Vehicles · Travel
Cross-Border Vehicle Permission Letter: Fill It Online
People who fill out this document also need
Also known as: Vehicle Authorization Letter for Border · Letter of Permission to Drive My Car to the USA · Car Border Crossing Letter · Owner Consent Letter for Vehicle · Notarized Vehicle Permission Letter
Contents
CONTENTS
Why border officers ask for it
When a vehicle crosses the border, officers on both sides look at who is driving and whose name is on the vehicle permit. If they do not match, the driver may be asked how they came to have the vehicle. Neither Canada nor the United States publishes an official form for this, but a signed letter from the registered owner answers the question in seconds and is widely recommended.
Typical cases: a son or daughter taking a parent's car to a U.S. college town, a spouse driving a vehicle registered only to the other spouse, a friend borrowing a car for a weekend in Buffalo, or an employee driving a company vehicle on business.
What our letter states
| Part of the letter | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Owner or owners, address, phone | Matches the vehicle permit and lets an officer call to confirm |
| Year, make, model, VIN and plate | Ties the permission to one specific vehicle |
| Driver's name, date of birth, licence | Matches the driver's ID at the booth |
| Start and end dates, destination | Shows the permission is current and limited |
| Not a sale or rental | Answers the question of whether the vehicle is being exported or sold |
| Notary public's attestation | Shows the owner's identity and signature were verified |
One owner, two owners or a company
If the permit shows one owner, that person signs. If it shows two, both sign the same letter; on our video call each co-owner joins from their own phone or computer. For a vehicle registered to a business, an officer or director signs on its behalf and the letter names the company and the signer's title.
The driver does not sign and does not need to be on the call. Up to two drivers can be named on one letter.
Things a letter cannot fix
- Leased or financed vehicles. Your lease or loan may require the company's own permission to take the vehicle out of Canada. Check your agreement.
- Insurance. Confirm with your insurer that the policy covers this driver in the United States.
- Driver's own documents. The driver still needs a passport or other accepted travel document and a valid licence.
- Rental cars. A rental agreement takes the place of this letter. Ask the rental company about cross-border use.
Signing the letter by video
Press Book and Sign. On the call the notary public checks each owner's photo ID, the owner signs on screen, and the notary completes the attestation. The signed PDF is emailed to you: print two copies for the glove box, since an officer may keep one. Bring the vehicle permit and the insurance card as well.
Already have it filled in?
Upload your own copy when you book and sign it with us by video.
FAQ
Is a vehicle permission letter required by law?
No official rule requires one, but border officers may ask how the driver came to have the vehicle, and a signed letter from the owner answers that.
Does the driver need to be on the video call?
No. Only the registered owner or owners sign.
Both of us are on the ownership. Do we both sign?
Choose "Me and a co-owner" and both of you sign the same letter, each from your own device.
Can one letter cover several trips?
Yes. Set the start and end dates and leave "more than once" ticked.
Will the border accept it?
Each officer decides on the spot. We do not give legal advice on border requirements; check with the CBSA or U.S. Customs and Border Protection if your situation is unusual.
Can I download the filled letter?
No. It is attached to your booking and signed at your video appointment; the notarized PDF is emailed to you afterwards.
We don't provide legal advice.
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