Importing vehicle to Florida

[D + B 5]

I realize I'm getting a little ahead of myself by asking now, but I want us to be prepared for when it comes time for all of this.

B is going to cross the border in January, and import his 05 Chevy Malibu. 2 weeks later he'll be able to get the SS car/number. Since Florida went wacky, he won't be able to get a Fl drivers license until after we apply for AOS & get his EAD card. Then we have to get a Fl auto insurance policy then register his vehicle with Fl. But how do we do that and what will we need? I'm not able to find much info about importing vehicles on the Florida site, everything seems to be geared toward moving from out of state, not out of country. And of course, everything is warning you only have 10 days to register once you set up residency.

I'm sure there have been a few I of you who've moved from Canada to Florida since all this went into effect in 2010, so I'm looking for a bit of sage advice. Also, another question... When do I have to list him on my auto policy? I was under the impression that I need to do it as soon as we get married, but he won't be eligible for a Fl drivers license for another 3 months... I'm at a loss.

[pro_star 52]

He'll need to get a certificate of compliance from

Ford - he should be able to request it from ford Canada - just something saying that yes the car complies with dot regulations, or yes it does but needs these fixes or so on.

Insurance: check with your agent. I confess I can't help you there.

[Ms Hogan 295]

Actually, he'll need to get a letter of compliance from Chevrolet aka GM, not Ford since his car is a Chevy Malibu. I have a post somewhere here with the contact information for getting that letter. They're very helpful and quick. I got a hard copy and had it also sent by email. Cost was around $100 if I recall correctly.

Let me find it and bump it for you. OK, bumped it but here is the link in case it disappears again http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/411088-gm-vehicle-compliance-letter/?p=6502733

When I brought my car in it was very easy at the border, one quick form after presenting my paperwork, if I recall, and on my way. Had it inspected at the licensing office for out of state VIN and then took my details to the title bureau. Since in Ontario we don't have titles they accepted my registration. They asked if there were liens on it which there were not. It was only recently paid off before I moved so I also had a letter from the finance company saying it was clear. They gave me my title and then I was able to get plates.

I was able to get my driver's license easily because I already had my green card however they would have let me get it using the stamp in my passport if I hadn't had anything else. I also had my SSN already as it came not long after my POE. I was very fortunate.

I realize our situations aren't exactly the same BUT I had gone to the licensing office to talk to someone while on a visit so I knew exactly what THEY would want upon my arrival. I would suggest doing the same.

As for insurance. My husband added me and my car to his insurance policy before I even moved here. That's in Ohio with State Farm so I don't know about Florida but I would just ask the insurance broker what can be done at what point.

ETA link to GM letter.

Edited September 11, 2013 by MsHogan

[pro_star 52]

*ninja edit cause I'm brain dead today, and may blame network issues having me retype the response a few times*

I'm sorry, don't know why or how I was thinking ford. Sorry op!! Either way the bumped thread looks like it's got your answers.

[Rob & Monika 87]

You only need to get the letter of compliance if the vehicle has a sticker stating it complies with all Canadian regulations. If it has the sticker for US compliance, you don't need it. (Refer to sections 2A and 2B of hs799short.pdf)

There are 3 forms for importing a vehicle at the border, some border crossings will help you fill them out, others will expect you to do it. From there, you should be able to use these forms to register in Florida.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/documents/3520-1.pdf

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/entry_summary/cbp7501/ - Don't forget VIN on this one. You may have to fill this out at the border as half of it they gave me a template to complete it.

You should also find your receipt for purchasing the vehicle, the Ontario registration papers weren't enough to get a title for the vehicle in NY, but that didnt stop us from registering it.

[D + B 5]

Thanks for the info and how you guys were able to do it. I knew about the letter. We will be getting that in about a month or so. He's about to make his last car payment, so that should clear things up with the title/lein since he won't be crossing till Jan.

I'm just a little concerned since it will be about 3-4 months after his crossing that we will be able to get his license, get a US title, register the car and insure it. Granted its a common thing to see Canadian plates here, but they're not typically BC plates lol.

I'll also be talking to my insurance company in the next few weeks to renew my policy, so I'll ask about when and how to add him then.

