Bringing a Car to the USA

[OilersBaby]

Hello,

My dad passed away in January 2009. He has a 2008 Lexus RX 350 SUV, bought in Calgary...less than 8000 kilometres. We are going to try and sell it but if we can't, we are going to do the following:

1) Transport the car to the USA (my brother is moving there)

Does anyone know what you have to do to get this accomplished? I am asking specifically about the paperwork required to clear customs? Also, if my brother wanted to, is he able to just drive it across the border and switch everything Canadian to everything American (ie license, registration, etc etc etc) or do you have to use a company to send?

Please help! This is very urgent. Im only in Calgary for a couple of weeks before I go back home to SJ..and I really want to help my mom. We have to empty out the whole house, sort out my dad's finances etc..and the car thing is really stressing me out. I hope it sells and we don't have to worry about it, but it doesnt seem to be happening.

Thanks,
Rina

[burn_baby_burn]

I know what to do to get a car from the USA to Canada but not the opposite. My brother lives in the US and bought a truck in Alberta, I'll ask him what he had to do.

Edit: My brother said he really can't remember what was involved. He did say it was a pain in the ass. Plus he knew people at US Customs that made the transition easy for him. Securing the Title will be your first step. I would follow getbak's advice. You might want to talk to US Customs.

[getbak]

I was looking on the US Customs and Border Protection website yesterday for something else, but I recall seeing this as one of their FAQs.

The site is: http://www.cbp.gov/

You should be able to search their questions database.

[OilersBaby]

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

I know what to do to get a car from the USA to Canada but not the opposite. My brother lives in the US and bought a truck in Alberta, I'll ask him what he had to do.

Edit: My brother said he really can't remember what was involved. He did say it was a pain in the ass. Plus he knew people at US Customs that made the transition easy for him. Securing the Title will be your first step. I would follow getbak's advice. You might want to talk to US Customs.

I should add that the car was fully paid for, so the car title is in my dad's name right now........I guess the first thing is to change it to my brothers.

[burn_baby_burn]

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

I should add that the car was fully paid for, so the car title is in my dad's name right now........I guess the first thing is to change it to my brothers.

You might want to consider hiring a broker. It will cost you some money but you should have no problems at the border.

[valo403]

I've lived in the US for almost 4 years and just drove across with my Alberta plates. I haven't changed a thing and haven't had a problem at all.

[Clever_Iggy]

I'm not very clear on the border issue with such a new car.

As for registering (In CA, I assume). I brought a car down from Canada and registered it in California. There are quite a few hoops to jump through, but it's not too difficult.

First, you'll need to make sure the title is clear in Canada. IE, no liens, all the registration is in your brother's name, etc...

First (b) : Go to your local department of motor vehicles in California to get your license and get the package to change registration.

Second, you'll need a letter from the dealership that the car doesn't have any recalls on it (easy enough to do - IIRC, you just need to physically go to the dealership with the VIN).

Third, you need the car to be inspected by the California Highway Patrol. This is the hardest part because they are so heavily booked. Also, you can't go to any CHP station, but rather the one designated for you address. You may want to call the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles to see if there's a specific form you need to take with you. Make the appointment early though - very booked up!

Fourth, you need to get the car smog tested. Not difficult. Pay attention to newpapers/junk mail for coupons - saves you 25-50%.

Fifth, once you have all the above assembled, you need to mail it all (make copies for yourself!) to the CA Dept. of Motor Vehicles in Sacramento along with your AB (or Canadian) license plate.

Driver tests are pretty straight forward, but if you have a crack or ding in the windshield, consider getting it fixed before hand... especially if its remotely close to your field of vision (my own experience).

RE bringing the car over the border: it can depend on what visa your brother is entering the country on. If it's an F-1 (student), the agents don't really care because they assume you're leaving at the end of study. Otherwise, I'm not very sure.

IIRC, it's more the number or steps and length of time to get it done over the difficulty of any one step.

Let me know if I can be of any other assistance.