How It Works

A simple, step-by-step process to import your vehicle from Canada to the USA

1

Check Vehicle Eligibility

Enter your vehicle's VIN to verify it qualifies for our service.

What You Need

  • • 17-character Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • • Found on vehicle registration or dashboard

Service Eligibility Requirements

To use our service, your vehicle must meet these criteria:

✓ Emissions Compliance

Must have a US EPA or Canadian EPA emission label

✓ Safety Certification

Your vehicle must have:

  • • A US safety label (FMVSS)
    OR
  • • A Canadian safety label (CMVSS) with manufacturer's letter confirming US compliance

    💡 We provide an email template to request this letter

Note: These are requirements to use our DIY service. Vehicles not meeting these criteria may still be importable through specialized importers or require additional documentation and modifications.

2

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documentation for customs clearance.

Information You'll Need

✓ Vehicle Title/Registration

Original or certified copy showing ownership

✓ Bill of Sale

Proof of purchase with date and price

✓ Manufacturer's Letter (if CMVSS vehicle)

Letter from the U.S. subsidiary of the manufacturer confirming FMVSS compliance

✓ Photo ID

Driver's license or passport

✓ Proof of Residence

Utility bill or lease agreement

What We Prepare For You

  • EPA Form 3520-1 - EPA Declaration
  • DOT Form HS-7 - Safety Standards Declaration
  • CBP Form 7501 - Entry Summary Declaration

    Prep form to help you understand what CBP will ask. CBP usually prepares this form, but may ask you to fill out some details

3

Complete Import Form

Walk through our guided process to provide all necessary information.

Step 1: Vehicle Information

Enter VIN and verify vehicle details

Step 2: EPA Emissions Compliance

Confirm EPA label type and emission equipment status

Step 3: Safety Standards

Verify FMVSS/CMVSS certification

Step 4: Entry & Contact Details

Provide port of entry and contact details

Step 5: Document Upload

Upload all required documents

4

We Process Your Forms

Our team reviews your information and prepares all customs documentation.

What We Do

  • Review all submitted documents for completeness and accuracy (if you choose to upload them)
  • Complete EPA Form 3520-1 with your vehicle and emission data
  • Complete DOT Form HS-7 with safety compliance information
  • Calculate duties and fees (0% duty for vehicles manufactured in US, Canada, or Mexico; typically 2.5% for other countries)
  • Prepare CBP Form 7501 for customs entry
5

Cross the Border

Present your vehicle and documentation at the US port of entry.

What to Bring

  • Required documents from Step 2
  • Payment for duties and fees (cash, check, or card)

⏱️ Processing Time

Typically 1-2 hours at the border. CBP will inspect vehicle and review documents.

6

Register in Your State

Complete state-specific requirements and obtain US plates.

📋 Prepare

  • • Obtain US auto insurance (state issued)
  • • Pass state safety/emissions/odometer/vin inspection (only in some states)
  • • Get proof of paid property tax or non-assessment (only in some states)
  • • Gather proof of residency (driver's license, utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

🏢 At the DMV

Bring documents from steps above + the following

  • • Bring all import and customs clearance documents
  • • Fill out state registration form
  • • Pay registration and title fees, sales tax (only in some states)
  • • Receive US title and license plates

💡 Important: State requirements vary significantly. Check your state's DMV website for specific requirements before your visit.

Typical Timeline

1-2 Days

Complete online form and upload documents

3-5 Days

We process and prepare all customs forms

1 Day

Border crossing and customs clearance

Total process: 5-8 days from start to finish

Ready to Get Started?

Begin your import process today with our simple online form

Start Import Process