Have some questions about importing my vehicle

[bloopygirl 20]

Hey all,

I want to import my vehicle. It's already here in the US, but it's in my parents' name. Can I import it while it is still in their name to avoid paying any fees (since they've had it in the household for over a year) if they aren't present? Or does it have to be in my name to import it?

Also, where are you supposed to go if you took it to the US already and want to import it later? I forget.

Thanks

[Ash.1101 1,756]

You can't import it without it being in your name, most states you also can't register the car without showing a title that is in your name, so your best bet is to just get it changed into your name now.

In eyes of simplicity, the car isn't technically yours, as your name isn't on the title, while you have permission to drive it and are insured to do so, you can't import it or register it.



Importation requirements: https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/218/~/requirements-for-importing-a-vehicle-%2F-vehicle-parts

""-Ensure you have valid proof of ownership, which is an original certificate of title, or a certified copy of the original.

Vehicle Parts will require a receipt for purchase.

-Manufacturer's letter/certificate, stating that the vehicle conforms to EPA and DOT standards. Vehicle parts must also be conformed to U.S. Standards depending on the part being imported. (For example: Engine must meet EPA and a Fender must meet DOT standards)

-Completed EPA form 3520-1 and DOT form HS-7. Vehicle parts will depend on the part being imported to the U.S.

Note: If the vehicle has stickers on the engine (EPA) and inside the drivers-side door (DOT) stating that the car was manufactured to U.S. standards, you will not need a manufacturers letter. Some vehicles are listed by make, model, and year on the DOT and EPA web sites as conforming. If your vehicle is one of those, that would also negate the need for a manufacturers' letter"

Registration requirements: Note, most if not all states require you to be the owner on the title: http://www.dmv.org/car-registration.php

"Before you can register your car, your vehicle will likely need to:

• Have a title in your name.
• Pass an emissions test or smog check.
• Pass a vehicle safety inspection.
• Be covered by car insurance."

Edited November 9, 2015 by Ash.1101

[NikLR 13,227]

If you already took it to the USA, you'll have to get your parents to sell you the car. Then you go to the nearest land border and import your car there with proof of ownership and compliance.

You have a year from entry to do this. Do not wait.

Edited November 10, 2015 by NLR

[bloopygirl 20]

Thanks a lot for the info guys. Yeah don't worry, we won't keep it here for longer than a year, I've only been here a month Thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

Check to see if your out of country insurance is valid while you're in the USA. After all it would be your parent's insurance and the last thing you want is an accident that is possibly uninsured!

[bloopygirl 20]

Thank you for the advice