Bringing a Classic Car from Canada to U.S.

[DWCamaro69]

I am sure several members on here have done this as I know we have a great group of members from Canada and muscle cars going both ways. Any recommendations and/or advice on how to or professional services to use, etc. as I am seriously considering buying a Camaro in B.C. Canada and need to know ahead of time all the costs, issues, etc.

Any and all advice appreciated!

Thanks!

[L78steve]

Should be no problem. Car was built in the US.

[DWCamaro69]

I don't think it will be a problem but from what I have read there are forms that need to be filled out and submitted ahead of time, fees, etc. and if you want to get across the border with no issues you better have it all done right ahead of time.

[scuncio]

I bought a Camaro in Ontario last year...it was pretty easy. PM me for details.

[BlackL78M22Nova]

Bought a car last year in Ontario from a member and shipped to California. Used a major Canadian carrier TFX who took care of most of the paperwork and utilized a broker to handle the border paperwork(Small fee) Everything went smooth on that part of the transaction. Jumping through all the hoops with the California DMV was a different story!

[frankk]

Whether the car was built in the US or not has no berring in border crossings. Get your registration papers and all monetary documents in order and submit them well ahead of time at the border crossing you will be using to assure a hassel free entry into the US

[chris slawski]

Similar question that has been nagging me. I am in NJ where the dmv does have it’s hoops. Can anyone shed some light on NJ experience bringing in a car from a bill of sale or registration transfer state? I have shied away from those cars for that reason. Than you.

[CamaroNOS]

If you would like to send me a PM we can talk about it.

Overall it is relatively easy.

Paul

[Tracker1]

Similar question that has been nagging me. I am in NJ where the dmv does have it’s hoops. Can anyone shed some light on NJ experience bringing in a car from a bill of sale or registration transfer state? I have shied away from those cars for that reason. Than you.

njsteve is the best member to ask about that. According to his experience, NJ is an absolute nightmare for bringing out-of-country cars into the state. Most other states, it's a breeze.

[njsteve]

njsteve is the best member to ask about that. According to his experience, NJ is an absolute nightmare for bringing out-of-country cars into the state. Most other states, it's a breeze.

Here's the link:
http://www.yenko.net/forum/showthread.php?p=1153220&highlight=title#post1153220

I used TFX and they were great for transport from British Columbia to NJ. (TFX even refunded the brokerage fee when the broker decided to drop the ball after they learned that they were being taken over by another company).

Getting it here isn't the problem. It seems that some states are really easy and some states like NJ are right out of the movie "Brazil".

[BJCHEV396]

I've also used TFX.Very professional and dependable!

[Canuck]

There is also a bond that is required to be posted by the person actually transporting the car over the border. The bond costs about $450.00 for up to one year. Without this you may ave to pay 1% of the selling value to the US government.
In 2015 I sold 3 cars within a 2 month period and bought the one year bond. Going through TFX ,who will do door to door they have the bond.

[chris slawski]

Thanks folks..makes sense that me and my buddies call NJ the people's republic of New Germany.

[spr]

If you pick the car up yourself all you need is a bill of sale and the title. Drive through. If someone other than you is transporting the car it needs to be brokered. It’s usually about $300. Any licensed transporter usually takes care of this process as they are a bonded carrier. So they charge you a flat rate with brokerage included.
Call Daryl at Cole International. They are located on the BC/ Washington border. He can look after you door to door and is very reasonable
604-538-1512

[scuncio]

To import a vehicle from Canada into the US you also need the DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1, in addition to the title and notarized bill of sale. I completed the DOT and EPA forms at home and had them ready to go at the customs inspection station, and I was out of there in 15 minutes.

[DWCamaro69]

Thanks all for the great info. Inspected car. It was as good or better than expected which never happens. When it came down to negotiating a price seller raised the price CAN$15,000 over what they said they would sell for so no deal for now. If I bought it I would trailer it home myself. Seems like it could be done fairly easy with a little pre-planning and getting your docs in order.

[L78steve]

Bill of sale and title is all I needed.No other forms if car was built in the US. Or in my case it was a Motorhome.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

I have talked to a friend who bought a Canadian car in Ontario and drove it home to the US on a trailer.

Normal documentation, bill of sale, ownership signed over to the buyer, UVIP, (used vehicle information package) etc.

No fees or taxes (That is not the case going the other way)

No issues.

Ryan

[scuncio]

Trust me on this, you absolutely need the DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1, in addition to the title and notarized bill of sale, if you are importing a Canadian car into the US. I just went through this last year and would hate for someone to think he/she could get by with just a bill of sale and title. Do your homework and you'll be fine.

[Ryan1969Chevelle]

Trust me on this, you absolutely need the DOT Form HS-7 and EPA Form 3520-1, in addition to the title and notarized bill of sale, if you are importing a Canadian car into the US. I just went through this last year and would hate for someone to think he/she could get by with just a bill of sale and title. Do your homework and you'll be fine.

Smart!

I shouldn't have shared the minimum, if somebody goes by your instructions they will be better off.

Ryan