How to Import a Car from the U.S. to Canada (2026 Guide)

Often, yes, but it depends on what you're buying and where it was built. The math works best when the vehicle qualifies for 0% duty under USMCA, wasn't manufactured in the U.S. (so no surtax), and needs little modification to meet Canadian standards. The math doesn't usually work when the 2025 surtax applies, which can add 25% to the vehicle's value on top of all standard import costs. Run the numbers in the calculator above before you make an offer on anything.

Most imports run $1,500–$5,000 on top of the purchase price. That figure covers RIV fees, taxes, and the standard import levies. It doesn't account for the 2025 surtax if your vehicle is U.S.-manufactured, which can add significantly more. See the full cost breakdown table in Step 5 and use the calculator to get a number specific to your vehicle.

Two to four weeks from purchase to provincial registration is typical. The process can't be rushed. The AES filing alone requires a 72-hour clearance window before you can cross, and the RIV inspection has a 45-day deadline once you're in Canada.

If the vehicle qualifies under USMCA (CUSMA) rules of origin, the import duty is 0%. Vehicles manufactured outside North America may be subject to 6.1% duty. This is separate from the 2025 retaliatory surtax, which applies to U.S.-manufactured vehicles regardless of USMCA status.

It's a Canadian retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods introduced in 2025. For motor vehicles, it can reach 25% of the vehicle's dutiable value. It applies based on where the vehicle was manufactured, not where you bought it. Check the first character of the VIN: a 1, 4, or 5 means U.S.-built. A 2 means Canadian-built, which is exempt. The full VIN guide is in Step 5.

Yes, and you may not have to pay full duty and tax. If the vehicle is part of your personal household goods when you're establishing Canadian residency, you may qualify for a duty and tax exemption under the "settler's effects" provision. You'll still go through CBSA declaration, CFIA clearance, and provincial inspection. Talk to a customs broker before you move, because the exemption has conditions that are easy to miss.

Usually not until the loan is settled. The lender holds the title, and the title needs to be lien-free before the vehicle can be exported. Most U.S. lenders won't release a title for an export. Pay off the loan or make other arrangements before you plan the crossing.

You can, and many people do. The risks: getting the AES filing wrong, missing a document at the border, miscalculating the surtax, or running out of time on the RIV window. If something goes wrong, the vehicle can be refused entry or stranded. A licensed customs broker eliminates most of those risks.

• Salvage or rebuilt-title vehicles (a separate process applies)
• Vehicles with major structural modifications: lift kits, stretched bodies, van conversions, raised roofs
• Vehicles that can't be brought into compliance with CMVSS
• Vehicles under 15 years old that aren't on the RIV compatibility list

Always confirm with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) to ensure a vehicle is admissible. The RIV website has a comprehensive list of what can, and cannot, be imported into Canada. Any vehicle with post-production modifications must be checked with Transport Canada to ensure compliance. For recalls, always ensure you check the manufacturer’s website for the most recent recall notices, and ensure they are satisfied before import.

The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) is an agency responsible for ensuring that all vehicles imported into Canada meet the country’s safety and environmental standards. It operates under the authority of Transport Canada], and it plays a critical role in the importation process. When a vehicle is imported, RIV oversees the inspection and modification processes to ensure compliance with national standards. This includes managing paperwork, coordinating inspections, and providing guidance to importers on necessary modifications and steps. The RIV ensures that all imported vehicles are safe and legal to drive on national roads, protecting both the vehicle owners and other road users.
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The process of paying the RIV registration fee involves several steps. Be sure to check if your vehicle qualifies for any exemptions on the fee.

Yes! The year of your car being imported from the States does matter. Federal inspection is required on vehicles less than 15 years old, to ensure that the car meets Canada’s safety and legal requirement requirements. For more information, see Transportation Canada and Registrar of Imported Vehicles

Proper documentation is critical. This goes beyond having a bill of sale. Required documents include:

• Bill of Sale
• Vehicle Title
• A recall clearance letter
• A copy of your passport
• See examples here

Yes! Visitors, tourists and temporary residents can import vehicles temporarily into Canada, as well as Canadians who rented a US vehicle and brought it across the border. Vehicles that don’t satisfy Canada’s safety measures can be temporarily imported by completing a special import declaration. Vehicles that are imported temporarily are also exempt from needing an RIV inspection, so long as it’s used by temporary residents, diplomats or Canadian or US armed forces.

Yes! Once you’ve imported a vehicle into Canada, and have gone through all the required proceedings, then you’re free to do as you wish with the vehicle – including selling it.

It is important to note that a foreign vehicle cannot be sold or gifted on Canadian soil unless it has been properly imported first.

Looking to start a car importing and selling business? BorderBuddy can help, contact our sales team to find out more about becoming a partner!

There is only one port in Canada that permits vehicles to remain in Canada during the import/export process. All other ports of entry require the vehicle to be taken back to the United States for exporting/ importing purposes.

Unfortunately no. Only the owner/ purchaser of the vehicle can take the vehicle through customs. The only other alternative is using a registered cross-border trucking company. If you are using a trucking company, you cannot meet them at the border to self-declare with Canada Customs. If you are using a trucking company, you will need to use BorderBuddy for both the export and import process and we will communicate with the carrier directly, once you have hired their services. Your personal tax exemptions will not be applied when using a carrier. Personal tax exemptions are only applicable in some cases, when an importer is doing their own import (self-declaring).

Gifted vehicles are subject to all of the same applicable taxes that non-gifted vehicles are.

