importing vehicle

[l&ns 2]

Hey all!

My husband and I are getting really close to the finish line!

What do we have to do to prepare my vehicle for importing? Is there a checklist or anything that needs to be done?

Thanks in advance for the help

[NikLR 13,220]

You need a compliance letter or stickers on the vehicle that show it's US compliant, and preferably make sure there is no lien on the vehicle. Many loan companies, even those through the maker do not allow for a vehicle to be exported, and many states have issues with foreign liens when you go to register.

[LornaJane 0]

Some vehicles aren't compliant with the US safety regulations but I'm assuming most are which guarantees a letter of compliance from the manufacturer. I have a 2012 Chevrolet Cruze and General Motors informed me that I can't import my vehicle because it won't meet US safety regulations therefore they can't provide me with a letter.

[mkr2015 0]

You need a compliance letter or stickers on the vehicle that show it's US compliant, and preferably make sure there is no lien on the vehicle. Many loan companies, even those through the maker do not allow for a vehicle to be exported, and many states have issues with foreign liens when you go to register.

To jump into this conversation, as its something I am currently looking into for myself as well, how does one go about finding/getting ahold of the letter/stickers? This is one thing that I actually have zero idea how to go about.

[TwoChickies 105]

To jump into this conversation, as its something I am currently looking into for myself as well, how does one go about finding/getting ahold of the letter/stickers? This is one thing that I actually have zero idea how to go about.

Contact your manufacturer representative (#3 on page): http://www.epa.gov/oms/imports/canadian.htm

[ChristinaG 91]

so I just called the number for GM and GM products..... my 2010 Chev Cobalt will not be eligible because it is not the S/S model ( turbo charged engine) .

I asked the guy if there were any modifications I could make, and he said no - only thing I could do was sell it in Canada....

**sigh** I really like this car (her name is "Marvin") LOL

[usabound12456 0]

Can we all not check the registration requirements in the states that we intend on living in? If the DMV in your state doesn't need the letter, and only needs the basic info (Canadian registration, drivers license, etc), can this be sufficient? Some DMVs do their own safety and emissions checks.

We are allowed to enter with a vehicle and have up to one year to register it, correct?

[ChristinaG 91]

I don't believe so..... mainly because before you even have the opportunity to register it in the State you're moving to, it must be imported, and that is a whole other level of bureaucracy!!

[NikLR 13,220]

The car needs to be imported to be registered. If its not imported and registered here you can't get insurance. Most Canadian companies will not insure a vehicle out of country if you are no longer a resident (which ceases when you poe.)

Letters are obtained from the manufacturer. There are some cars that are exclusively made in just the USA or Canada