Importing Nissan from Alberta to California

[boardercrosser 8]

I know we have to get a compliance letter from Nissan Canada. And then we have to schedule an appointment with Canada customs and US Border Patrol when we cross to show the paperwork for moving. Finally I think California will require a smog check in order to get it registered. Am I missing anything? Anybody out there that has specifically moved to California? I know we have the strictest emission standards. I just don't want any unknown problems since the car is such a big expense. Thanks in advance.

[ricnally 258]

you may not need a smog check, depending on where you will be living in CA. (urban vs. rural).

Edited April 30, 2015 by ricnally

[Kate52 5]

Vehicle registration showing you are owner (no car loans).

[boardercrosser 8]

you may not need a smog check, depending on where you will be living in CA. (urban vs. rural).

I will be living in Los Angeles. I almost certainly will need one. Did you import your car from Canada to Cali? Any trouble at the border?

Thanks for your responses

Vehicle registration showing you are owner (no car loans).

Thanks my wife is paying off her loan before we cross

[gad33 47]

Husband did the paperwork for the car while my visa was processed. We crossed at a quiet time. I can't remember what paperwork we had but we were reimporting a car.

You have a short period of time to register your car and get new drivers licenses once you are in California. Getting the smog test is easy as there are so many places but make sure you go to a certified place as rules changed recently.

You will have to take written and road tests. But as (I assume) you have Alberts licenses you will be given temporary licenses (not learner permits) so that you can continue to drive between taking written test and road test.

Always make appointments at the DMV so that you don't have to wait in live too long.

[mag2929 68]

So question - what happens if you still have a loan that you can't possibly pay off before crossing the border? Does that mean I can't take my car?

[ricnally 258]

So question - what happens if you still have a loan that you can't possibly pay off before crossing the border? Does that mean I can't take my car?

You can take it, but you can't import it, so you won't be able to register it, so, short answer is no.

[mag2929 68]

You can take it, but you can't import it, so you won't be able to register it, so, short answer is no.

Hi there, appreciate your quick answer! I have been doing some searching and it does seem like I might be able to transfer the loan to the bank's US counterpart. So I might not have to sell it, I will do some more searching. Again, thank you.