Verify that the make and model of your car is on Registrar of Imported Vehicles' vehicle admissibility list, a list of vehicles that meet Canadian importing requirements. The list will also tell you if your car can be modified to meet these requirements, which must be completed within 45 days of crossing into Canada.
Place a North American compliant sticker on the vehicle. Pass any safety inspections or emissions tests. Procure insurance before you cross the border.
Obtain a recall clearance letter from the dealer or manufacturer of your car. You will also need other documentation, including your car title, registration, bill of sale and vehicle identification number (VIN), all of which you will have to show while crossing the border, where your vehicle will undergo a Canadian customs inspection.
Complete Vehicle Import Form 1 while crossing the border. Keep this form, which will ask you for your Canadian mailing address, in your car, along with the temporary American permit you are issued. Pay any duties or taxes, including a high emissions excise tax, RIV fee and Air Conditioning excise fee.
Pay the nonrefundable importing fee. Your car will undergo a final, federal inspection once your cross the border. A list of inspection facilities will be included in the inspection letter you receive from the Registrar of Imported Vehicles. Present all the importing documentation (for example, Form 1 and Form 2, which you will be sent to you after crossing the border).
Get your vehicle registered, upon passing the inspection, at a provincial vehicle licensing office. Pay the provincial sales tax on the price of your vehicle.
