Buying a Canadian regsitered motorhome in the USA

I helped the seller import it to the USA. I decided not to buy it and she is a nice gal. Single mother. She stands abetter chance if selling to an American. I appreciate all the input.

Moisheh

Moisheh, What did you eventually do and how did it work out?

Moisheh, The first issue to watch is where are you taking it before you register it. Some states don't recognize paper (temporary) registrations and will consider you are driving an unplated, uninsured, vehicle. One I know of like that is Massachusetts. If you get stopped it's driving without insurance, they seize the vehicle and drop you in jail until the hearing. So you need to check with the state police of every state you plan to cross to see if they accept the paper or license plate and insurance you will be carrying. Most will laugh and say you're good, but some may not.

If you leave the Ontario plates on it, Canada Customs may just figure you're driving a friend's unit home for them, but you want to have the story you're telling thought through with paper to back it up....in other words a letter from the executor or wife saying thank you for bringing our motorhome home, if that's the story.

If you plan to register it in the US, you need to take it to a US Customs Port of Entry (there's one in every state, I think) and import it. They will check the manufacturer's plates and serial numbers against the registration and check when and where it entered the US. takes maybe 45 minutes total. I used Tampa which is behind the airport both times I did mine. Of course, I was the owner and importer both times.

As far as registering it in a US state, The rules vary by state. Some states want it registered where you live, so you'd have to be legally resident to register it in that state, but some states go by where the vehicle lives. That makes it easier as arranging storage for over six months a year (or a campsite) means the vehicle lives there over half the year and must be registered in that state. For example, one rig I had was registered in North Carolina and I paid $75 for a spot in the off-season in Mt. Airy, NC so that it was legally in NC and had to be registered there. That turned out to make it eligible for personal property tax in Mt Airy County every year, but oh well.

It may or may not be the case, I don’t know what Manitoba issues as a ‘temporary’ license, but there’s a world of difference (legally speaking) between a “licensed and a “permit” andif Manitoba only issues trip “permits” you might be better off staying with Ontario license where it’s a 10 day license NOT a permit.

A “permit” is only good in the jurisdiction that issues it, a “license” has reciprocal rights.

I know lots of people ‘do it / get away with it’ but if anything ever happened south of the 49th parallel and you weren’t letter perfect there might be fertilizer on the rotary air circulation device.

The other issue you will encounter is that you cannot cross the US / CDN border with someone else’s personal possessions, even if the Ontario ownership is signed over to you, Customs could care less about a signature on the ownership, its the REGISTERED OWNER that matters.

I’ve been down this road several times myself personally, it’s a bumpy winding road.

Diplomatdon: You have it 100% correct. Pianotuna: I have used the temporary plate when importing an American MH. Truckers use them all the time when buying at an auction and just want to get the unit home. It is permitted ( pun intended) !

Moisheh

I'm not sure a transport permit covers crossing international borders. Perhaps ask CAA if they know?

moisheh, if the vehicle is registered and licensed in a province, the title is signed over by the executor of the estate you should be able to register, licence and insure to bring it back to Canada. It should not have any thing to do with Canada customs as vehicle has always been registered in Canada.No different than transfering from Province to Province. Talk to your own licencing agent and they should tell you whats required.

M;
Give this place a try https://www.xcopper.com/locations.php or phone 1-888-XCOPPER. FYI, they are all former / retired OPP Hwy. Patrol types and most know the Ont. Motor Veh. Act inside out. BB

p.s. I'm not sure but I may have met either in Mx., RGV or around Mt. Dora, Fl.? Anyhoo, best wishes BB:C

Lots of answers but some missed the point. The unit is already
Canadian with Ontario plates. No need to import. Even so vehicles over around 12 years are exempt for most items. Yes the family has the registration. No need for a title in Canada. I was just worried about driving through the USA with Ontario plates and a prairies DL. But my province will issue me a Temporary registration with insurance via fax! I called both Provinces and they will accept the original registration signed off to me as long as the family member who is the trustee indicates that on the old registration. Of course it will have to be safetied but it predates even the DRL requirement.

Moisheh

In Canada(at least B.C. and Alberta) there will be a registration form. There is a portion that is torn off and given to the purchaser as proof of ownership. That with a bill of sale should be all you need at the border. You would have to get a trip permit and insurance.
I am currently looking at motorhomes in the U.S. so I have checked with both border offices. If it was registered in the U.S. the U.S. customs want to review the title and you will need an export number. I am not sure how that would be with it being Canadian registered but I would check with them to be sure.