Buying A Canadian Car In The Us May 2026

Importing a Motor Vehicle | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

: The undercarriage must be free of foreign soil to pass U.S. Department of Agriculture inspections. Costs and Duties

: Vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from most DOT and EPA requirements, significantly simplifying the process. Customs Process & Documentation buying a canadian car in the us

Vehicles under 25 years old must meet U.S. federal standards to be permanently imported.

: The "Entry Summary" provided after clearing customs, which is required by the DMV. Importing a Motor Vehicle | U

: Look for a certification label in the driver's side door jamb. Canadian cars often have a CMVSS label instead; in this case, you must obtain a Manufacturer’s Letter of Compliance confirming the car meets U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

To buy a Canadian car and permanently bring it into the U.S., you must navigate a formal importation process involving federal safety and emissions compliance, customs duties, and state-level registration. Costs and Duties : Vehicles 25 years or

: Check under the hood for a "Vehicle Emission Control Information" label. If missing, you need a letter of compliance from the manufacturer.