Issues entering Canada with vehicle plated "In transit"?

[kizza 1]

Hi,

My fiancé (USC) is visiting me right now, and we'd like to buy a van in Vermont or Maine to move my things to Colorado after the interview. We figure it makes more sense than the Uhaul rental (who want nearly 2500$) as he will be using the van for his business afterwards.

The question is, can he go buy a van in the States and enter Canada with an In transit plate (or whatever you call it...)?

He would have it insured right away, just no actual registration. Does anybody know if it could be an issue at the border?

Edited May 24, 2010 by kizza

[trailmix 77]

I'm confused.

He will go and register it correct? Do you mean he will have the temporary registration documents rather than the permanent ones?

If so, I can't see that being a problem. I'm sure it's different in every state but normally when you register your vehicle they give you the new plates on the spot and a temporary print out of title.

[brocku00 1]

My husband (American) bought a camper (RV) last year in Florida and had a 'temp' tag or 'in transit' tag on it. We drove it directly from Florida to Canada for a vacation and had no problem entering Canada. He left two weeks later to head back to Delaware to register it. So you should have no problem crossing.

[kizza 1]

I'm confused.

He will go and register it correct? Do you mean he will have the temporary registration documents rather than the permanent ones?

If so, I can't see that being a problem. I'm sure it's different in every state but normally when you register your vehicle they give you the new plates on the spot and a temporary print out of title.

Hmph... Im confused too! I dont know exactly how it works in the U.S.

It would be a used vehicle purchased from an individual. He is telling me we wouldnt need to go get it registered right away. We would want to have it plated in Colorado, not Maine or Vt, where we are looking to buy.... So he is saying having the title and bill of sale would be enough. But I cant imagine driving around without somekind of temporary registration.

My husband (American) bought a camper (RV) last year in Florida and had a 'temp' tag or 'in transit' tag on it. We drove it directly from Florida to Canada for a vacation and had no problem entering Canada. He left two weeks later to head back to Delaware to register it. So you should have no problem crossing.

oh cool, thanks. That is pretty much our plan.

So how did he get the "in transit" tag?

[brocku00 1]

All we had was the 'in transit' tag from Florida and obviously the bill of sale but the border did not ask for anything. All they are concerned with are the people within the vehicle and your intentions in Canada.

[brocku00 1]

My husband is from Delaware so when he purchased it in Florida, he went to DMV in Florida with old owners title (signed), bill of sale and his Drivers Licence from Delaware. Florida issued him a temp tag or in transit tag so he could travel home. His temp tag was good from one month. So, when you do purchase something just make sure you have your DL, bill of sale and the previous owner's title signed over to you.

[brocku00 1]

There was a fee for the temp tag but nothing too serious. Also, Florida makes you pay for your home state taxes at their office, but Delaware does not have any taxes so we lucked out there. Also, since we flew down there to drive it back, the previous owner gave us a ride to DMV and stayed there while we obtained temp tag...just to make sure everything went ok. You'll be good...if you know what state you will buy new vehicle in, just call their local DMV and ask about their proceedures and costs.

[kizza 1]

There was a fee for the temp tag but nothing too serious. Also, Florida makes you pay for your home state taxes at their office, but Delaware does not have any taxes so we lucked out there. Also, since we flew down there to drive it back, the previous owner gave us a ride to DMV and stayed there while we obtained temp tag...just to make sure everything went ok. You'll be good...if you know what state you will buy new vehicle in, just call their local DMV and ask about their proceedures and costs.

Okay great! thanks for clarifying this for me!

[lilacvioletiris 11]

Okay great! thanks for clarifying this for me!

Have you checked out ABF for moving your things instead? My fiance' found it was way cheaper than U-haul for even door to door moving (although we went with terminal to terminal since his terminal is about 5 minutes from his house and the terminal for me is about 20 minutes away and we could borrow some trucks on either end to get the stuff to the terminal. Just a thought, unless you really want to buy another vehicle for yourselves.

[kizza 1]

Have you checked out ABF for moving your things instead? My fiance' found it was way cheaper than U-haul for even door to door moving (although we went with terminal to terminal since his terminal is about 5 minutes from his house and the terminal for me is about 20 minutes away and we could borrow some trucks on either end to get the stuff to the terminal. Just a thought, unless you really want to buy another vehicle for yourselves.

Yes, I did look into it initially. But since we'd both be flying + my dog, it makes more sense to us to get a van.

I love a good roatrip and we have places to stay on the way.