Question on bringing car from Canada to US

[DeepakChani 738]

I am trying to find a guide or some step by step instructions to find out how I can import my car from Canada to the US once my K1 visa is approved. Will I need to wait for my green card to bring it over? What documents will be needed to import? I did some online research but it seems to be all over the place. If someone who came on a k1 And successfully went through brining  a car in from Canada, I would like to hear from your experience. Thank you 

[TM92 527]

31 minutes ago, DeepakChani said:

I am trying to find a guide or some step by step instructions to find out how I can import my car from Canada to the US once my K1 visa is approved. Will I need to wait for my green card to bring it over? What documents will be needed to import? I did some online research but it seems to be all over the place. If someone who came on a k1 And successfully went through brining  a car in from Canada, I would like to hear from your experience. Thank you 

Here are some CBP links:

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/kw/

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/425/~/registering-a-foreign-registered-vehicle%2C-car-or-motorcycle-in-the-u.s.-with

Going to register the car with California DMV? Here are some CA DMV link:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr29

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr09

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/detail/pubs/brochures/howto/htvr09a

Edited July 5, 2018 by TM92
CA DMV links

[TM92 527]

36 minutes ago, TM92 said:

Here are some CBP links

Another CBP link: https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importing-car

[RobertnLaura 2]

Hi - First - I did not read those links (today anyway) so I am answering from my specific circumstances and memory. 

I was told it would be a very difficult thing to do and it was far from it.  Basically, your car needs to comply with both federal and state requirements.  I moved from Ontario to North Carolina.  I went to Mazda Canada website and requested from them a letter stating that my car did indeed meet those requirements.  They sent me that letter as requested and I expect it took about 3 weeks. 

So, I drove my car when I crossed with my visa.  My husband went ahead in his car to a friend's place in Buffalo.  I do not recall that being even on my mind, but I expect I had that letter with me though they were not interested in it.  When I registered my car here, the officer told me that many people did not even have that letter (but you do need it).  I needed to go to a part of the DMV where they do car registration which in NC is at the DMV but is a different section than where you get your drivers license  They took the letter, inspected my car (walked around and kicked the tires) and approved it.  In my case it was that simple.  We did not register our cars here until we had bought a house and had a good idea as to the lay of the land.  You also need to get a local drivers license for which they likely give you a road test.  This also varies by state.  I have had to renew my license 3 times already and I see 2 more in the next 2 years.  In NC, they will not extend your drivers license beyond the life of your residency on paper.  

I hope this helps.  If you have any other questions, I am happy to do my best to help out.  

I have attached a link to Mazda Canada's contact page - they even have a section for import/export.  I expect that your car's manufacturer has a similar service.  

Laura

https://www.mazda.ca/en/about/contact-us/

 

[NikLR 13,227]

The main thing is that the car does not have a lien or loan on it.  

[DeepakChani 738]

1 hour ago, NikLR said:

The main thing is that the car does not have a lien or loan on it.  

Yes, I am trying to get that paid off before hand. That is when I get possession of the title, correct? 

Thank you all for your great input whether it be via links or personal experience. @RobertnLaura did you bring any other forms with you related to your car when crossing? 

[RobertnLaura 2]

Ownership and letter from Mazda.  I think that was it.  I will check my files but I am pretty sure that was it.  

[TM92 527]

21 minutes ago, DeepakChani said:

whether it be via links

The first CA DMV link says to check the emissions label under the hood to see if it is "California-certified"