Can A Canadian Buy A Car in the US?

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By PAGE Editor [July 9, 2021]

Traditionally, the US has been the home to some of the most esteemed automobile manufacturers in the world. Being a Canadian resident, you must have fancied the possibility of purchasing a car in the US and driving it back to your country. Well, Canadians can buy a car in the US, provided they fulfill certain stringent obligations. 

First, Canadians need to purchase from authorized sellers to import them. Before obtaining customs clearance, make sure that you purchase an importable car. Likewise, you need to consider your responsibilities, like obtaining a license and insurance.

So, if you are wondering, ‘can a Canadian buy a car in the US?’, the brief answer is yes. Contact reputed insurance brokers like Surex to purchase the right policy that would be valid in Canada. 

Read on to learn more about how Canadians can purchase a car in the US and bring it back to their country. Of course, if you're a Canadian but already live in the US, things will be easier. Still, if you're looking to purchase across state lines, you can also use a car shipping calculator to figure out what the price for shipping it to you would be.

Why purchase a car in the US?

The US automotive market is more versatile than the Canadian one. This brings automobile enthusiasts, like yourself, more options to consider. It’s no wonder why Canadian car owners have eyed the growing automotive market in the US for the past several years.

Recently, the Canadian dollar has gained more strength, which makes it more economical for Canadians buying cars in the US.

Thankfully, you can import a car to Canada after purchasing it in the US. Although the process turns out to be a bit complicated, we have explained how you can plan your import.

How can a Canadian buy a car in the US?

Being a car enthusiast, you want to get as much information as possible before buying a new ride.

So, you’re probably wondering, ‘can a Canadian buy a car in the US?’. Follow these steps to understand how to purchase your new ride in the US.

1. Know your restrictions

Canadians should ensure that the intended vehicle can be exported to Canada from the US. You cannot import all cars from the US to Canada. Besides, you may have to modify certain vehicles according to the established Canadian standards before driving them back to your country. 

Transport Canada has released a list of vehicles you can import from the US. Check out whether the car you are thinking about purchasing finds its name on this list. 

Some cars that are older than 15 years are exempted from restrictions. So, car collectors in Canada can import vintage US cars.

Also, you need to obtain a Recall Clearance Letter. After this, the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) will release the necessary inspection forms. This will indicate to the authorities whether the particular car has any outstanding recalls. If it does, you must get the issues sorted before bringing the car to Canada.

1. Sourcing your new car in the US

Now that you know your limitations, find a trusted seller in the US so that you have the documentation right. Both online and offline sellers operate in the US. It’s recommended to reach out to licensed automobile dealers. Doing this ensures that you have the documents in place while purchasing a genuine car. 

You can also purchase the car from private sellers in the US. However, the risk of legalities is much higher in these cases. Sourcing your car from an authentic US dealer also gives you the opportunity to strike a better bargain.

Importing the car from the US to Canada

Canadians need to reach out to US customs with the car's documentation at least 72 hours before exporting it to their country. Besides, the customs authorities will ask for proper documentation during the export. So, keep the sales receipts, vehicle registration, and insurance documents handy. 

Also, reach out to the dealer or the manufacturer to obtain a document stating that the vehicle doesn’t have any recalls. Lastly, the car needs to pass an inspection before you can import it to Canada.

Make sure to carry the car’s title, so that you can import it to Canada.

Obtain your Internal Transaction Number

Canadians need to provide their Internal Transaction Number (ITN) along with a digitally scanned document of both sides of the document. Besides, if you want to drive to Canada, you need to wait for a few days.

Obtaining the ITN is easy. You can reach out to a professional importer with a license. It would cost you about $100 to $200. Once you make the payment, send the following documents to the importer to receive the ITN.

• Scanned copies of the car’s title

• The value of your car

• Your address in Canada

• Your passport number from Canada

• Your phone number

  Export the car to Canada

Once you clear the formalities, you can drive the car from the US to Canada through the border. You need to complete the necessary procedures at the export office. In most border crossings, you will have these export offices. 

Before you reach any US borders, call the export office to verify whether they can complete the procedure. It’s easy to locate these offices, and researching a bit will ease up the process for you.

Once you drive to Canada, clear the tax at Canadian customs. Fill up a vehicle import e-form to fulfill the necessary obligations.

Endnote

If you have been wondering, ‘can a Canadian buy car in USA?’ , we have cleared the matter for you. Now, it’s imperative to cover your car with the necessary insurance policy. While you need to purchase temporary insurance in the US when you purchase it, it’s important to get a permanent policy in Canada. 

Insurance brokers at online insurance brokerages can help you compare multiple quotes from reputed insurers so that you remain on the affordable end. These helpful professionals will also assist you in filing claims and renewing your policy later on.

So long as you have your documentation right, importing a car from the US to Canada won’t be a hassle. Explore the wide range of models available in the US and drive the car to your place in Canada!

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