Purchasing a vehicle in the United States?

Question

I am a US citizen and I just sold a vehicle to a Canadian citizen who will be driving the vehicle back to Canada. I am told that the US border requires an original title in the buyers name. This is a problem since my bank requires 2-3 weeks to process the title and the buyers are flying in this week. On the Canada side we are able to have the title owner state that there are no liens and that this person is the rightful owner. Any way around this? Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't think there is any way around it.  But you really need to check with the Canadian Border Services Agency for the absolute answer.  If you follow links on their site you will find a contact phone number and should be able to get the answer by talking to someone there.  The purchaser will have to pay taxes and duties on the vehicle at the border and will have about 6 weeks to make changes in the vehicle for Canadian requirements - such as installing daytime running lights.  I've been through this process, and there are quite a few headaches with purchasing a car in the US to eventually register it in Canada.  Best of luck with it.