“I moved to the Bay Area from Canada last month and want to import my 2011 Acura MDX. I have the partial compliance letter, dealership repair order, and recall letter. How do I find a registered importer to complete the process?”
You have the right documents to start sorting out the route, but the exact wording of Acura's letter and the dealer's parts record matter more than the fact that the letter says “partial.” There are two California importers listed for Canadian vehicles and SUVs if you do need one.
Your Acura letter and repair paperwork decide whether you need an importer at all.
If the original manufacturer's VIN-specific letter and your repair evidence meet NHTSA's narrow Canadian-vehicle conditions, you can use on Form HS-7 without a . NHTSA specifically describes pathways for certain speedometer or headlight shortfalls, documented theft-prevention markings, and an OEM-identical tire-pressure system installed and documented by an authorized facility; your recall letter alone does not establish eligibility. [NHTSA guidelines](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/vig_canada09122017.pdf); [Form HS-7](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/hs7_rv9-tag.pdf).
If does not fit, may work if NHTSA has found the applicable vehicle eligible and it meets the route's other conditions. Arrange the RI contract and a equal to 150% of the vehicle's dutiable value for the entry; the RI must bring it into conformity within 120 days. The model year by itself does not establish eligibility for your particular car. [49 CFR 591.5(f)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-591/section-591.5); [NHTSA guidelines](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/vig_canada09122017.pdf).
The nonresident exception requires temporary personal use and export within one year; it does not complete the permanent import you want. [49 CFR 591.5(d)](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-591/section-591.5).
Both routes also need the appropriate EPA declaration and must satisfy California's separate registration requirements; an earlier border crossing needs particular care.
These actions establish the correct federal route, connect you with an importer if needed, and protect your California registration timeline.
Start here
Put the VIN and entry records beside your Acura paperwork
Identify each standard Acura says the MDX does not meet. For a tire-pressure-monitoring shortfall, NHTSA requires an invoice documenting the same system and part numbers used on U.S.-market vehicles; for a theft-marking shortfall, it requires an invoice documenting the markings. The recall letter is useful context, not the Form HS-7 manufacturer-confirmation attachment. If the car crossed already, locate its entry documents before assuming a new arrangement can cover that past crossing. [NHTSA guidelines](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/vig_canada09122017.pdf); [49 CFR 591.5](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-591/section-591.5).
Requirements
If the car came with you last month
Pay California's direct-import registration fees if the MDX arrived
California DMV says direct-import registration fees are due within 20 days after the vehicle enters California, even when other requirements remain unfinished. If that was last month, act now; the amount depends on the vehicle and registration transaction, so no VIN-specific fee can be stated from these facts. DMV's imported-vehicle instructions are at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/. [California DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/).
Requirements
Before arranging a Box 3 entry
Contact the two California registered importers if Box 2B does not fit
NHTSA's list dated December 18, 2025, gives Federal Standard, 503 Riverside Avenue, Roseville, CA 95678, (916) 343-0077, fsusa@icloud.com; and G&K Automotive, 2530 S. Birch Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707, (714) 545-9503, sosi@gnkauto.com. Both list interest in Canadian vehicles and SUVs. Send the records and request a written decision on accepting this VIN, its import eligibility, the needed modifications, where the work will occur, an itemized service/bond quote, and whether an earlier U.S. entry changes what they can do. Listing does not guarantee acceptance; no fixed private service fee is published. [NHTSA active RI list](https://www.nhtsa.gov/importing-vehicle/registered-importers).
Requirements
If the MDX has not yet been permanently entered
File the matching safety and emissions declarations at entry
Present NHTSA Form HS-7 (https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/hs7_rv9-tag.pdf) to CBP using only if its Canadian personal-use conditions are met; otherwise a qualifying entry needs the RI contract and a bond equal to 150% of dutiable value at importation. Also submit EPA Form 3520-1 (https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-08/form3520-1-2024-08-secured-enabled.pdf): its code EE describes an eligible identical Canadian version, while code M describes specified Canadian vehicles brought by permanent emigrants or people residing in the U.S. for more than one year on worker or student visas, with supporting proof. These are separate emissions and safety declarations; the 150% bond is a guarantee, not an RI service price. If the MDX already entered, these at-entry rules do not themselves establish how to correct that earlier entry. [Form HS-7](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/hs7_rv9-tag.pdf); [EPA Form 3520-1](https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-08/form3520-1-2024-08-secured-enabled.pdf); [NHTSA guidelines](https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/vig_canada09122017.pdf).
