Step 1: Before you buy

Is importation right for you?

Not sure which vehicle you want to buy? Check out our buying a new vehicle information tool. Do you already know what you want? Find out if importing a vehicle from the U.S. is for you. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles regulates vehicles originally manufactured for the U.S. market including:

• passenger cars, trucks, vans and jeeps
• chassis cabs and trailers
• motorcycles
• off-road vehicles
• snowmobiles less than 15 years old
• buses manufactured after Jan. 1, 1971

Price Differences

Price differences between the manufacturer's suggested retail price in Canada vs. the United States can vary based on the model of the vehicle. It's important to know these differences and additional costs, such as taxes, levies and importing fees before you plan to import. In some cases, it could be the same or even cheaper to buy the vehicle in Canada.

Before you buy

• Ensure the vehicle is admissible and can be modified to meet Canadian requirements. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) has a complete list of modification and inspection requirements that must be met prior to importing a vehicle from the U.S. into Canada.
• Some vehicle manufacturers have agreements with their U.S. dealers not to sell to Canadians. If you are buying a new vehicle check with the dealership to make sure they will sell you a vehicle.
• Don't forget about costs involved like travel expenses, food and gas if you will be getting the vehicle yourself, or shipping costs if you're having it shipped.
• Determine additional vehicle costs, such as duty and taxes.You will be required to pay a RIV fee of $195 + GST. North American manufactured vehicles imported for personal use generally enter Canada duty free, however there are some additional costs that are not included in the price. All vehicles imported are subject to GST and those with air conditioning will be taxed $100. If your vehicle was manufactured outside North America you will also have to pay duty. The vehicle may be subject to an excise tax on fuel inefficient cars.
• Never buy a vehicle without seeing it first.
• If you are buying a used vehicle from the United States, check the vehicle's history by purchasing a CARFAX or CarProof VERIFIED™ report. The reports will give you important information from a third party about the vehicle.
• Know that you must pay for the vehicle with cash or with financing from a financial institution. Canadian citizens do not qualify for manufacturer financing.

Non-United States importations

Information on importing vehicles into Canada from countries other than the United States is available from Transport Canada and the Canada Border Services Agency. If you are thinking about buying a right-hand-drive vehicle, make sure you understand the risks. An ICBC study showed that right-hand-drive vehicles are more than 40 per cent more likely to crash than similar left-hand drive vehicles.

Step 2: After you buy

Once you have purchased your vehicle, you will need to obtain copies of the following documents:

• Recall clearance letter ? issued by the original equipment manufacturer or in some cases an authorized American dealership.
• Certificate of title ? issued by the dealer. If the title is NOT in your name, the seller must sign as the seller and your name must appear as the buyer.
• Bill of sale ? issued by the dealer.
• Vehicle registration
• Statement of compliance label ? this is usually affixed to the vehicle.

Documentation for your vehicle must be presented to U.S. Customs at least 72 hours before the vehicle arrives at the border. You must decide where you plan to cross the border and contact that office for confirmation of document receipt.

Importing into Alberta

If you are crossing directly into Alberta you must use the Sweetgrass, Mont., border crossing. If you plan to drive the vehicle through the border yourself, you will need insurance before you go. Get a quick and easy auto insurance quote in three steps.

When your vehicle is purchased, the U.S. dealer will issue you a one-month temporary license plate. You can drive in the U.S. and Canada, while you're completing the import process, with the temporary plate.