How Long does it take to Import a Vehicle into Canada from the USA?
I will warn you ahead of time that driving a newly purchased vehicle across the Canadian border is not as fast as your every day border crossing. However, most border officials will are used to the process and are often very helpful, and it can sometimes be a surprisingly speedy process.
A couple things to make note of:
- As per the U.S. 72 Hour Export procedure, You need to know what border crossing you will be using, and fax the American side of the border the title certificate at least 72 hours in advance of your border crossing. Find out the phone numbers of the American side of the border, and be sure to give them a call, just to make sure they know you’re coming and to have them receive the fax and maybe file it under your name (or whatever they do with it)
- You will also need to stop at the American side of the border on your way through. Expect them to compare the version of the title certificate that you faxed them to the actual certificate that you will bring with you. They will also check the VIN number on the car you are bringing through.
- You will then need to stop at the Canadian Border entry. They will have you park and go fill out a couple forms and make you pay your RIV fees (if you haven’t already - you can pay them online) OH! and if you’re vehicle has an air conditioner, they slap you with some ridiculous Air conditioner tax, which is $100 Canadian.
The whole process may take an hour or so at the border itself, but there is a lot of prep work along the way.
