Importing a Motor Vehicle | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
: The undercarriage must be free of foreign soil to pass U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections. Costs and Duties
: Original Canadian title, registration, and a Bill of Sale showing the VIN and purchase price. buying a canadian car in the us
You must declare the vehicle at a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Port of Entry . : DOT Form HS-7 : Declares safety compliance. EPA Form 3520-1 : Declares emissions compliance.
: Look for a certification label in the driver's side door jamb. Canadian cars often have a CMVSS label instead; in this case, you must obtain a Manufacturer’s Letter of Compliance confirming the car meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Importing a Motor Vehicle | U
: The "Entry Summary" provided after clearing customs, which is required by the DMV.
Vehicles under 25 years old must meet U.S. federal standards to be permanently imported. Costs and Duties : Original Canadian title, registration,
: Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from most DOT and EPA requirements, significantly simplifying the process. Customs Process & Documentation