California DMV and export to Canada

truckasaurus · 03-28-2008, 06:36 PM

I'm planning to pick up my recently purchased '61 late next month and have a few questions about getting transit plates in California? I had the vendor sign over the title and provide a bill of sale (she dropped them off to InlandRV along with the trailer). My goal is to get a transit plate on and be at the border within one week.

In a couple of days I'll be able to schedule a DMV appointment online for the day of pick up to conduct any paperwork but thought it couldn't hurt to ask for any tips here first. (also it's nice to see the Cali DMV number for Canadians is unavailable for use from my area. ie. Canada?)

Is the DMV going to want me to have it weighed, inspected etc just for temporary plates? Also I doubt if the bill of sale was notorized, I didn't think of it at the time; could this be a big hurdle?

Worst case I could just skip the plates I suppose. In November I bought a new truck in South Carolina and drove the last 2500kms home without any plate after the dealer paper plate gave up the ghost.

Mexray · 04-03-2008, 12:39 AM

...go here: www.dmv.ca.gov and you should find the info you're looking for.

I believe Calif still has a one day permit to move vehicles, and should include trailers. It should only be a modest cost for this permit, as you are only transporting the trailer out of state.

Sales or use tax could be a problem, as DMV would probably ask some questions along these lines. I have no idea how they treat purchases that are going to another state/country...maybe their web site has that info as well, so you can be prepared with the proper documents, etc...

Of course you could always bring along your own out of state 'plate' and then be one of many visitors....

truckasaurus · 04-03-2008, 08:04 AM

Thanks Mexray, I've been looking on their site and it does have a lot of information, I guess my needs are too specific. I've managed to make an online appointment for the 29th April (none available on the 28th?) so I'll have to see if I can get what I need as a walk on the 28th when I pick up the trailer. I have looked into getting an Alberta temporary transit plate but it would only be valid in Canada and then only for 3 days; so it will be of use just not in the USA.

Macfrodge · 04-03-2008, 09:59 AM

When we purchased our trailer in Delaware for export to Canada the dealer provided us with a temporary tag, somewhere in the $90 range I seem to remember. Could Inland RV help you in that respect?

And sales tax for us wasn't an issue as Delaware has no sales tax - but again, couldn't the dealer you're picking it up from give you some advice/information?

In case you need some info on importing into Canada, I detailed my experiences here. It's a step by step outline, and I've indicated a few glitches that happened that could have been avoided.

Ganaraska · 10-13-2008, 08:28 PM

One thing to bear in mind when importing a vehicle. When crossing the border the customs people want to have all the paperwork 3 days in advance. You fax them the info and they have time to check it out, make sure the vehicle is not stolen etc.

If you wait till you get to the border they have to do the same work and it can take a few hours. So make it easy on yourself by being prepared ahead of time.

Goin camping · 10-13-2008, 09:22 PM

CA. DMV will not require an inspection or a wieghing. They may need to verify the VIN so make sure Andy points out where it is if you don't know already.

I have to warn you that in CA. the DMV is a direct revenue source so I'd imagine they will soak you pretty good.

If the registration has expired on your trailer. Do not admit that the wheels have touched a public street in any way or you will have to pay back registration.

truckasaurus · 10-13-2008, 10:46 PM

Hey thanks guys, guess I should have updated this thread! I brought it back no problems, the CA DMV issued a scrap of paper to keep in my TV for about $15 to cover transit and they didn't even want me to title it or anything. It wasn't even titled in CA, something the seller failed to mention to me! (it was some other state). Anyhow it all worked out and the border agents did the soaking...GST on the purchase price, repairs, replacement tires, the whole deal. I would sulk about that part but it was about $450 which is a small price to pay to get all 26' of dream trailer into Canada.

GT1963 · 10-13-2008, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckasaurus

Hey thanks guys, guess I should have updated this thread! I brought it back no problems, the CA DMV issued a scrap of paper to keep in my TV for about $15 to cover transit and they didn't even want me to title it or anything. It wasn't even titled in CA, something the seller failed to mention to me! (it was some other state). Anyhow it all worked out and the border agents did the soaking...GST on the purchase price, repairs, replacement tires, the whole deal. I would sulk about that part but it was about $450 which is a small price to pay to get all 26' of dream trailer into Canada.

Glad you got home safe and sound

Must post pics of your new 61

By the way - your trailer repairs should have been exempt - on GST - not all border crossings no all the details of taxation.

For any others that may pick up on this thread - As Canadians with the intention of importing a "vehicle" - trailer specifically - you are not required to purchase any "transit" sticker. Also you cannot title the trailer as you must be a resident of the US in order to do so. All that is required in any state while "in transit" is your bill of sale and the valid title upon purchase. However if there is a valid "tag" or plate then you may travel with that until such time as you have entered Canada or completed the "vehicle import" process (if you have bought a newer trailer).

Also no Vehicle import Form 1 can be completed in advance of the border crossing - as for any trailers over 15 years old the Form 1 has to be stamped exempt at the time of crossing of any Vehicle import rules as per each Province.

Biggest issue we have found is to be sure that you have a valid title of the trailer itself from the person you are purchasing from. Depending on the Province you are from and individual licensing offices that is where you can run into the problems in not being able to plate your trailer without a valid title to transfer ownership of.