Importing my Vehicle into the U.S.

[mmorgan 7]

Just wondering if many of you have experienced importing vehicles into the states? I am currently awaiting my visa in Canada (K-1, my fiance is American), and was initially planning on selling my truck and buying another in the States to save the hassle of importing. However I was looking in to it and the process does not seem to complicated or expensive, I am just having trouble finding any clear information on exactly what must be done to import. If any one on here has successfully accomplished this, please share your experiences and advice!

[CowBoE 429]

Check this out...particularly on safety and emissions requirements.

http://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/imports/

I had a Canadian co-worker who was relocated to the US office to work with us,

and he brought his (US made) car without much problem (since he didn't talk about it).

[Sirliner 26]

A couple of informative older posts on the same subject:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/81449-importing-a-canadian-car-to-the-us/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/372302-bringing-a-car-from-canada-when-moving-to-the-us/

[Rob & Monika 87]

How easy it will be depends on the make/model of the vehicle. The easy way includes getting a letter of compliance from the manufacturer, which some manufacturers refuse to do. I think Hyundai is the one that gives people the most hassle, maybe Toyota as well. If its US made, it should be cake.

[mmorgan 7]

Thanks for the links everyone!

How easy it will be depends on the make/model of the vehicle. The easy way includes getting a letter of compliance from the manufacturer, which some manufacturers refuse to do. I think Hyundai is the one that gives people the most hassle, maybe Toyota as well. If its US made, it should be cake.

and its a Chevy half ton 4X4 ...can't get much more American than that eh?

I just checked it out and it seems to comply with all the standards listed for both safety and epa especially, so hopefully everything works out for it!

[gwenstar 66]

Just imported an older model Chevy truck. No problems at all.

As long as you own the vehicle, it will be easy. We got a compliance letter from Chevy - $99. Then at the border there is a form to fill out (which the people at our POE filled out for us, cause they were awesome!). They give you a stamped copy of that form and you take it to the DMV in the state you are registering the vehicle. Each state has different requirements for safety/emmission/how long you have to get it registered. So just check the DMV website for all that info.

We just registered our truck today and it went really smoothly. I thought the whole process was going to be far more difficult. I am SO happy to have another piece of the immigration puzzle into place. Whew!

http://forms.cbp.gov/pdf/CBP_Form_7501.pdf

[thatangela 134]

This is lovely news. Ford charges a fee for the letter of compliance:

I have reviewed your email regarding your 2005 Ford Escape.

I understand that you are exporting your vehicle into the United States and you would like to obtain a Safety and Emissions Compliance Letter.

To receive a copy of the required letter, please contact the Service Manager of your local Ford Dealership who will be able to submit the request on your behalf. Please be advised that a fee will be required for this service.

For your reference, you may locate your local dealership through Ford of Canada's web site, www.ford.ca , simply select the "Find a Dealer" link from our homepage then, enter your city and province or postal code.

Thank you for contacting Ford of Canada.

Sincerely,

XXXXX XXXXXXX

Customer Relationship Centre

Ford of Canada

[Karebear 13]

This is lovely news. Ford charges a fee for the letter of compliance:

Thanks for posting this!

[thatangela 134]

Thanks for posting this!

You're welcome! I plan on heading to the dealership tomorrow and will report back on how much the fee is, unless anyone already knows.

[Karebear 13]

You're welcome! I plan on heading to the dealership tomorrow and will report back on how much the fee is, unless anyone already knows.

I called right after I read this lol, but alas, they were closed. I will be calling in the morning.

[thatangela 134]

I called right after I read this lol, but alas, they were closed. I will be calling in the morning.

On the phone with my dealership right now, they're open til 6. Yay!

It is $100 and they can do it over the phone. The official letter takes two weeks to get here, Ken said.

[mrs thb 331]

wow, i imported a hyundai into canada this autumn. went to the dealership 2x for a letter of compliance (free each time).

no hassle at border.

some confusion with insurance....they were my biggest grief. they told me i was insured without plates but turns out, i wasn't.

importing to canada is a 2 step process prior to licensing and plating. step 1 is border approval, step 2 is safety & inspection. mto would not give ownership without step 2 done. couldn't get insurance without ownership. catch 22 position.

i'd be sure to get clarification from insurance company about insurance & coverage while in transition.

[Karebear 13]

On the phone with my dealership right now, they're open til 6. Yay!

It is $100 and they can do it over the phone. The official letter takes two weeks to get here, Ken said.

dang, another $100 down the drain. Maybe I can pay them in cupcakes.

wow, i imported a hyundai into canada this autumn. went to the dealership 2x for a letter of compliance (free each time).

no hassle at border.

some confusion with insurance....they were my biggest grief. they told me i was insured without plates but turns out, i wasn't.

importing to canada is a 2 step process prior to licensing and plating. step 1 is border approval, step 2 is safety & inspection. mto would not give ownership without step 2 done. couldn't get insurance without ownership. catch 22 position.

i'd be sure to get clarification from insurance company about insurance & coverage while in transition.

Maybe I need a new car lol

[thatangela 134]

I wish batting my eyelashes was currency.

[mrs thb 331]

I wish batting my eyelashes was currency.

wouldn't that be great?

we'd all be rich!!!!!