Everything you need to know about importing your car from Canada to USA
You receive:
Import brokers typically charge $1,000-$5,000 for their services. Our $99 service provides you with everything you need to do it yourself, saving you thousands of dollars. The only additional costs are standard government fees (which you'd pay regardless) like customs duties (if applicable) and state registration fees.
Absolutely! It's completely legal to import your own vehicle. The U.S. government allows individuals to import vehicles for personal use. Import brokers simply handle the paperwork for you - but with our pre-filled forms and guidance, you can easily do it yourself and save thousands.
From purchase to having your car registered in the USA typically takes 1-3 weeks. The border crossing itself takes just a few hours. Most of the time is spent on state DMV processing, which varies by state. We provide realistic timelines in our guide.
Most vehicles can be imported, but they must meet these requirements:
Yes! If the vehicle was originally manufactured to comply with U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), it can be imported regardless of age. Most vehicles sold in Canada by major manufacturers meet these standards. We help you verify this in our guide.
Right-hand drive vehicles can be imported if they're 25 years or older, or if they meet all U.S. safety and emissions standards. However, some states have restrictions on registering right-hand drive vehicles, so check your state's requirements.
Most vehicles manufactured in North America (USA, Canada, or Mexico) under the USMCA trade agreement are duty-free. Vehicles from other countries may be subject to a 2.5% duty for cars or 25% for trucks. We help you determine if your vehicle qualifies for duty-free import.
Costs are divided into two parts:
Most customers only pay our $99 fee plus their state's normal registration fees.
No! Our $99 fee is all-inclusive for our service. The only other costs are standard government fees that you'd have to pay regardless of who handles your import. We provide a complete cost breakdown in our guide so there are no surprises.
You'll need:
Yes, you (or someone you authorize) must be present when the vehicle crosses the border. You'll need to present the documents and answer basic questions from customs officers. Our guide includes tips for a smooth border crossing experience.
You'll stop at U.S. Customs, present your documents (including our pre-filled forms), and the officer will inspect your vehicle and paperwork. The process typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on how busy the crossing is. We provide detailed step-by-step instructions.
Yes! Once you clear customs, you can drive your vehicle. However, you'll need to register it with your state DMV within a certain timeframe (usually 30-90 days, varies by state). We provide state-specific guidance on registration requirements and deadlines.
You have unlimited email support! Simply reply to any of our emails and we'll help you through any issues or questions. We typically respond within 24 hours during business days.
Within 48 hours of purchase, you'll receive all your pre-filled forms and the complete guide via email. Most customers receive everything within 24 hours.
Don't worry! Our guide is designed to prevent common mistakes, and our support team is here to help if you have any concerns. Most issues can be easily corrected, and we'll guide you through the process.
Currently, we offer email support only. This allows us to keep our costs low and pass the savings on to you. Email support also provides you with written documentation of all guidance, which can be helpful for reference.
Yes! Our service covers imports to all 50 states. Each state has slightly different registration requirements, and we provide state-specific guidance in our comprehensive guide.
It depends on your state. Some states require safety or emissions inspections before registration. We provide information about your specific state's requirements and how to schedule any necessary inspections.
California has stricter emissions requirements. Most vehicles sold in Canada after 2008 meet California standards, but we help you verify this. If your vehicle doesn't meet California standards, you may need to register it in another state first or have it modified.
Sales tax requirements vary by state. Many states offer exemptions for vehicles that were:
Some states don't charge sales tax at all on used vehicle imports from Canada if you can prove prior registration. We provide state-specific guidance on sales tax exemptions and requirements in our guide.