I am moving from Canada to the US on a TN visa and driving my Ontario-registered car with my personal belongings (clothes, books, TV). Can I register my car in my new state after a few days, and when do I switch to US insurance? Will I have to pay taxes or fees at the border for my personal stuff, and is there a checklist for crossing the border with my belongings?
You can bring your personal belongings and vehicle into the US, but you must formally import the car at the border to register it later.
You can cross this worry off your list. You will not have to pay duty on household goods you have used for at least a year, and declaring them is a standard process at the border.
You asked if you can register your car in your new state after a few days. You cannot do this unless you formally import the vehicle at the border first. You must file an entry with US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to get a CBP Form 7501. Without a copy of this form, you will not be able to register the vehicle in the United States.
You asked when you must switch to US insurance. The provided documents do not specify an exact deadline for switching your insurance. However, state rules require automobile insurance to drive legally.
You asked if you will have to pay taxes or fees for your personal belongings. You can import your household goods duty-free if you hold a long-term visa and have used the items in your foreign household for at least 12 months. You will have to pay duty on most household items used for less than 12 months.
You asked if there is a checklist for crossing the border with your belongings. You must provide a detailed inventory in English. You should list each item, the quantity, the material it is made of, the value paid in US dollars, and the country of origin. You will also need your passport, proof of your visa status, and a Customs declaration (Form CF-6059B).
