Car Registration and Potential trouble at boarder???

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

So I got my AP, and want to visit Ontario. I will be driving across Lewiston Bridge.

I'm sure you all know the drama I have had trying to get a DL...so I am still driving with Ontario plates and an Ontario DL...

My question is, if I return to Canada, i'm sure my car will not cause an issue. But, when I return on my AP, the CBP usually ask who owns the car and they will notice I live in US with Canadian plates....will they worry that I have not imported the car? I can bring my import forms from when I moved here...but I worry I may get a jerk like the last one who was trying to get me to pay duties...

I'm in no mood to have them try and charge me duties and pay some crazy amount to re-enter my car.... is the trip doable? Or should I hold off until I do my plates?

I am trying to hit the DMV up again! next Friday....even though they started a file on me at one location, i'm thinking of going elsewhere

Any thoughts?

[Inky 1,110]

did you try registering your car without the state DL using ur canadian DL? I dont know if thats an option for you but they let me do it, i got plates and everything and could use my car under my canadian license with canadian insurance only registerd and plated to the state i live in.

[SapphireDreams 71]

Can you just fly? Might save you the hassle and end up being cheaper if they make you import your car....

I would definitely be worried about crossing with just an AP and a Canadian license and Canadian plates... but that's just me...

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

did you try registering your car without the state DL using ur canadian DL? I dont know if thats an option for you but they let me do it, i got plates and everything and could use my car under my canadian license with canadian insurance only registerd and plated to the state i live in.

You cannot register your car in this State without a valid State DL.... trust me, i've looked into that!

I may have to try and register the car in my husbands name...not sure if I can do that with my import papers or if I have to have a State registration first to even transfer....

[thetreble 19]

did you try registering your car without the state DL using ur canadian DL? I dont know if thats an option for you but they let me do it, i got plates and everything and could use my car under my canadian license with canadian insurance only registerd and plated to the state i live in.

Wow, I think that is actually illegal in a lot of states... You can't register your car here without a NJ drivers license. Your plates have to match your DL.

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Can you just fly? Might save you the hassle and end up being cheaper if they make you import your car....

I would definitely be worried about crossing with just an AP and a Canadian license and Canadian plates... but that's just me...

No flying is not an option...I really need my car while i'm there...i'll have my son...have to pay for two flights and rent a car for only 2 days? not worth all the assosciated costs...plus I need to shuffle my son with visitation etc...and would need a car far after the rental place closes...not feelin getting taken advantage of with all the airport associated fees for rental return.

I would much rather wait it out..

HAHA! Who ever thought that AP would mean nothing! HAHA!

[BermyCat 1]

Can you get your DL when your EAD arrives? That should be soon, since it's been approved.

~ Catherine

[JillA 2]

I personally would be too scared to risk it Pop... you know how alot of BGs can be arseholes! They might think you're being sneaky and trying to keep 2 residencies.... even if you explain WHY you have an ON plate and license, they could think you're making it up, I dunno.... Go back to the DMV soon and see why the 10 days passed and you have no info.... Once you are approved, you get a temp DL on the spot and you can get the plates same day, I did! They give you temp plates here for 90 days...

[trailmix 77]

So you have already imported your car, you just have Ontario plates and license because you are unable to get your U.S. license yet - correct?

I don't think you will have a problem. You have already imported your vehicle - that is done, you have the paperwork to prove it so there can be no question of them trying to charge you duty on it now.

As for having Ontario plates/DL - well that can be explained too - those are the laws in your State and you could perhaps print off proof of that to show at the border if you think they will hassle you.

Might you get someone at the border that wants to question it, yes, you might and if the thought of having to explain yourself and present your paperwork makes you uncomfortable then I think you should wait to visit. If not, then why not!

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Thanks guys....man, I just want this car thing to be over!

Bermy...it's not an EAD situation....they recognize that I do qualify, but because I am an immigrant, the system flags me for further background check to verify that my immigration status is indeed legal...it's their SAVE or SAFE system, whatever it's called....I have heard some DMV's have them on site, the one I went to and at least our state says it goes to Harrisburg...

Trail, thanks for the advise....It makes all good sense trail...but I am too much of a wimp to chance it I am going to the DMV this week coming!

Jill, my hubby just went for his registration here in PA, and they do this app thing...it takes a few days, they then call you when it's ready to go pick up...then right after that you have to do an inspection.... oh man....all this red tape is draining me

[JillA 2]

Thanks guys....man, I just want this car thing to be over!

Bermy...it's not an EAD situation....they recognize that I do qualify, but because I am an immigrant, the system flags me for further background check to verify that my immigration status is indeed legal...it's their SAVE or SAFE system, whatever it's called....I have heard some DMV's have them on site, the one I went to and at least our state says it goes to Harrisburg...

Trail, thanks for the advise....It makes all good sense trail...but I am too much of a wimp to chance it I am going to the DMV this week coming!

Jill, my hubby just went for his registration here in PA, and they do this app thing...it takes a few days, they then call you when it's ready to go pick up...then right after that you have to do an inspection.... oh man....all this red tape is draining me

Damn I forgot about inspection, that's right... I did the inspection then went back for my plates. Well at least with a brand new car, they better pass you on inspection

[Inky 1,110]

thats funny cus they wouldnt let me register my car without insurance and you cant get insurance here unless your car IS registered!

did you try registering your car without the state DL using ur canadian DL? I dont know if thats an option for you but they let me do it, i got plates and everything and could use my car under my canadian license with canadian insurance only registerd and plated to the state i live in.

Wow, I think that is actually illegal in a lot of states... You can't register your car here without a NJ drivers license. Your plates have to match your DL.

[Krikit 1,164]

Bring your import forms and, like Trailmix says, a copy of the rules and regulations for your State. I very rarely get asked about the car I'm driving at either border. But when I do they're fine with it. I wouldn't sweat it, Poprocks. You're not doing anything illegal.

[MapleLeafBaby 1]

Thanks Krikit. Only problem is that according to the State guidelines, I do qualify, so they'll look at me like 'why haven't you done this?' I got flagged as 'further verification needed' but was not given anything?? So I have nothing to show.

I always get asked about my car, every single time I have crossed. I guess they see a red flag when it's a high value new car? Who knows...

I'm marching in to DMV Tuesday! I just saw that another vj'r got his PA license without incident! Grrrrr!!!!

Inky, there are companies that will insure you in US without having a US DL or even registering ur car here. Geico and Allstate both insured me. They give you a 6 month to 1 year grace to get ur stuff together.

Thanks guys, I'll keep you posted...at this rate, I'm thinking a different DMV needs to be hit up...I went to a small location with only 3 ladies working...I have a feeling they are the only ones who work there lol....

[Krikit 1,164]

I always get asked about my car, every single time I have crossed. I guess they see a red flag when it's a high value new car? Who knows...

Oh, you're probably right. I forgot I drive ####### cars. WTH?