And thanks again. I'm just trying to make sure we have all our bases covered for when he does get here, and know what steps to take

[Citygirlbeachboy 4]

Hi, just wanted to add my experience to date. I am also now in Florida. POE July, Married Oct, AOS & EAD etc filed Dec. I also interpreted the Florida DMV site to indicate nothing can be done until my EAD has been approved. And my immigration lawyer confirmed that interpretation. In the meantime I have maintained my car insurance policy from Ontario.

Here's a link with specific ID accepted for Canadians

http://www.dmvflorida.org/drivers-license-identification.shtml#canadians

[Krikit 1,165]

I imported and registered my car when I moved to Florida. GEICO insured both me and my car, on my husband's insurance, and just told me to update my info once I had received my new drivers license and the car was FL registered.

Use the KBB site to get an idea of the value of the vehicle, then lowball the estimate at the Tag Office (and at Customs) just in case they want to charge him County taxes. Some Tag Offices will and some won't. I had to make an appointment with the Foreign Vehicle Importer person (or something like that... it's in one of my old posts) so she could take a look at the car and record the mileage. Make sure the mileage is recorded properly due to the km's on the odometer as they made that mistake with me and it was a pita to correct.

Did I miss anything?

[sjs87 27]

I'm sure glad I searched the forums for this topic! I honestly never even THOUGHT about what had to be done about bringing my vehicle across with me when I move down, but now I am glad I have.

Forgive me if I repeat things written above, but I am only doing so for my own understanding:

I drive a 2005 Acura EL, a vehicle NOT sold or found in the US. As such, I just want to confirm that I will have to get a letter of compliance from Acura Canada. BUT, if the car does have a sticker stating US compliance, then I don't need the letter?

I suppose I should also talk to my fiance about adding my vehicle to his insurance. My insurance in Canada is due next month and I wanted to avoid paying the full price on the insurance. I guess I could pay monthly (in Canada) until I am officially added to his insurance.

Not sure I could find the receipt for purchasing the vehicle -- did that back in 2006!

[Rob & Monika 87]

Yes, if it has a FMV sticker, you don't need the letter. I doubt it will have a FMV compliance sticker on it since it was assembled in Canada and only sold in Canada, it likely has the CMV compliance sticker.

If your insurance carrier operates in both the US and Canada, you might be able to just transfer the coverage to the US.

[sjs87 27]

Just got off the phone with Acura Canada, and the gentleman I spoke to said I need a recall letter from Acura Canada first. He said without that letter, I would not be able to get the letter of compliance, which I will have to request from Acura US.

Should get the letter from Acura Canada early next week!

[sjs87 27]

You only need to get the letter of compliance if the vehicle has a sticker stating it complies with all Canadian regulations. If it has the sticker for US compliance, you don't need it. (Refer to sections 2A and 2B of hs799short.pdf)

There are 3 forms for importing a vehicle at the border, some border crossings will help you fill them out, others will expect you to do it. From there, you should be able to use these forms to register in Florida.

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/documents/3520-1.pdf

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/hs799short.pdf

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/trade_programs/entry_summary/cbp7501/ - Don't forget VIN on this one. You may have to fill this out at the border as half of it they gave me a template to complete it.

You should also find your receipt for purchasing the vehicle, the Ontario registration papers weren't enough to get a title for the vehicle in NY, but that didnt stop us from registering it.

Are those above forms all filled out at the time of entry? Or must they be done ahead of time? It would be nice if there were "example" forms so we have a guide on how to fill them out!

[VeeNDee 44]

FWIW I imported my car after I was already in the USA and still had ICBC car insurance. They gave me a refund for what I didn't use after I mailed them back my license plates. Not sure if that would be an option for you.

[Rob & Monika 87]

Are those above forms all filled out at the time of entry? Or must they be done ahead of time? It would be nice if there were "example" forms so we have a guide on how to fill them out!

You could show up and fill them out there, but when we did they guy was irritated by it. They had to find someone that knew what to do, and look up all the needed forms. The first 2 we were able to fill out without any help, but the 3rd you will likely have to fill out there since some of that information is POE specific.

[Dreamman 1]

I also plan on driving my car through the boarder to Arizona . I have a Hyundai and was not able to get a EPA compliance letter from them. I will pay to have someone fill out paperwork to have it jmported . I am in process of this now. My car is over a year old and I still owe many more payments. Will this be an issue registering it? I do have The title in my name and a lOan with scotia bank.

Thsnks