My car import experience under TN

[Deet 0]

Unlike most people -- seems like on a TN visa as well, I couldn't import my car permanently. 

 

Contrary to what says on the CBP website, the officer said I can temporarily import my fully compliant car for the duration of my 3 year TN visa, including the extensions -- although I will have to get another 7501 then. This actually works out because i don't have to pay duties (car was manufactured in Japan). This is at SFO customs, at this point I don't think i even have to get rid of my Canada plates as long as I can get local car insurance. To be honest, I'm not sure how that s true since I'm definitely a California resident for tax purposes,  but the CBP officer wouldn't budge.

Edited July 20, 2021 by Deet

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, Deet said:

Unlike most people -- seems like on a TN visa as well, I couldn't import my car permanently. 

 

Contrary to what says on the CBP website, the officer said I can temporarily import my fully compliant car for the duration of my 3 year TN visa, including the extensions -- although I will have to get another 7501 then. This actually works out because i don't have to pay duties (car was manufactured in Japan). This is at SFO customs, at this point I don't think i even have to get rid of my Canada plates as long as I can get local car insurance. To be honest, I'm not sure how that s true since I'm definitely a California resident for tax purposes,  but the CBP officer wouldn't budge.

Why would you not need new plates though?  Even moving between states, Americans must relicense their cars within 30 days usually.

[Ontarkie 14,222]

I would check with the DMV. California is very strict with DL and car registrations. The police officers will not be happy seeing Canadian plates and US insurance. Will you be getting a US DL?  I can see that getting even more crazy. 

[Rabe 0]

@Deet
Were you able to permanently register your car? I had the same experience. San Francisco office said I could only register for one year but Oakland port said I was good as long as my TN visa was valid. Do you or anybody know if we can sell imported cars here? US customs said it should go back to Canada while DMV says I can sell my vehicle here. 

[mam521 2,062]

15 minutes ago, Rabe said:

@Deet
Were you able to permanently register your car? I had the same experience. San Francisco office said I could only register for one year but Oakland port said I was good as long as my TN visa was valid. Do you or anybody know if we can sell imported cars here? US customs said it should go back to Canada while DMV says I can sell my vehicle here. 

You can sell a car that has been properly imported.  You cannot sell a car that has not been imported; you'd have to take it back to Canada.  

 

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