We will continue to update this information on an ongoing basis, however if you are purchasing from a state that is not yet included here, you can check also visit the national listing of Motor Vehicle Administrator offices located on the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) web site.

• Arizona
  If you buy the vehicle from a licensed dealer in Arizona, the dealer will give you a Temporary Registration Plate that allows you to operate the vehicle for any purpose. If you purchased the vehicle from a private sale, you may obtain a Restricted Use 3-Day Permit which is valid only for the purposes of vehicle inspection, emission testing, repairs needed to comply with inspection or emission rules, or to otherwise complete the registration process. The permit can be purchased online at www.servicearizona.com, or at any DMV or authorized third party office. In order to operate the vehicle for any other purpose, you must first complete the registration process. For more information, click here.
• California
  In California, an In-Transit Permit authorizes the operation of a vehicle for up to 30 consecutive days after the first date of operation. The cost is US$60. For more information, call the California DMV toll-free at 1-800-777-0133 (the best time to call are Thursdays and Fridays).

  IMPORTANT: California will force you to pay the State Sales Tax if you purchase the car and plan to drive it back to Canada via Californian roads. To avoid this charge, UCanImport suggests you investigate the use of a vehicle transporter to ship the vehicle to a convenient border crossing. The cost maybe lower than paying the California State Tax.

• Iowa
  According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, if purchasing a vehicle from a private seller you MUST receive the completed Odometer Statement, a Damage Disclosure Statement and the Certificate of Title with the assignment portion properly completed.

  With these documents in hand, the county treasurer's office will issue a 30-day transit plate for $3. You can contact the Iowa DOT for more information. Call 1-515-237-3110, fax 1-515-237-3056 or e-mail:

• Maine
  Click here for prices and other information for trip permits from the state of Maine. For additional assistance, a live help chat room is available.
• Massachusetts
  The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) does not issue a Massachusetts temporary and/or in-transit registrations that allows owner(s) to transport their vehicles or trailers to their home state or country. However, out-of-state residents may use an out-of-state temporary registration to transport their motor vehicle or trailer to their home state/country as long as the temporary registration is issued by their home state/country.

  In order to transport a motor vehicle and/or trailer, the new owner(s) will need to properly insure and complete the registration process in their home state/foreign country before transporting the motor vehicle or trailer, have the motor vehicle or trailer towed/flatbed to their residence or they may have the seller/titled owner deliver the motor vehicle or trailer to their residence. For more information, you can visit www.mass.gov/rmv or call (617) 351-4500.

• Michigan
  The Secretary of State Branch Office issues In-Transit Permits, which are valid for 14 days at a cost of US$10.00. They are issued immediately with proof of title, insurance, bill of sale and driver's license. To locate your nearest Secretary of State office, click here and narrow down your search by city or zip code. You can also call toll-free: 1-888-SOSMICH (1-888-767-6424) or e-mail:
• Minnesota
  A dealership can obtain the non-resident permit or you may purchase it at any motor vehicle office on Minnesota by presenting the vehicle title along with your personal identification. Click here for more information and locations.
• Missouri
  You may purchase a temporary permit from the Missouri Department of Revenue by showing proof of ownership and an inspection report. The permit fee is $7.50 plus a $3.50 processing fee. For more information, click here. To locate an office, click here.
• Montana
  You can obtain a Temporary Registration Permit from the local county treasurer's office with a bill of sale or some proof of purchase along with your personal identification. This permit is valid for 40 days and cost $8.00 for non-Montana residents ($3.00 for Montana residents). Click here for information. You can also call 1-406-846-6000 or e-mail:
• Nevada

  The Nevada DMV issues several types of permits depending on the customer's needs, including a 15-day "drive away" permit for vehicles being driven out of state. To operate a vehicle on Nevada streets, you must have liability insurance and either a full registration or a valid movement permit.

  According to the DMV website Nevada auto dealers are required to issue a placard upon the sale of a vehicle, and in private party sales, the seller is required to keep the license plates. For more information, click here or contact a DMV office. If purchasing a vehicle for use in Canada, please also inform the dealership that you are sales tax exempt.

• New Hampshire
  If a vehicle is purchased by private sale in New Hampshire and the buyer resides in another state (or country), he/she can obtain a 20 day in transit registration. The buyer must have the New Hampshire title properly assigned over to him/her, a valid drivers license with the current address on it and $10.00. To obtain the transit registration, go to any NH motor vehicle office.

  If the vehicle is purchased by a New Hampshire vehicle dealer, then the dealer should provide the 20 day temporary plate. If you have any further questions telephone (603) 271-8891 or by e-mail to . To access the DMV, click here.

• New York
  An Interstate In-Transit Permit is valid for 30 days and allows you to transport a vehicle from New York State to another jurisdiction to register it. The fee is US$10. Click here for an online form to purchase the permit. For more information, you can call 1-518-402-4838, 8:00am-4:00pm EST on weekdays (except state holidays).
• North Dakota
  You can purchase a Drive Out Permit from any North Dakota dealership, any motor vehicle branch office, or any North Dakota Highway Patrol office. For more information, call 1-701-328-2725.
• Oregon
  In Oregon, you will need a Light Vehicle Trip Permit. Click here for more information or call 503-299-9999.
• Texas
  You will require a One Trip Temporary Registration, which is valid for 15 days. Click here for more information or call toll free 1-800-299-1700.
• Utah
  Trip Permits are usually issued with a 96 hour validity, but can be valid for up to 45 days. Click here to contact the Utah Department of Motor Vehicles. You can also review a directory of office locations, including maps.
• Vermont
  You can apply for an In-Transit Plate, which is valid for 30 days. The cost is $3 and you will need a bill of sale or title showing proof of ownership as well as personal ID. For more details, call 1-802-828-2000.
• Washington State

  If you are purchasing a vehicle in Washington State from a private seller or picking it up from a transporter prior to driving into Canada, here is some trip permit information you should know.

  You can purchase Washington State Trip Permit for unlicensed vehicles from vehicle licensing offices located throughout the state (www.dol.wa.gov or call 1-360-902-3770). The permit costs $25 and is good for three consecutive days only (but you can purchase up to three permits in a 30 day period). The only issue is that the permit MUST be purchased in person.

  A BETTER ALTERNATIVE is to obtain a Washington State Trip Permit from the Washington State Department of Transport (WSDOT) in advance by fax! Contact the WSDOT at telephone: 360-704-6340, fax: 360-04-6350 or www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle and request DOT Form #560-025EF. Complete the form and fax it in (paying by credit card). The WSDOT will then fax you back your trip permit using DOT Form #560-034. Don't let the term "commercial vehicle" confuse you as the same form is applicable to both types of vehicles.

• Wisconsin
  To obtain a Wisconsin trip permit, click here to locate the nearest agent. The agent will charge a $3 temporary plate fee, application fees, and may charge a $5 service fee. Some agents will accept only cash, checks or money orders. DMV customer service centers accept cash or checks only. Credit cards are accepted for online and phone transactions. If you have questions, e-mail and allow 4 business days for a response. You can also call toll-free 1-800-924-3570 or local (414) 266-1000 / (608) 261-2583.

Help us keep this information up to date! If you find any discrepancies, omissions or broken links, please let us know at or by using the online inquiry form. We will make the update(s) immediately for the benefit of all fellow vehicle importers.

Importation Management Services

Are you interested in taking advantage of the great vehicle selection and pricing in the United States, but would prefer to have an expert by your side throughout the importation process? UCanImport offers its professional importation management services to ensure your importation goes smoothly. Click here for more details.