Is this your first time importing an RV into Canada from the United States? Luckily it is not ours! Here you will find everything you need to know to import an RV into Canada. You can also call us for help in any step of the way at 1-888-318-4870.

Prior to Purchase:

Before you purchase an RV in the United States, make sure that the RV or Travel Trailer that you are interested in is an admissible vehicle for importing into Canada according to Transport Canada and The Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV).  In order to be an admissible vehicle, it must comply with all the regulations stated here in the LIST OF VEHICLES ADMISSIBLE FROM THE UNITED STATES.  

Note: At this time, you are only checking to see that the Manufacture, Make, Model, and Year of the vehicle appears on the list above.  You don't have to worry about modifications until after you bring the vehicle across the border (daytime running lights, metric odometer, etc.).

After Purchase and Before Crossing the Border:

Once you have decided to buy and payment arrangements have been made, you can now start gathering all the necessary documentation you will need to cross the border. This is where Paul Sherry RVs makes it easy for you!  In order to avoid a hold up or any complications at the border, we will:

• Fax two complete copies of the Title to the US Customs 72 hours prior to your crossing.  This is done in order to satisfy the U.S. Customs Vehicle Export requirements.
• Obtain or help you obtain VIN specific recall clearance letters.  These letters must be obtained from the manufactures of the vehicle.  In the case of importing a motorized RV, you must have a letter from both manufacture of the chassis and the manufacture of the coach (IE: Ford and Forest River).  We know who to call and talk to in order to get these letters with minimal hassle.
• Send you on your way with the original title, registration (or proof of ownership), sales receipts, and the recall clearance letters.  With this documentation, you should have a smooth border crossing experience.

At the Border:

U.S. Customs:  You will need to present the original title and the RV or Travel Trailer to the U.S. border patrols.  They will already have the other two copies that we will have faxed to them, but you may want to bring two more just in case.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA):  The CBSA officers are going to check that your vehicle is admissible, check that you have necessary documentation including the Title and registration or proof of ownership and provide you with the Vehicle Import Form (Form 1). 

Fill out Form 1 and keep it in your vehicle.  You will need this in order to get your vehicle licensed in your province or territory. 

You may also be able to pay your RIV registration fees at the border.  Some border crossing locations will allow you to pay with credit card or cash, while others do not have this capability.  If you do have the option of paying it at the border, it will make the next steps easier.

After Vehicle Entry into Canada:

You will have a 45 day grace period to have any needed modifications done and get an RIV inspection.  There are a few steps involved.

RIV Registration Fee:  Once paid, you will be mailed an RIV inspection form.

Vehicle Modifications:  If your vehicle may need some modifications daylight running kits, metric odometer, etc.) in order to be considered an admissible vehicle.  Get these done ONLY AFTER you have your RIV inspection form.

RIV Inspection:  Take your vehicle to an authorized inspection center (most Canada Tires are authorized centers) to be inspected.  Once passed you will be mailed a Canadian Clearance sticker.
After your RV passes inspection you will be able to get it licensed in your state or province. 


If you are confused about any part of the importing process, or have any other questions for our RV experts, call us at 1-888-318-4870.