The US-side block
There’s a lien on the US title
This one stops people at the US border, before Canada is even in the picture. When a loan or lease is recorded against a US title, US Customs won’t let the vehicle leave the country until the lienholder authorizes the export in writing — on their own letterhead, in a specific form.
The exact letter CBP requires
A separate letter on the lienholder’s letterhead, showing the full vehicle description and VIN, contact numbers, an original signature and the date, and expressly authorizing the export of the vehicle. A verbal “it’s fine” or an email from the seller isn’t it — CBP wants this letter from the lender.
What to do now
- Confirm the lien exists on the US title before you pay anyone — a recorded lien is the seller’s to clear or the lender’s to authorize.
- Get the lienholder authorization letter in the exact form above: letterhead, full description + VIN, contacts, original signature, date, express export authorization.
- Assemble the title documents — the original title plus two complete copies (or a certified copy).
- File at least 72 hours ahead. Submit the documentation to US Customs a minimum of 72 hours before export; present the vehicle at the crossing at export.
The rules are on CBP’s Exporting a Motor Vehicle page. If the vehicle is already in Canada and a Canadian (PPSA) lien is the worry, that’s a different problem — see bought a car with a lien on it.
Common Questions
The US car I’m buying still has a loan on it. Can I export it to Canada?
Not until the lienholder authorizes it in writing. When a lien or lease is recorded, US Customs requires a separate letter on the lienholder’s letterhead — with the full vehicle description and VIN, contact numbers, an original signature, the date, and express authorization to export the vehicle. Without that letter, CBP will not clear the vehicle for export.
How far ahead do I need to file?
The required documentation must be submitted to US Customs at least 72 hours before export. At a land crossing the vehicle is then presented at the time of export. Build that 72-hour window into your plan — it’s not something you can do at the booth.
What documents does CBP want on a titled vehicle?
The original title plus two complete copies (or a certified copy — both sides copied if there’s writing on the back), and, where a lien or lease exists, the lienholder authorization letter described above. Newly manufactured, junk/scrap, and foreign-titled vehicles have their own document sets — check CBP for those.
Where to go from here
Guidepost is not a law firm or customs broker. This is general information, not legal advice — confirm the export requirements with US Customs and Border Protection for your vehicle. Full disclaimer. Last updated: July 2026.