How to Import a Used RV to Canada

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The Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles is available to assist U.S. RV owners with the documentation necessary to import an RV and other approved vehicle into Canada. Rules and provisions are put into place to protect the operator, passengers and other motorists from risk if the RV should fail while on the road. Once the appropriate paperwork is submitted and all fees and inspections are cleared, you can drive your RV to some of Canada's top campsites including Riverside RV Resort & Campground, a campsite that offers RV and tent camping near the mountains and a river.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Vehicle history
Title
Recall clearance
Inspection form
Fees

Step 1

Verify that your RV is admissible to enter Canada from the United States. RVs in Class A, B and C are admissible as of April 2010. The Registrar of Imported Vehicles website provides a complete listing of admissible vehicles (see References).

Step 2

Contact a local U. S. Department of Motor Vehicles office to obtain a copy of the RV's permanent history. Such records are necessary to license the vehicle in Canada.

Step 3

Provide a recall clearance letter for the RV to the Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV). A recall clearance confirms that your RV has not been recalled for salvage and that it does not pose a risk to the operator or the public at large. To get this clearance, obtain documentation from the manufacturer stating that there are no outstanding recalls for the RV. Submit the recall clearance form by fax to 888-642-9899 or visit an RIV office in person. Once the form is received, the RIV will release an inspection form for your vehicle.

Step 4

Select a state province and a border crossing location. All fees are payable at the border crossing location. See Resources for a sample Customs and Border Protection (CBP) form.

Step 5

Undergo vehicle inspection to confirm that your RV complies with Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. (Modifications may be necessary before the RV is in compliance with RIV standards.) RIV inspection must occur within 45 days of import. Approved inspection locations include Canadian Tire and other independent centers across Canada.

Tips & Warnings

Canada Border Services Agency: If calling from the United States: (506) 636-5064 (English)

You must take the Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) to the United States Title Bureau and have a title issued for the RV if you do not already have one.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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