US Trip Permits and Temporary Registration for Vehicle Imports

When you purchase a motor vehicle in the US with the intention of importing it immediately into Canada, you will want to have a trip permit for the vehicle.

What is a trip permit?

A trip permit, also known as temporary registration or in-transit permit, is a sticker or a piece of paper issued by a motor vehicles department (DMV or DOT) in the USA. This permit gives you permission to operate an unregistered vehicle until you arrive in Canada. If you are an average importer, you only want to pick up the car, truck, RV or motorcycle from the US and bring it to Canada without having to register it first in the US.

A list of trip permit information is provided on the UCanImport website for a number of US states.

With a trip permit purchased in one state, you may operate the vehicle through all states that fall between your origin and your destination. For example, if you purchase a trip permit in Texas, you can use that permit to operate your vehicle through all the states up to the Canadian border and to your residence. You are not required to purchase a trip permit for each state.

If purchasing your vehicle through a dealership, ask the dealer to obtain the trip permit for you.

Important: Once you have arrived home in Canada, the US-issued trip permit is no longer valid. You must obtain a Canadian-issue permit from you auto insurance agent in Canada.

Buying A Vehicle From A US Private Seller - Trip Permit Contact Info for Oregon State

If you are importing a vehicle which you purchased from a private seller in Oregon State, you will have to obtain a Trip Permit to drive your car home to Canada. A Trip Permit gives you permission to operate an unregistered vehicle.

The cost for a 21-day Trip Permit is US$20 and is issued from the Oregon DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). To find your closest branch visit http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/DMV/offices/index.shtml

You will need to present the following documents: Driver's License, Bill of Sale, Vehicle Title and Proof of Insurance (you must have a Temporary Insurance Binder from your autoplan agent in Canada).

You must remove any existing plates on the vehicle and place the Trip Permit in the back window, driver's side. This Trip Permit is only valid until you reach your destination in Canada. After that time, to travel to complete modifications, inspections and registration, you MUST have a Canadian Trip Permit issued to you by your autoplan agent.

Free trip permit available through temporary ICBC insurance in BC

Recent importer from British Columbia confirms that he purchased good coverage from ICBC before he travelled to the US to pick up his car - $5,000,000 liability, comprehensive, etc. for $99 for 10 days.

When he took it to Canadian Tire for the inspection he had to go to ICBC for a trip permit, which was free because the temporary insurance was still valid.

TIP: confirm with insurance agent that your trip permit is covered under the temporary insurance.