How to Import a Travel Trailer From the US to Canada

Changing laws regarding international travel and importation can make you wary of importing a travel trailer into Canada. Along with personal documentation, your travel trailer needs specific paperwork. Learn each step to take and your journey will proceed smoothly when the time comes to cross the border with your recreational vehicle. The Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles provides a checklist to help you gather all you need to be prepared.

Things You'll Need

  • Recall-clearance letter
  • Notarized bill of sale
  • Title
  • Temporary tag and registration
  • Vehicle Import Form - Form 1
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Instructions

    • 1

      View the Canadian Registrar of Imported Vehicles (RIV) website. Click "English" to enter the site. Select the blue "Importing a Vehicle" tab towards the top of the page. Click on "Before You Import" to find out if your vehicle is admissible and to read about any pertaining exemptions or vehicle modification requirements.

    • 2

      Contact the manufacturer of your travel trailer and ask for a recall-clearance letter and vehicle identification number (VIN) verification. Assemble your paperwork, including a notarized bill of sale, title, and temporary tag and registration. Print out the Vehicle Import Form--Form 1 from the RIV website. Complete the form and put it with your other paperwork.

    • 3

      Haul your travel trailer to a Canadian border entry point and declare the travel trailer at customs. Give the Vehicle Import Form to the Canada Border Services agent. Pay the assigned Canadian goods and services tax along with the registration fee required for opening a file with Transport Canada's Registrar of Imported Vehicles.

    • 4

      Wait for the RIV inspection form to arrive in the mail in Canada. Drive the travel trailer to an RIV-certified inspection center for official inspection.

    • 5

      Go to your Canadian provincial or territory licensing authority to find out how to license your recreational vehicle.