Importing a Car from Canada to the U.S.
Last Updated: Aug. 19, 2026
Importing a car from Canada into the U.S. has become increasingly popular in recent years. This is in part due to the currency exchange rate, which means that some cars in Canada can be cheaper than their American counterparts. Although it’s easy to just drive a car from Canada to the U.S., importing a car involves more than just crossing the border. For one, you’ll have to ensure that the car meets American safety and emissions standards before bringing it into the country. You’ll also need to pay duties and other fees on your imported car.
Most cars, whether new or old, meet the requirements for import eligibility into the United States. However, there are exceptions, such as certain Canadian-certified vehicles that do not meet U.S. safety or emissions requirements. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains eligibility information for vehicles that do not conform to U.S. safety standards. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps and cost of importing a car from Canada to the U.S. and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What are the steps to import a car from Canada to the U.S.?
Step 1. Determine your car’s import eligibility
To import a car from Canada, it must qualify for importation under U.S. regulations (both federal and state). For a vehicle to legally enter the U.S., it must meet the safety standards set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in addition to the emission standards of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which determines whether an imported car meets an acceptable level of emissions control for use on American roads.
NHTSA and EPA apply separate requirements, so a vehicle must satisfy both agencies’ applicable rules before it can be permanently imported.
You will need to look for conformity stickers on your vehicle, which are clearly shown on the door jam of a passenger vehicle. The stickers can be found under the hood on vehicles like Jeeps where the doors are removable. Many of these stickers have Canadian Maple Leaf or Vehicle Emission Control Information.
For EPA purposes, importers should check the vehicle’s emissions label and determine whether the Canadian vehicle is identical to a U.S.-certified version. EPA states that a Canadian vehicle may qualify as identical to a U.S.-certified version if it has an emissions label stating that it meets U.S. EPA federal emission standards or if the manufacturer’s U.S. representative provides an acceptable letter of compliance.
The age rules also differ between NHTSA and EPA. A motor vehicle that is at least 25 years old can qualify for importation without regard to compliance with applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). The 25-year period runs from the vehicle’s date of manufacture.
EPA has a separate age-based provision for vehicles more than 21 years old. The vehicle must have an engine that is identical to the engine installed in the vehicle when it was originally manufactured to qualify under that provision.
In some cases, nonconforming vehicles may be eligible for import into the United States. NHTSA provides a list of vehicles that have been determined eligible for importation and explains the requirements for vehicles that do not conform to U.S. safety standards. If the eligibility of the car you wish to import is based on an eligibility decision, you must include the appropriate eligibility number on the Form HS-7 accompanying entry.
The easiest way to determine your eligibility is to book a meeting with one of our customs concierges for a complimentary assessment.
Step 2. Identify whether it’s a personal or commercial import
Importing a car for personal use differs from importing it for commercial use. When importing a car for commercial purposes, you must provide a Tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN).
If the car is for personal use, you can complete the paperwork yourself, but there may be delays at the border due to additional requirements or missed steps. The value a customs broker provides is ensuring that your car crosses the border seamlessly.
Step 3. Hire a customs broker
Even if you are driving your car across the border yourself, you might want to hire a customs broker to help with the import process. A customs broker is a CBP-certified individual or company that facilitates importing cars and other goods from foreign countries into the United States. They can ensure a seamless border crossing by notifying customs in advance of the car’s arrival and preparing the appropriate documentation.
We highly recommend working with a customs broker because they know all the import rules and regulations, have experience dealing with importing vehicles and can help you navigate any potential pitfalls.
Step 4. Transport your car from Canada to the U.S.
You can bring your car into the U.S. from Canada either through:
- Self-Drive – This is the most common method of importing a motor vehicle from Canada, especially when the port of entry is a short drive from the Canadian province where you purchased your car.
- Truck Shipment – This auto-shipping method is preferred for long distances when the port of entry is not close to the province where the car is purchased and shipped from.
If you’re auto-shipping your car via truck, you will need to choose a port of entry that handles vehicle imports and is closest to your destination state. This interactive port of entry map provides information about U.S. ports and their requirements. You can also speak to a customs broker to help you choose the best entry port.
Step 5. Prepare your customs paperwork
Now it’s time to prepare your import documentation and submit them to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The documents required to import a car from Canada to the United States depend on the vehicle and the circumstances of the import.
