How much does it cost to import a car from Canada?
There are several reasons someone might consider importing a car from Canada into the US, and it’s essential to know that there will be several steps to take and fees to pay.
To go through the importing process, you’ll have to be organized and prepared to jump over a few hurdles. However, if the car is a great price, it may be worth importing it.
Throughout this guide, you’ll understand what to expect when importing a vehicle from Canada to the States and the related costs.
How to import
According to breezecustoms.com, there are a few ways to import a car from Canada to the U.S.
If the car is less than 25 years old, it can be legally imported and registered for road use under the 25-year rule. If the vehicle is more than 25 years old, has historical significance, and has never been sold in the States, it can be eligible for import and limited road use under the provisions of the Show and Display Rule.
If those two options don’t apply to you, then that’s where things may get a bit trickier—but it can still be done.
Consider using a broker when going through the import process. Because the rules and requirements regarding imported vehicles are always changing, a broker will know the relevant regulations and save you a lot of time and energy. The costs associated with using a broker can range between $400 – $800 or more, depending on the vehicle.
It’s also important to note that most automobiles are subject to a duty of 2.5% of their current value when imported into the States.
What you need
Safety & emissions compliance
All imported vehicles must comply with the U.S. Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) set by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). In addition, they must also be in accordance with the U.S. emission standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
You’ll be able to determine if your vehicle complies with FFMVS and EPA standards by looking for a certificate label under the car’s hood or on the inside door. Some foreign vehicles won’t have any safety certificate labels, so you may have to look at the regulations and explore other options. It can be challenging to research alternatives—that’s why spending money on a broker may be the best move.
Get insurance
Your new vehicle will need insurance before it’s imported and transferred to a United States registration. Even if your vehicle has Canadian insurance, you’ll need to opt for car insurance in the States.
The market can be quite competitive for U.S. auto insurance, and it will differ for everyone depending on the vehicle and your driving record. Make sure to mention if you won’t be operating the vehicle for six months of the year, as it may affect your overall coverage.
Registration
In addition to importing, you’ll need to register your vehicle in the state you live in. You must go through the local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to do this.
Before you start the import process, you should contact the DMV to learn more about the current rules and fees for registering a non-U.S. vehicle.
To register your vehicle, you can check the National Conference of State Legislatures to see the registration fees by state. The price can be anywhere from $30 – $50 or more, depending on the state.
Once you’ve found your nearest DMV, make an appointment to verify your serial number and odometer reading. You must also bring your import paperwork approved by the border. Once this has all been done, you’ll be issued a one-time fee for your new plates.
What’s an alternative?
You might also want to consider purchasing a new or used vehicle in the U.S. if you don’t see importing one in the future. Purchasing in the US can help you avoid the numerous steps to importing a vehicle from Canada.
Nobody said importing would be easy—the rules and regulations can be a bit much, but they’re put in place for everyone’s well-being. If importing seems like too much work, you can get help from a specialist. They’ll have the experience and know-how necessary to properly import a vehicle from Canada and save you the trouble of doing it independently.
