My husband just called Chrysler to get the Letter of Compliance for crossing the border.

Here is the information they requested before they would issue a letter:
- copy of current Canadian registration
- proof of immigration to the US
- our current address
- current KM's of the vehicle
- a return fax number

Fax number to send request: 248-512-8382

It takes approximately 7 business days.

We will also need to contact 1-800-992-1997 to apply for US warranty.

I have a couple questions:

1. regarding the proof of immigration to the US. What can we show them? Do we need to wait until our K3 is approved by Vancouver? I have a letter from the NVC stating that we have filed, but it doesn't prove we are actually moving at this point.

2. Any idea what they mean by applying for the US Warranty?

Thanks so much!

I have no idea what the issue is with Chrysler... I asked for one from GM and they asked for my Make and Model and VIN. From that and my credit card, they did up a compliance letter that I received in the mail a week later... though the option was there if I wanted it faxed right away somewhere.

Thanks
Scott.

My experience with Honda was similar to Scotts. There was no request for items that you are asked! I am a little bit surprised why they are asking. Best is to call them back and ask them what would suffice for each of their requests ....

Nissan faxed it to me within minutes for free!! All I gave them was the VIN #. Ended up selling the car so didnt end up going any further with the process

WOW you have to be kidding me? BMW required my VIN and mailing address, that was it.

I've never done this, so all I can do is guess? I'd not send any "proof", other than maybe a covering letter, explaining what it is you want and for what reason. Like, saying that you're moving to the USA on a visa, and will be residing there and plan to bring your vehicle. Ask them to send a "compliance" letter asap. Period. They don't need proof, geesh.

No REAL idea about the Warrenty stuff, but maybe if your car is under Warrenty with Chrysler now, it's about transferring the Warranty to the US. I had to do this with Dell with my computer. They then transferred the Warranty over to the USA. Lots of Canadian warranties will say, "this warranty is only good in Canada" etc. So that's maybe what that is about.

Just my thoughts.

Carla

Hmmm. I just went to my local dealership and they took care of the request for me. I have a vague recollection of them requesting proof of immigration. I think I showed them a copy of the application approval letter or something. Or I may have shown them my visa. Sorry. Can't quite recall.

I have no idea what they are referring to with regard to the US warranty, but Carla's thoughts sound plausible.

Well, I called to clarify things and when I asked what they needed for proof of immigration she didn't know. I am guessing she is just reading this from some list, but when pressed as to why or what an alternative might be she didn't know. Then she started asking if my husband will have an income when we arrive there. I didn't realize it at the time but she was probably assuming we owe money on it. We own the vehicle in full. Why would there be a concern if my husband has income or not. What's it to them? Gee whiz - I guess we are supposed to fax all this info to Michigan somewhere. She suggested that if I am a USC and my name is on the registration then to just ask for the letter under my name. She said to provide proof my immigration?? I am thinking, she really doesn't get the process we are in. I do not want to fax a copy of my passport to show that I am a citizen to some customer service fax. No way! So, I am writing a letter asking for a compliance letter. I am a USC returning to Canada. The van is paid in full. Here is the VIN, the KMs and my address. We'll see what they do with that. We do have some time at least to figure things out. We are still waiting for packet 3 to arrive in the mail. At least there hasn't been a mention of a fee yet.

So, in the end, nothing has been clarified. Well, maybe the warranty. that just has to do with the Chrysler warranty being transferred to the US when we move. We'll cross that bridge when we have to.

I had the same bloody problems with Daimler. I never did get anything from them. When I crossed the border with my 2001 Dodge Caravan I had no problems. I talked to the officer and he said I had 1 year to import my vehicle. He looked under the hood and right there on a sticker shows it meets USA Compliance. You might not need anything from Chrysler. Take a look under the hood and see if you have anything like that. Also, maybe contact the POE that you will be crossing at to see if they can offer you and advice.
I don't know what the problem is with DaimlerChrysler. It is like they have some top secret information that you can only have if you follow their rules.
Good luck!!!!!

Oh. You triggered a memory for me vnoe. I never did need the letter of compliancy. They didn't care about it at the POE.... just the ownership. When I registered it in FL, they didn't want to see it at the tag office, either. So it was a waste of $85. However, I'm sure if I hadn't had it in my hands, they would have wanted it.

I had also called my local dealer and they were ever so helpful and gave me the Daimler number I already had....lol. So basically I just crossed my fingers at the POE and talked to the officer (a real sweetheart) about it. He took the time to come out to my van and take a look. I'm still debating whether or not I'm gonna sell it or import it. I'd really like a nice Hummer (can't ever see that happening...lol).

Well, I checked under the hood and we do have that lovely sticker! and it even says it complies with California - which is where we are headed. I called the POE we are planning to go through and he said even with that we still need that Compliance Letter. So, I'm hoping Chysler coperates.

Thanks for your reply though. It's comforting to know that we at least have that sticker.

I checked online at the Customs & Border Protection website and found this in the FAQ.

The importer must be able to demonstrate to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that the vehicle model is either a U.S. version or that it conforms to EPA and DOT requirements in order to obtain CBP clearance. Valid proof of ownership, which is an original certificate of title, or a certified copy of the original must be also be presented to CBP.

A U.S. version vehicle is manufactured with a label in the engine compartment that states, in the English language, the vehicle conforms to all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulations. If this label is not present, the importer will have to obtain a letter from the manufacturer stating that the vehicle conforms to EPA standards.

To import a (compliant)vehicle, an entry must be filed with CBP. To do this, you should declare the vehicle to a CBP officer when it first arrives in the U.S.(assuming you are driving the car through a land border) At that time, you will also need to present a completed EPA Form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7 and the manufacturer's letter if necessary. You will receive the entry summary document CBP Form 7501 from CBP. This form is needed to register the car in your state of residence.

The importer is required to pay 2.5% duty, which is assessed based on the purchase price or blue book value.


This almost sounds like we don't need that letter... argh!

Also, what is this 2.5% duty? Did anyone have to pay duty when you went through? We've owned the vehicle for 2 years now.

Where are you crossing?

I talked to the officer and he did not say I had to pay duty. This could be is a USA resident was importing the vehicle I think..... But the 2.5% would be based on the value of the vehicle. Like 10,000 would be 250.00. I was told by the ND DOT that I would have to pay sales tax on my van when I registered it though...so?!?!?!

Sweetgrass, MT. My husband says it's a fairly good sized port. We are coming from Saskatchewan.

I was looking at the California DMV website and they had a calculator for people registering a vehicle that is from out of state. For my 2005 van it calculated $174 to register. I have no idea if this is steep or what. I've been a resident of Canada for 12 years now, maybe we won't be charged duty then. hmmm... I just love how simple all this is. My husband apologized for the trouble he is to get in to the States... and I am sorry that the US is so confusing. oh well, it's all worth it I guess.

There's no duty payable when you are immigrating. And the registration fee sounds right.

Yes, Sweetgrass MT. is a large port. I crossed at Portal, ND. I guess that would be your most direct route for where you are gonna be going to.