Policy Position on Titling Vehicles Imported into the United States

A. Vehicles imported into the United States for resale that do not conform to U.S. Safety Standards must be imported using a registered importer.

Applications for certificates of title for vehicles imported into the United States from other countries, including Canada, should include the following documents:
 
  1. Applicable Ownership Documents
  2. U.S. Customs Form CBP 7501 Entry Summary
  3. NHTSA HS-7 Declaration Form
  4. NHTSA Bond Release Letter

B. An individual may import a vehicle from Canada for personal use without the intent for resale if it was originally manufactured to CMVSS and at the time of importation, meets applicable FMVSS.

Applications for certificates for titles should include the following documents:
 
  1. Applicable Ownership Documents
  2. U.S. Customs Form CBP 7501 Entry Summary
  3. NHTSA HS-7 Declaration Form
  4. Manufacture’s letter from the vehicle’s original manufacturer on the manufacturer’s letterhead identifying the VIN and confirming it conforms to all applicable FMVSS, Bumper and Theft Prevention Standards. Note: If the manufacture’s letter states the vehicle complies except for automatic restraint requirements of occupant crash protection standard, the vehicle must be imported by a Registered Importer.

Jurisdictions should refer to AAMVA’s Imported Vehicles: Guidance on Establishing Jurisdictional Policy (March 2021) for additional information.

[2022]