The Rover-Landers of BC

I am looking for any experiences and or knowledge with the importation process for importing a vehicle from the US. The truck is a 1987 Chevy Suburban 4x4, so exceeds the 15 year and older rules to bypass the RIV process. As for documentation, I understand that I need the transfer of title and bill of sale. Anyone know what qualifies for a bill of sale if bought privately? Also I am having trouble determining if I need to supply documentation showing no liens etc. Does a carfax report suffice?

How about licensing and insurance for getting the truck home? Do you require actual plates or does a temporary permit work?

After finally getting across the border, does anyone have any recommendations for a shop to carry out an out of province inspection? I am located in Maple Ridge.

Thank you in advance for any info and help.

Hey there - I have done this a few times. Most recently with a 1993 NAS 110 (RIV exempt). Much easier when RIV not involved. What you need:

1. Bill of sale signed by both parties (google search for examples). At minimum needs date of sale, price of sale, VIN and sig from each party (buyer and seller). I also added address, color and mileage on vehicle....can't remember anything else. Hand written or typed is fine but templates can easily be downloaded from web.

2. ORIGINAL title of vehicle

3. Both those pieces of paper need to be at your border crossing 72 hrs before you get there with truck (earlier is better - then call to be sure they have arrived. I had the seller send them FEDEX with sig required)

4. That should be it. Pass through customs export at US side then customs import at Canadian side and all should be good.

5. In Alberta, you are allowed to transfer plates from an existing vehicle to one you are importing for up to 14 days - so I went this route to get a plate on it for the drive home (just made sure I had the registration for the vehicle that I took the plate off for the trip). Make sure you have it insured before you drive it home from buyer though.

6. Will need OOP inspection but not OOC - much more straightforward here in AB.


PM me with any other questions...Happy to help if I can

Jason
The Rover Shop