Requirements
After lawful entry and the required vehicle work
Complete California's imported-vehicle registration
Use California DMV's imported-vehicle process at https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/. DMV lists Application for Title or Registration REG 343, Verification of Vehicle REG 31, proof of customs clearance, emissions evidence, and a smog certificate. If the MDX was not originally made to meet the relevant California standards, DMV describes modification and testing under CARB's direct-import program as the possible route; federal RI work alone does not establish California eligibility. [California DMV](https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/new-registration/register-an-imported-vehicle/).
Requirements
You are not the first to go through this. Here is how it went for others who asked the same thing.
u/Bluecrayon3200r/immigrationNov 8, 2025
u/Visible_Display_4452r/DMVAug 1, 2026
This answer draws on NHTSA's registered-importer directory and Canadian-vehicle instructions, federal vehicle-import regulations and forms, EPA's declaration, and California DMV instructions.
NHTSA Active Registered Importers
NHTSA lists a Roseville registered importer to contact about this MDX.
Active Registered Importers, California
|CA |Federal Standard |503 Riverside Avenue, Roseville, CA 95678 |fsusa@icloud.com |(916) 343-0077 |(916) 676-4858 |1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 |
NHTSA Active Registered Importers
NHTSA lists a second California registered importer to contact.
Active Registered Importers, California
|CA |G&K Automotive |2530 S. Birch Street, Santa Ana, CA 92707 |sosi@gnkauto.com |(714) 545-9503 |(714) 545-7667 |1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11 |
NHTSA Active Registered Importers
The directory's interest codes distinguish Canadian imports and SUVs; a listing is not a promise to accept a particular car.
Business Interests legend
Legend: Business Interests Willing to: Modify vehicles imported from Canada Modify vehicles imported from other countries Modify passenger cars Modify multipurpose passenger vehicles (e.g., vans, SUVs)
NHTSA Active Registered Importers
A listed RI may decline this particular job.
Active Registered Importers
Please keep in mind that RIs are independent business entities and may be selective in terms of the work they perform.
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
The compliance letter must come from the original manufacturer and identify the car.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle as a Conforming Vehicle under Box 2B
The importer obtains a letter from the vehicle’s original manufacturer, on the manufacturer’s letterhead (and not that of a franchised dealer), identifying the vehicle by vehicle identification number (VIN) and stating that the vehicle conforms to all applicable FMVSS except for the labeling requirements of Standards Nos. 101 _Controls and Display_ s and 110 _Tire Selection and Rims_ or 120 _Tire Selection and Rims for Motor Vehicles other than Passenger Cars_ , and/or the specifications of Standard No. 108 _Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment_ , relating to daytime running lamps.
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
For the tire-pressure-monitoring shortfall, NHTSA requires specific proof of an OEM-identical repair.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle as a Conforming Vehicle under Box 2B
If the manufacturer’s letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS but does not comply with the requirements of FMVSS No. 138 T _ire Pressure Monitoring Systems,_ the vehicle can only be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B if the importer furnishes Customs with an invoice from a franchised dealer or authorized repair facility of the vehicle’s original manufacturer showing that a tire pressure monitoring system identical to, and with the same part number(s) as the system the manufacturer installs on vehicles manufactured for sale in the United States has been installed on the vehicle for which entry is sought.
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
A different narrow Box 2B repair pathway applies if the shortfall is theft-prevention parts marking.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle as a Conforming Vehicle under Box 2B
If the manufacturer’s letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS but does not comply with the parts marking requirements of the Theft Prevention Standard at 49 CFR Part 541, the vehicle can only be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B if the importer furnishes Customs with an invoice from a franchised dealer or other commercial entity showing that the required theft prevention markings have been applied to the vehicle.
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
NHTSA also identifies a Canadian-vehicle Box 2B path for these particular lettered differences.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle as a Conforming Vehicle under Box 2B
If the manufacturer’s letter states that the vehicle complies with all applicable FMVSS except for those pertaining to the speedometer or headlights, the vehicle can still be imported as a conforming motor vehicle under Box 2B.
