the original invoice and title of the car?

Senka

[Gigglesngrins 0]

Thanks guys for posting about cars because at this point (although very early in the K1 process) we are trying to decide and figure out how to deal with my car. It is financed and my Honey wants us to keep it but I was not sure what all I had to do in regards to it, plates, insurance, drivers license, etc. Man oh man, so much to think about for this whole process but only 34 days til I get another visit!

[SENKA 0]

Thanks guys for posting about cars because at this point (although very early in the K1 process) we are trying to decide and figure out how to deal with my car. It is financed and my Honey wants us to keep it but I was not sure what all I had to do in regards to it, plates, insurance, drivers license, etc. Man oh man, so much to think about for this whole process but only 34 days til I get another visit!

Yeah, this car thing turned to be a HUGE hassle for me. First of all it has to be paid off to take it accross. I was thinking, oh well, I'll continue to make payments on it, but nope, it has to be paid off. Then, getting a compliance letter also took some time, but now I got it. Who would think there are so many things to take care of before I can actually move. My head feels like it will explode. I am trying to think of everything but I am sure I will miss something. Also have to give notice at work after working there for 8 years. And getting per-wedding jitters, Don't even have time to plan a wedding!

[Bonny 0]

Thanks guys for posting about cars because at this point (although very early in the K1 process) we are trying to decide and figure out how to deal with my car. It is financed and my Honey wants us to keep it but I was not sure what all I had to do in regards to it, plates, insurance, drivers license, etc. Man oh man, so much to think about for this whole process but only 34 days til I get another visit!

Yeah, this car thing turned to be a HUGE hassle for me. First of all it has to be paid off to take it accross. I was thinking, oh well, I'll continue to make payments on it, but nope, it has to be paid off. Then, getting a compliance letter also took some time, but now I got it. Who would think there are so many things to take care of before I can actually move. My head feels like it will explode. I am trying to think of everything but I am sure I will miss something. Also have to give notice at work after working there for 8 years. And getting per-wedding jitters, Don't even have time to plan a wedding!

I didn't pay off my vehicle, I didn't have a problem at the border because of having a loan on my vehicle. I'm not even sure they asked for the registration and insurance at the border although they probably did, I just don't remember.

Before moving, I called the bank where I had my loan and explained everything to them and they didn't have a problem with me taking the vehicle to the USA. I also arranged with my insurance company to cover the insurance until I was able to switch everything over. Importing the vehicle was very easy and stress free for me. The movers I hired.... now that's another story...