importing car from Canada to US

[jama2012 0]

Hello,

thank god for this forum. It has so much valuable information.

I want to import my 2007 kia to US.

I know I need a compliance letter from Kia stating the car meets the EPA standards and the FMVSS. I called KIA Caanda and the rep told me they provide a standard letter that states the car meets the US EPA standards and the Canadian motor vehicle safety standards. It say nothing about the FMVSS.

I have a sticker on the hood that says car meets the EPA standards.

The rep also said, even though, the letter does not say anything about the FMVSS, Canadians are still able to import the car over the US border and are able to register with the local DMVs.

but all the US website I have read regarding the rules for importation seem to stay the letter must state it meets FMVSS. I am confused.

anyone have any experience with this?

[honnybear 1]

Well other experiences may well differ but here's mine...

I am in NH. Some say I had to import within 60 days some say I don't - and that within the same dept of DMV! So I didn't for 4 years because I am back and forth to Canada every few weeks and still had a CDN drivers license and residency as an F-1. When the turn came to renew Cdn DL car registration etc I figured it was time. He deal was as soon as I have up my Cdn DL I had to do something with the car too. So I got my US DL. Then went to local town office where I live to register he car as a non-resident. Makes sense since I was still F-2 until out AOS got sent in. That's where the fun began. The town clerk was CLUELESS. Took 3 hours for her to read her b

[honnybear 1]

Contd... To read her book and call DMV 3 times. In the end I did not have to show any letter because once car is regstd/imported 10 days are given to do a state inspection.

[Murph44 0]

I'm having the same problem with my Kia compliance letter. Has anyone else had this occur, especially with a foreign made vehicle?

Kia has insisted that very few people have actually had problems with the letter when handing it over to CBP at the border and importing the vehicle...even though the letter states that the car doesn't meant the FMVSS...the heck?

Edited September 23, 2014 by Murph44