How to import a car from Canada to Arizona

Bring these documents

• Title and Registration Application (ADOT form 96-0236), signed, including lien information (ADOT out-of-country FAQ)
• Foreign ownership document: Canadian provincial registration/certificate of ownership, surrendered with plates and registration card (ARS 28-2052(A); ADOT policy 17.2.10 example 'Ontario Certificate of Registration')
• Certificate of compliance showing the vehicle meets all federal vehicle equipment and emissions equipment requirements - in practice DOT HS-7 (with manufacturer compliance letter for box 2B) and EPA 3520-1, or the NHTSA bond-release letter from the Registered Importer (ARS 28-2052(D); AAMVA policy)
• CBP Form 7501 Entry Summary, stamped (standard import document set; ADOT says the specific list is given at the inspection visit - verify with agency)
• Bill of sale showing price (needed for use-tax determination or to document a non-taxable private-party purchase) (ADOR Vehicle Use Tax brochure)
• Lien release if a lien is shown (ADOT out-of-country FAQ)
• Emissions compliance certificate if the vehicle will be registered in the Phoenix or Tucson metro areas (ADOT out-of-state vehicles page)
• Arizona driver license / ID and proof of Arizona insurance (verify with agency)
• Odometer disclosure on the title application (verify with agency)

VIN inspection

Yes. ADOT directs out-of-country vehicle owners to first visit any MVD or Authorized Third Party office for a vehicle (Level I) inspection, where staff verify the VIN and issue the list of required documents. Level I inspections are performed by MVD staff or designated law enforcement at MVD offices (no fee listed). If MVD staff flag a concern, a Level II ($20, by a peace officer at ADOT Enforcement locations, appointment via azmvdnow.gov) or Level III ($50) inspection may be required; ADOT policy 17.2.10 requires a Level II/III for vehicles that were previously exported from the U.S. on an 'export only' title.

Emissions

Required only if the vehicle will be based in (or commuted into) the Phoenix or Tucson metro emissions areas, for vehicles more than 5 model years old, 1967 or newer, and not electric; test at an ADEQ station (myAZcar.com) before the MVD visit. Elsewhere in Arizona no test is needed (ADOT emissions page).

Sales / use tax

Arizona has no sales tax on casual (private-party) vehicle sales. State use tax (5.6%) plus any city use tax applies to vehicles bought from an out-of-state or foreign dealer/vendor and registered in Arizona; vehicles bought in a foreign country are subject to use tax with a $200 deduction from the tax base, and NO credit is given for taxes paid to a foreign country (credit is allowed only for sales/excise tax paid to another U.S. state) (ADOR Vehicle Use Tax brochure).

Title and registration fees

Title fee $4; registration fee $8 (passenger); air quality research fee $1.50; air quality compliance fee $0.25 in emissions areas; plus Vehicle License Tax (VLT) = $2.89 per $100 of assessed value for used vehicles, assessed value being 60% of the manufacturer's base retail price reduced 16.25% for each year since first registration (e.g., a $25,000 MSRP vehicle is about $420 VLT in year one, declining yearly). Level II inspection $20 / Level III $50 if ordered. Use tax if applicable.

Odometer in km

Odometer reading is entered on the Title and Registration Application; ADOT pages do not describe kilometer handling. Disclose the km reading and unit; MVD may record it as kilometers or require conversion documentation (verify with agency).