CROSSING THE BORDER IN A CAR YOU DO NOT OWN
Yes, but CBP may ask for proof that the driver is authorized to possess and take the vehicle across the international border. Current CBP guidance recommends specific documentation for rental vehicles and vehicles borrowed from friends or relatives.
CBP states that the United States has arrangements with Canada and Mexico aimed at preventing the international movement of stolen vehicles. Officers may therefore request documentation showing that the driver owns the vehicle or has permission to drive it across the border.
Current CBP guidance states that a driver using a rental vehicle should have written authorization from the rental company permitting the vehicle to be taken into another country.
A domestic rental agreement should not automatically be assumed to authorize international border crossing.
For a vehicle borrowed from a friend or relative, CBP recommends carrying a notarized permission letter addressed to the Officer in Charge of U.S. Customs and Border Protection authorizing the driver to take the vehicle across the border.
Registration, title information where appropriate, rental paperwork and permission documents can help establish lawful possession of the vehicle.
Permission to operate the vehicle addresses the vehicle. Every noncitizen occupant remains separately subject to the immigration documents and admissibility rules applicable to that person.
A perfect rental authorization does not substitute for a passport, visa, ESTA or other immigration document required for the traveler.
Driving a rental or borrowed vehicle does not exempt the vehicle from CBP border inspection.
A traveler merely using a vehicle temporarily across the border is different from someone importing a foreign vehicle permanently into the United States. Permanent vehicle imports can trigger separate EPA, DOT and CBP entry requirements.
CBP recommends carrying a notarized permission letter showing that the owner authorized the international trip.
CBP states that the driver should have written authorization from the rental company to take the vehicle to another country.
Yes. CBP may request documents establishing ownership or authority to possess the vehicle, including as part of efforts to prevent movement of stolen vehicles.
Questions about vehicle ownership can delay inspection even when every occupant otherwise has proper immigration documents.