Importing a US car

[njansenv]

Good afternoon all. Just a quick question: I'm looking at bringing a Miata across from the US. 1994, FWIW.
Any tips to ensure a smooth transaction at the border? I know I need to fax a copy of the title in advance. Do I drive on temporary ontario plates? Or temporary (in this case) MI plates?

Thanks!
Nathan

[1morelap]

http://www.riv.ca/

[TheJuggernaut]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=813438

http://www.riv.ca/ImportingAVehicle.aspx

You won't have to go through RIV though, which will save you some pain and money.

[njansenv]

Thanks guys: great resources!
Nathan

[Marsh]

Good afternoon all. Just a quick question: I'm looking at bringing a Miata across from the US. 1994, FWIW.
Any tips to ensure a smooth transaction at the border? I know I need to fax a copy of the title in advance. Do I drive on temporary ontario plates? Or temporary (in this case) MI plates?

Thanks!
Nathan

I drove from Florida all the way home on a florida temp. MTO would NOT give me a straight answer on whether I was allowed to do that. But they would also NOT give me a temp until the car had passed RIV. When I crossed the border I moved the temp from the rear (US location) to the front passenger windshield (ON location). At the border I was informed that my RIV form entitles me to drive in Canada until my test deadline is up, but whether or not the OPP write me a ticket for not displaying whatever permit makes them warm is fuzzy is between me and them.

[SmokeScreen]

A couple of years ago my parents bought a car while wintering in Arizona. In that state and others the plates stay with the vehicle and not the owner, they had US insurance on the car as well. When they brought it back they had to get clearance from US customs first, show title, no leans ect. The paper work from that goes to Canada customs, pay the RIV fee.....

One thing you must do is pick a boarder crossing and fax the info 48 or 72 hours in advance to customs.

They drove on the AZ plate and insurance until it passed riv inspection and safety. Aside from daytime running lights and a letter from the manufacturer stating no outstanding recalls it was an ordinary transaction.

[sjd]

I just brought back a car from the U.S. back in July and was lucky in that I was able to use a dealer plate, which made things hassle free so I didn't have to worry about a temp permit.

[John P]

Five year old data below so please double check.

Fort Erie doesn't accept cars purchased in U.S. Lewiston takes them, but are only open 8:00am to 4:00pm. Miss the times and you are looking for a hotel.

Detroit accepts cars 24 hours per day, although they tend to loose or miss-file the paperwork you faxed to them for processing. I think they are supposed to use the documentation to make sure the title is clear before the car leaves the U.S.

By the way, I have a good low mileage 99 Sport Edition Miata that I am considering selling this fall. PM if interested.

JohnP

[spd-dmn]

FYI

the RIV program and procedures apply only to vehicles newer than 15 years old


a 1994 car does not go through the RIV


it does nevertheless need to be properly exported from the US and imported into Canada

the importation document you will need to complete is CBSA's Vehicle Import Form - Form 1

[GordRoss]

Bring multiple copies of everything to the boarder.

You need to fax the title before you arrive (72 hours?) but they also asked for an additional copy when I got there. No you can't borrow there photocopier.

All in all it was pretty straight forward to do (at least for an 07 Volvo)