A US listing can look like a bargain, especially when the price is in US dollars. But importing involves several agencies, forms and costs, and a mistake can leave you with a car you cannot register. This overview covers the main steps. Because rules, forms and fees change, always verify with the official sources before buying.
Start with admissibility
Before you pay for a US vehicle, confirm it can be imported. Transport Canada decides which vehicles are admissible based on their compliance with Canadian safety standards.
- Many vehicles manufactured for the US market are admissible, but some models and years are not.
- Transport Canada’s admissibility information, accessible through the RIV, lists vehicles and the modifications they need.
- Vehicles 15 years or older, calculated from the month of manufacture, are generally exempt from many Canadian safety standard requirements, though they still need to go through border and registration steps. Confirm the current rule with Transport Canada.
- Some vehicles need modifications, such as daytime running lights, a speedometer showing km/h, or label changes.
Do this check first. An inadmissible vehicle cannot simply be fixed with paperwork.
The main steps
- Confirm admissibility with Transport Canada and the RIV.
- Check the vehicle. Run the VIN, look for recalls, order a history report and arrange an inspection. The VIN check guide and history report guide apply to US vehicles as well.
- Check for US recalls. Open recalls on vehicles from the US must be fixed before the vehicle can be imported, and you will need proof of that.
- Complete the US export steps. US Customs and Border Protection requires export information, including the vehicle title, to be submitted in advance of crossing. The common requirement is 72 hours before exporting, though you should confirm current rules.
- Declare at the Canadian border. You must report the vehicle to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) at the time of import, pay duties and taxes owed, and get the entry documents.
- Register with the RIV. Pay the RIV fee, submit forms and complete any required modifications.
- Pass an RIV inspection. An authorized inspection location verifies compliance, and you receive a Canadian compliance label and paperwork.
- Register in your province. Take the documents to your provincial agency, pay tax, arrange insurance and complete a provincial safety inspection if required.
The exact forms and the order can vary by situation, so use the RIV website as your checklist.
Typical costs to plan for
Costs depend on the vehicle, province and rules in force, so treat this list as a framework and verify amounts yourself.
| Cost | Notes |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | In US dollars, converted at the rate when you pay |
| Exchange and bank fees | Small percentages add up on large amounts |
| Transport | Driving it yourself, a hauler or shipping |
| Duty | Depends on where the vehicle was made and trade agreements |
| GST | Federal tax of 5% on the value at import |
| Provincial tax | HST, PST or QST collected at registration where applicable |
| RIV fee | Charged by the RIV; check the current amount |
| RIV inspection | Fee at an authorized location |
| Modifications | Depends on the vehicle’s needs |
| Provincial safety inspection | Required in some provinces before registering |
| US recall work | Fixed before export where applicable |
| Insurance and registration | Same as for a locally bought vehicle |
For provincial taxes, rates differ. HST is 13% in Ontario and 15% in Atlantic provinces, QST is 9.975% in Quebec, PST is 7% in British Columbia, 6% in Saskatchewan and 7% (RST) in Manitoba, and Alberta has none. See sales tax on cars for an overview.
Border and paperwork tips
- Keep the original US title (or a certified copy where the vehicle is financed) and the bill of sale showing the price paid.
- Make sure the VIN on the title, car and documents match. A mismatch causes delays.
- If there is a lien on the US vehicle, the lender usually must provide a letter before export.
- Allow time. Delays at any stage, from title processing to inspection bookings, can add days or weeks.
- Do not drive the vehicle on Canadian roads long-term before it is cleared and registered; follow the CBSA and RIV instructions on temporary movement and deadlines.
Buying from a US dealer or online
Buying remotely adds risk. You may not be able to inspect the car in person, and consumer protection laws in the seller’s state apply, not Canadian rules. Hire an independent inspector near the seller, get everything in writing, and be cautious of deals that require wire transfers to unfamiliar parties. The online car buying guide discusses safe practices for remote purchases.
Is it worth it?
Whether importing makes sense depends on the vehicle. It can be worthwhile for models not sold in Canada or for specific trims and specifications that are hard to find locally. For common models, the added cost, time and risk often reduce the savings, and some buyers find a local purchase simpler. Put all costs in one table, compare it with a similar locally available vehicle, and include a risk margin for unexpected expenses.
Warranty and financing issues
A US-market vehicle may not carry the full Canadian manufacturer warranty. Warranty coverage for imports differs by manufacturer, so ask in writing before buying. Some lenders in Canada may also be reluctant to finance imported vehicles. Check with your lender in advance.
Where to get authoritative information
- RIV (riv.ca): admissibility, forms, fees, inspection locations
- Transport Canada: safety standards, recalls and import rules
- CBSA: border procedures, duty and taxes
- Provincial registration office: registration, inspection and tax requirements
This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Import rules, forms and fees change, so confirm current requirements with the official agencies above before you buy.
Key takeaways
- Confirm admissibility with Transport Canada and the RIV before buying.
- Plan for duty, GST, provincial tax, RIV fees, inspection and any modifications.
- Complete US export steps, CBSA declaration and RIV registration in the right order.
- Verify the VIN, recall status and history before you pay.
- Compare the full landed cost with a similar car bought in Canada.
Frequently asked questions
Can any US car be imported into Canada?
No. Vehicles must be admissible under Transport Canada rules, which depend on the model, year and whether the vehicle was manufactured to Canadian safety standards. Transport Canada publishes admissibility lists and the RIV provides vehicle-specific guidance. Check admissibility before you buy, not after.
What is the RIV?
The Registrar of Imported Vehicles is the program that administers the import of non-Canadian-specification vehicles. It collects fees, issues forms and processes modifications and inspections needed to bring a US vehicle to Canadian standards. Requirements and fees are listed on the RIV website.
Will I pay tax and duty on an imported car?
Generally yes. GST applies, and depending on province, provincial sales tax is collected at registration. Duty depends on where the vehicle was made and the trade rules in effect. Rates and exemptions change, so confirm current amounts with the CBSA before you buy.
Is importing a used US car always cheaper?
Not necessarily. After exchange rates, shipping or travel, duty, taxes, RIV fees, modifications and inspection, the savings may shrink or disappear. Add all costs together and compare with a similar vehicle bought locally. Be sure of admissibility and condition before committing.
Informational only. AutoChoice.ca does not sell vehicles or provide financing, insurance, legal or tax advice. Rates, fees and rules change and vary by province; confirm with the dealer, lender, insurer or government agency before you act. See the disclaimer.