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buying a used sled from canada?

C

coug66

Well-known member
Has anyone bought a private party sled from Canada before and brought it back to the US?

I would like to buy a used snowmobile and wonder if I will have trouble at the border?

I would like to rent a trailer, pick the sled up and drive it home.

Thanks,

Ian
 
Canadian Sled

You mean you cannot find what you want in WA or OR? Sleds sell for more in CA due to the tax structure. That said, the WA DMV will guide you through the process. They just want the sales tax on the value, so you got to get registered.
 
Id bet you can find what you want in the states. If you're dead set on buying north of the border, id suggest having the seller meet you on this side with the sled in his possession as he crosses the border. I've bought 2 sleds from up north. I had the guy bring the second one across and made the deal on US soil. WAAY less paperwork and hassle that way. Id strongly suggest this method if at all possible. Bigest thing is making sure ALL paperwork matches and is submitted at the proper time. Otherwise you and the sled will sit at the border. Id also suggest going through one of the less busy ports of entry. Last sled came through at Sweetgrass MT crossing. I15. Good luck
 
really good deal

I am going up Monday, get the paperwork submitted and then wait the 72 hours and then cross with the sled. The licensing office won't transfer the registration without completed importation form.

I would not go to the extra trouble if the deal wasn't that good.

I will report back on the experience with US customs.

Ian
 
update

I am buying a AD Boivin Snow hawk 600ho from Canada.

what I think I know after my trip.

Canadians don't seem to have registrations beyond the side sticker on the sled?
Owner of Snowhawk transferred ownership from previous owner to be able to sell it to me but sticker on vehicle is reportedly the reg? I have the stamped ownership transfer tax form paperwork as my proof of Sellers ownership.

US border doesn't need time to review paperwork. bring the sled down with ownership paperwork and they will process it. Any border any time.

If the sled is made in Canada nafta eliminates an importation duty ( might be up to 2.5% if Japanese or European quad or dirt bike) no tax to bring it in the country.

the border officials ( phone and in person) I talked to had never dealt with a snowmobile importation before, ( uncharted territory) makes me nervous.

I am of the opinion till I take possession and head for the border, that I am over thinking the importation issue, That its no big deal getting a sled across the border.

The real challenge is BC's registration system and proof of ownership paperwork. Since they operate on a fee for use system and don't have yearly licensing requirements ( I like the idea) there isn't the paperwork support needed for Canadian owners to easily sell to US buyers. Buy it, ride it, and if you go to a pay to use area, pay the fee.

If you registered snow skis when you bought them, no fee for back country use but go to a ski resort and you pay a use fee.

Any Canadian riders that read this if I am incorrect on the registration paperwork please post of pm me, thanks,


Ian

600+ho+b.jpg
 
Last edited:
snowhawk is registered and licensed!

The border was really easy and quick, no cost the only issue we had was locating the stamped serial number on the frame. they want to check the numbers and then issue a form 7501.

since the seller went to the trouble of creating a paper trail it had paper proof of ownership.

He transferred ownership from the previous owner, and the transfer paperwork worked for me. apparently if the sled is already in the sellers name there isn't a registration piece of paper available to prove ownership?

It was an easy transaction and if you have ownership paperwork and a bill of sale its really an easy process.
 
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