What do I do at the Border?

If the car you are importing is newer than 15 years older you are required to pass the RIV program in order to import the car into Canada.

You will be required to stop on the American side of the border and show them your original title documents to be compared with the photocopies that you must fax in at least 72 hours in advance.

Once this is complete you can proceed to the Canadian border crossing area where you will park your car. You will have to do the following:

Show them your passport and valid driver’s licence.
Show them your temporary American registration permits and possibly your insurance information.
Have ready your bill of sale, title documents, and recall clearance letter.
You will have to fill out Form 1 - Vehicle import form
You will have to pay your RIV fee (Usually $209 CAD)
You will have to pay 5% GST
If the car car has Air Conditioning you will have to pay $100 excise tax
If the car you are importing is high emissions you will be charged a high emissions excise tax
If the car was not originally assembled in North America you will have to pay duty, however most cars are.
Once the paperwork is complete and all the fees and taxes are paid up, you will be able to drive one through.