Importing and registering a car in California from Canada requires a specific process. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of how to register your car, including necessary procedures and practical tips.
Surrendering your Canadian license plates before entering the US is optional. You can return them to your provincial licensing authority and obtain a temporary operating permit. This allows you to drive for a limited time without official plates. However, this process may vary depending on the Canadian province where your car is registered.
To import your vehicle into the US, you’ll need three crucial documents: DOT form H7, EPA form 3520-1, and a letter of compliance from the manufacturer. The letter of compliance is only necessary if your vehicle doesn’t have an EPA emissions label. If you can’t find the EPA sticker on your car, contact a US representative of the manufacturer to request the letter.
When crossing the US border at Blaine, Washington, inform the CBP officer that you are importing a vehicle. After completing visa formalities, the vehicle import process is usually quick. Your car will undergo a brief inspection. You’ll need to pay a 2.5% import duty based on the vehicle’s value as assessed by Kelly Blue Book. Afterward, you’ll receive documentation confirming your car’s importation into the US.
Upon arriving in California, purchase car insurance before registration. Buying insurance online is straightforward, regardless of whether your car is registered in California yet. Before your temporary operating permit expires, get a smog check, which costs around $35.
Next, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to register your car. Submit your most recent Canadian transfer of ownership document to obtain a California Certificate of Title. Registration and license plate fees are approximately $221 per year. After completing the process, you’ll receive new license plates and temporary registration documents. Your official registration and title will arrive by mail within a few weeks. You can install your new plates in the DMV parking lot and officially own a registered car in California.
In summary, importing and registering a car in California is relatively straightforward. Owning a car in California offers many benefits, especially for new residents. This process requires thorough preparation of documents and adherence to regulations.