49 CFR 591.5
The safety declaration is due at importation, which makes an earlier crossing important.
§ 591.5, introductory text
No person shall import a motor vehicle or item of motor vehicle equipment into the United States unless, at the time it is offered for importation, its importer files a declaration and documentation, in a paper or electronic format accepted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which declares one of the following:
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
The owner can use the Box 3 route through a contracted registered importer if the vehicle qualifies.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle under Box 3
The vehicle is imported by a registered importer (RI) or by a person who has a contract with an RI to modify the vehicle so that it complies with all applicable FMVSS following importation.
NHTSA Vehicle Importation Guidelines (Canada)
The Box 3 guarantee must be furnished at importation, and conformity has a 120-day deadline.
Importing a Canadian-Certified Vehicle under Box 3
A bond underwritten by a certificated surety in amount equivalent to 150 percent of the dutiable value of the vehicle is furnished to Customs at the time of importation to ensure that the vehicle is either brought into conformity with all applicable FMVSS within 120 days from the date of entry or is exported from, or abandoned to, the United States.
Form HS-7
Form HS-7 calls for the registered-importer contract when the owner uses one.
Box 3, attachments
Copy of Contract with a Registered Importer, if applicable.
EPA Form 3520-1
The EPA form provides a separate, conditional emissions code for a qualifying person bringing a Canadian vehicle.
EPA declaration code M
g **code M - miscellaneous exemption** , either 1) **Canadian** vehicle as described above (proof required) and the importer is either permanently emigrat- ing to the U.S. or will reside in the U.S. for greater than one year under a worker or student visa, or 2) Canadian vehicle received by U.S. resident through inheritance, or 3) EPA hardship letter based on unforseen and extraordinary circumstances is attached to this form.
EPA Form 3520-1
The EPA form also identifies a Canadian-vehicle emissions route where the vehicle meets its identical-version conditions.
EPA declaration code EE
g **code EE - identical in all material respects to a U.S. certified version** - either 1) **Canadian** vehicle (proof required e.g. Canadian emission control label, registration or title, or letter from the U.S. or Canadian manufacturer representative on letterhead verifying manufacture for sale in Canada) or 2) **vehicle from any country** with letter attached to this form from the manufacturer’s U.S. representative on letterhead (not a dealer or mechanic) stating that the vehicle is identical to a U.S. EPA certified version with respect to emissions.
EPA Overview of Import Requirements
EPA describes the proof accompanying a qualifying Canadian-vehicle code M entry.
Canadian vehicles for immigrants, workers, and students
Upon entry, the importer must file an EPA Form 3520-1 with Customs declaring code "M" on the form, and attach proof that the vehicle is a Canadian version and that the importer owned the vehicle prior to importation.
California DMV Imported Vehicle Registration
California's payment deadline can run before the remaining registration requirements are met.
Registering an imported vehicle
Registration fees for your direct import vehicle must be paid to DMV within 20 days of entry into California even if you do not meet all other requirements to register your vehicle in California.
California DMV Imported Vehicle Registration
California requires its own emissions evidence and, for this gasoline-era vehicle, a smog certificate.
Registering an imported vehicle
Evidence that the vehicle meets Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California emissions standards. This includes an EPA and California emissions label attached to the vehicle. A smog certificate.
California DMV Imported Vehicle Registration
A federal safety import alone will not overcome California's direct-import emissions barrier.
Registering an imported vehicle
If your direct foreign import vehicle was not originally manufactured to meet California emissions standards and DOT FMVSS, the vehicle **cannot** be registered in California, unless the vehicle is modified and tested under CARB’s direct import program.
49 CFR 591.5(d)
The nonresident exception cannot be used to complete a permanent import.
§ 591.5(d)(2)–(3)
( 2 ) (S)he is temporarily importing the vehicle for personal use for a period not to exceed one year, and will not sell it during that time, ( 3 ) (S)he will export it not later than the end of one year after entry, and
49 CFR 591.5(i)(1)
The age-based safety exception is not yet available for a 2011 vehicle.
§ 591.5(i)(1)
( 1 ) The vehicle is 25 or more years old.
These are the official rules and agency materials as published on the cited dates; rules and importer listings can change.
This is general information about official processes, not legal advice, and SettleKit is not a law firm.
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