NorthernDancer

Obviously some people can get their temp tag w/o paying Florida tax. I've imported 3 times but not from Florida. I would take my own Ontario plate but also try and use the PO's plate. The PO takes note of time and date transfer was done so he is no longer owner of that plate [tag].

Targatoo

My advice: don't stay at the Travel Lodge in Roanoke VA. In fact, just keep driving right past Roanoke.

early_grayce

My border crossing requires the ORIGINAL paperwork sent to them, NO fax. Check your border crossing's web site to see what they require.

thane

which crossing is that? I'm hoping to come across at Alexandria Bay / Thousand Islands bridge

thane

or put a different way, what border crossings in eastern ontario or western quebec have people had good experiences with? Final destination is Ottawa.

Turbodan

for Lewiston you just email the vin, don't even need a copy of the title until you get there.

Christien

Not all border crossings permit vehicle export, so make sure you check ahead. For example, of the 3 Niagara region crossings, only Lewiston permits export. It's also not 24 hours, only 8-4 there.

thane

Is there any crossing that is open on weekends for vehicle export? I think I've looked through them all in NY and didn't see any that were open late or on weekends.

Turbodan

Detroit

Mike_UCR

I just bought a 99 996 located in Wichita Kansas and am trying to decide on the roadtrip vs shipping. The PO says he will leave the tags, registration & insurance on the car if that will help. Guess I would know the car pretty well after a 1900km trip home. Are the US & Cdn customs clearances restricted to weekdays only?

thane

Thanks for all the advice, folks. Planning to drive back without plates and a boatload of paperwork including proof of insurance, come across the border during business hours, park at Canadian border, taxi to the local vehicle licensing to get a trip permit, taxi back, drive home. Wish me luck

early_grayce

And a receipt of payment, not just bill of sale. i.e. receipt from cashier's cheque or wire transfer. Not essential, but VERY helpful.

early_grayce

Don't forget, you have to drop by US customs as the car has to be "exported". Then you go to Canadian customs to "import"
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/bas...or_vehicle.xml

Here's the Alexandria Bay crossing info:

Vehicle Exports, 0800-1600 hrs. Mon.-Fri. (excluding holidays), call 315-482-2261 x 295 Original documents are required at the port a minimum of 72 hours prior to export. Faxed or photocopied documents are not accepted. Directions to the vehicle export office: Take Rte. 81N to exit 52, left at stop sign, drive thru 2nd stop sign. Park in parking lot. Vehicle exports are processed in building marked Commerical Processing Center. Vehicle must be present at time of export. Please bring a copy of documents at time of export to facilitate processing. Original documents will be returned at time of export.


Call them as well to confirm they received the documents.
Not all "ports" give the above information, but each has a number to call for vehicle exports:
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/contacts/ports/

thane

If they require original documents do you send them fedex or similar?

Rinty

Thane:

Make sure you have documentation with you to substantiate your purchase price, i.e. the original ad, your correspondence with the seller, and copies of ads for similar cars. Some border agents can be picky about this.

Also, have the seller show you where the month/year build date is, on the driver's door frame or driver's door.

Good luck, and have an enjoyable trip.