Importing US spec car back to US

[abha37911 0]

I have 2001 Honda accord which was bought/paid in usa and imported to Canada in 2005.

It has AB plate number and registration.

We are moving back to USA and taking same car back.

Do I need recall and compliance letter for US spec car for importing back to US?

Does AB registration (lien search?) good for proving car ownership?

[Alex B 9]

I have 2001 Honda accord which was bought/paid in usa and imported to Canada in 2005.

It has AB plate number and registration.

We are moving back to USA and taking same car back.

Do I need recall and compliance letter for US spec car for importing back to US?

Does AB registration (lien search?) good for proving car ownership?

I don't think a lien search is what you need. There will be a title document. Registration doesn't really mean much here in the US, mind you, I don't know what Canada does. In the US, if there's a lien the lien holder keeps the title and only releases it when the lien is paid off, at least in CO, CA (California that is) and WA (only places I've lived since coming to the US)

I'm not sure on this. I'm looking at (pending visa of course) importing my wife's Protege. I think the key is the phrase "Meets All Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards". This may be on a label affixed to the car. For my wife's car I think I've seen this on the hood. If you have that I think you're fine. If not, then you'll need a letter from the manufacturer.

Of course, in your case it's a US spec vehicle so the labeling should be correct. If the label is missing though you'll need the letter based on the VIN just to prove it to them. I remember I had lots of entertainment trying to register my motorcycle in California because a couple of the VIN digits were getting rubbed off the compliance sticker, even though everything else matched the VIN that was stamped. Very annoying.

Here's the statement from the "horse's mouth": http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page2.html

If you find anything yourself, please post as I'm a couple of months from this particular entertainment myself.

Thanks

Alex.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Alex B

[abha37911 0]

Thanks Alex. I agree with you but I asked American Honda to provide me compliance letter letter in case border officer ask.

There is no need for lien search for US paid vehicle.

I have photocopy US title and original was kept by US border when I was importing from US to Canada in 2005.

List of document:

1. US compliance letter

2. Recall letter if possible

3. US title

4. US bill of Sale

5. Canadian registration and insurance

I don't think a lien search is what you need. There will be a title document. Registration doesn't really mean much here in the US, mind you, I don't know what Canada does. In the US, if there's a lien the lien holder keeps the title and only releases it when the lien is paid off, at least in CO, CA (California that is) and WA (only places I've lived since coming to the US)

I'm not sure on this. I'm looking at (pending visa of course) importing my wife's Protege. I think the key is the phrase "Meets All Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards". This may be on a label affixed to the car. For my wife's car I think I've seen this on the hood. If you have that I think you're fine. If not, then you'll need a letter from the manufacturer.

Of course, in your case it's a US spec vehicle so the labeling should be correct. If the label is missing though you'll need the letter based on the VIN just to prove it to them. I remember I had lots of entertainment trying to register my motorcycle in California because a couple of the VIN digits were getting rubbed off the compliance sticker, even though everything else matched the VIN that was stamped. Very annoying.

Here's the statement from the "horse's mouth": http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/faq%20site/pages/page2.html

If you find anything yourself, please post as I'm a couple of months from this particular entertainment myself.

Thanks

Alex.