Commonly required documents include:
- A U.S. Customs Proforma Invoice
- Registration (may be required by local DMV)
- Bill of Lading (BoL) (generated by your carrier and provided to your customs broker)
- A Bill of Sale showing VIN
- EPA form 3520-1
- DOT form HS-7
- A Letter of Recall and Conformity from the manufacturer (if applicable)
EPA and NHTSA provide the applicable forms and instructions for vehicle imports. EPA Form 3520-1 covers EPA emissions requirements, while the HS-7 Declaration addresses NHTSA safety requirements.
You can submit these documents to CBP yourself or have your customs broker file them for you.
Step 6. Pay the required duty and fees
Imported cars in the United States are subject to customs duty. The amount of duty you will need to pay depends on the vehicle’s tariff classification, value, country of origin, and any applicable trade programs or additional tariff measures.
The general duty rate for passenger automobiles under HTSUS heading 8703 is 2.5%. However, importers should not assume that every vehicle imported from Canada will pay only the 2.5% rate. A vehicle may qualify for preferential USMCA treatment if it satisfies the agreement’s applicable rules of origin, while separate U.S. tariff measures can also affect the amount due.
In July 2026, the White House issued a proclamation imposing additional duties on certain Canadian products, including motor vehicles. The administration subsequently issued a temporary suspension concerning certain additional duties on Canadian motor vehicles, effective August 22, 2026. Because tariff treatment can depend on the vehicle, its origin, and the applicable HTSUS provisions, importers should confirm the current treatment before entry.
Step 7. Get ready for an inspection
Once your car arrives at American borders, CBP may choose to inspect it.
Inspections are integral to the import process, verifying that your vehicle complies with all U.S. safety and emission standards. An inspection will check that your car has all the necessary parts installed properly and that any equipment required for safety or emissions is in good working order. To ensure that your vehicle passes the inspection:
- Take care of all the paperwork ahead of time;
- Clear your vehicle of any personal belongings; and
- Ensure the vehicle is clean of dirt and debris, especially the tires and undercarriage.
Do not use your car as a storage container to ship goods. If you do so, the entire contents of your car will need to be declared to customs, and you may have your car subject to seizure or incur additional costs.
Step 8. Register your car in the U.S.
Federal importation and state registration are separate processes. After completing the federal import requirements, you must meet the title, registration, insurance, inspection, and emissions requirements of the state where you plan to register the vehicle.
The specific requirements vary by state, so check with the appropriate state motor vehicle agency before importing the vehicle.
In general, you will need to:
- Apply for a permanent vehicle registration
- Provide proof of insurance for your vehicle
- Pay any applicable taxes and fees associated with registering a new vehicle (these vary by state)
- Obtain license plates, which may be purchased from your local DMV location
- Obtain any necessary permits, such as a license plate sticker or emissions test certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I legally import a car from Canada?
Yes. You can import a car from Canada if it meets applicable U.S. NHTSA safety and EPA emissions requirements. Nonconforming vehicles may qualify under specific import pathways or exemptions.
Can a U.S. citizen buy a car from Canada?
Yes. A U.S. citizen can buy and import a Canadian vehicle, but the vehicle must meet applicable U.S. import requirements. Temporary entry rules differ from permanent importation, so do not assume a one-year stay exempts the vehicle from duties or import requirements.
Do Canadian cars meet U.S. standards?
Some do, but Canadian and U.S. vehicle standards are not identical. Check the vehicle’s emissions label and U.S. safety compliance before importing it. EPA provides specific guidance for determining whether a Canadian vehicle qualifies as identical to a U.S.-certified version.
Can I import a 25-year-old car from Canada?
Yes. NHTSA’s 25-year rule allows vehicles at least 25 years old to enter without regard to FMVSS compliance. However, the rule does not automatically exempt the vehicle from EPA requirements or customs duties. EPA has a separate provision for vehicles more than 21 years old.
How GHY Can Help
At GHY, we help hundreds of importers bring their vehicles into the United States every year without any hassle. We’ll take all the work off your shoulders, from checking your vehicle’s admissibility to clearing customs. Book a meeting with one of our Trade Experts and we’ll take it from there.
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