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) will be exempted at the time of registration, provided a gift letter is presented to the agent.
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Value for taxes is based on the fair market value of the vehicle,  The fair market value can be found on Kelly Blue Book (KBB).  The value for taxes is based on the fair market value of the vehicle. The fair market value can be found on Kelly Blue Book (KBB). Please ensure you are using the Canadian website for KBB.

This is a common situation for many buyers importing vehicles from the U.S. to Canada. The process typically involves these steps:

• Finalizing the Purchase: When you go to see the vehicle, and if you decide to proceed with the purchase, complete the payment. Only after payment will the seller sign over the title to you.
• Obtaining the title: Once the Title is signed over to you, you will have legal ownership of the vehicle.
• Crossing the Border: Regarding the waiting period, it’s important to understand that U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires that they approve our export application (Internal Transaction Number) at least 72 hours prior to your arrival at the border. Because it can take U.S. Customs up to 24 hours to review and approve an application, we instruct importers to allow a full 4-day waiting period. This does not necessarily mean you have to stay in the U.S. during this waiting period. However, the vehicle cannot leave the U.S. until this wait requirement is satisfied.
• Planning Your Return: You can return to Canada and then come back to the U.S. to drive the vehicle across the border once the 72-hour period has passed and the export process is clear. Alternatively, you can plan your activities in the U.S. during this waiting period.

It’s always advisable to plan your trip and vehicle pickup considering this 72-hour export requirement to avoid any last-minute complications.

When purchasing a vehicle in the U.S. as a Canadian resident, it’s important to understand the restrictions on carrying cash across borders. You’re correct that there is a limit to the amount of cash you can bring into the U.S. without declaring it; the limit is $10,000 USD. To comply with this and still complete your vehicle purchase, consider the following payment options:

• Bank Transfer: You can arrange a direct bank transfer from your Canadian bank to the seller’s bank in the U.S. This is often the safest and most efficient way to transfer large sums of money internationally.
• Cashier’s Check or Bank Draft: These are secure forms of payment that can be obtained from your bank. You carry the check with you, which is made payable to the seller. This method is often preferred by sellers as it is guaranteed by the bank.
• Money Order: Similar to a cashier’s check, a money order can be purchased in Canada and then mailed or hand-delivered to the seller.
• Electronic Payment Services: Services like PayPal or other international payment platforms can be used for transactions. However, be aware of transaction limits and fees.
• Credit Card Payment: If the seller agrees, you can pay with a credit card. This might involve transaction fees and would depend on your credit limit.

Before selecting a payment method, discuss with the seller what they prefer or are willing to accept. Additionally, always ensure that any payment method used provides sufficient documentation for the purchase, as this will be important for vehicle importation and registration processes.

Exploring? Get a free quote by visiting our online import quote calculator.
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Ready to import? Call us at 1(877)409-8163 or email us at vehicles@borderbuddy.com to get started!

When moving to Canada or returning to Canada and importing a vehicle you’ve owned for several years, the requirement for the original bill of sale can vary. Here are the key points to consider:

• Proof of Ownership: The most critical document is proof of ownership, which is the vehicle title. These documents should clearly indicate your name as the owner.
• Original Bill of Sale: While the original bill of sale is useful, especially for vehicles within the past 12 months, it may not be strictly necessary for a vehicle bought over a year ago. However, if available, it’s beneficial to have it as it provides a history of the vehicle’s purchase and can help in determining duties or taxes, if applicable. If you purchased the vehicle more than a year ago, a printed screenshot of the www.kbb.ca trade-in value will suffice.
• Other Documentation: You may also need to provide other documentation such as your passport, proof of insurance, and any export/import forms required by Canadian Customs.
• Vehicle Compliance: Ensure your vehicle meets Canada’s safety and environmental standards. For vehicles older than 15 years, there may be different requirements or exemptions.
• Consult with the RIV: It’s advisable to consult with the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) or a similar authority in Canada for specific guidance based on your vehicle and circumstances. They can provide up-to-date information about documentation requirements and the import process.
• Personal Importation: Since you are moving or returning to Canada and have owned the vehicle for a significant period, this may classify as personal importation, which might have different rules compared to commercial importation.

Remember, regulations can change, so it’s always best to verify the latest requirements with the appropriate Canadian authorities.

If the seller of a vehicle does not have the vehicle title, it’s important to proceed with caution, as the title is a critical document proving ownership of the vehicle. Here are the steps you can take in this situation:

• Verify the Reason: Ask the seller why they don’t have the title. Sometimes, it might be lost or misplaced. In other cases, the vehicle could still be financed, and the lender holds the title.
• Apply for a Duplicate Title: If the title is lost or damaged, the seller should apply for a duplicate title through their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or equivalent agency. This process varies by state, but generally requires filling out an application, paying a fee, and providing proof of ownership.
• Lien Release: If there is a lien on the vehicle because it’s financed, ensure the seller obtains a lien release from the lender. This document is needed to transfer ownership and get a new title.
• Avoid Cash Transactions: Until the title issue is resolved, it’s advisable not to exchange any significant amount of money. A deposit might be reasonable, but full payment should be contingent on receiving a valid title.
• Written Agreement: If you agree to purchase the vehicle under these circumstances, make sure to have a written agreement outlining the terms, including the seller’s commitment to provide the title by a specific date.
• Legal Advice: Consider seeking legal advice. The process of buying a vehicle without a title can be complicated and risky.
• Check for Theft: Without a title, there’s a risk the vehicle could be stolen. You can check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) through various services to ensure the vehicle isn’t reported as stolen.
• Consider Alternatives: If the process of obtaining a new title seems too complex or risky, it might be prudent to consider other vehicle options.

Remember, the title is a key document in proving vehicle ownership and legality. Proceeding without it can lead to complications in ownership, registration, and legality of the vehicle.