QuestionQUESTION: Hi Jeff
My daugher's car is now in transit from Seatle. She is gifting to me, I live in Ontario. I have all the paper work for both the US and Canadian customs. My question is where can I get an intransit plate or trip permit so I can drive the car from Buffalo NY across into Ontario home (3 hour drive) I have called everywhere and haven't been able to get an answer. I am wondering if I can drive the car with her Washington plates on and be OK until I go to my licencing bureau and get my on it.
I know this doesn't have any thing to purchasing but I am frustrated and from your other replies it sounds you have some good knowledge.
Thank you in advance.
Dorothy
ANSWER: You'll need to go to a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles office and apply for an In-Transit Permit. Click on the following link for more info:
http://www.nysdmv.com/register.htm#temporary
As you can see, the NYS site is pretty awesome, with all sorts of info; you can even print out the form at home! You can access it from this link:
http://www.nysdmv.com/forms.htm#mv82itp
And you might be able to print it out from this one:
http://www.nysdmv.com/forms/mv82itp.pdf
And here's a list of DMV offices in the general Buffalo area:
http://www.nysdmv.com/ethrum.htm
And if you need a list of nice restaurants in Buffalo, just let me know... ;-)
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks Jeff
I printed off a NY permit application form. I am assuming I can take the form to an office and get my permit while there? I am a Canadian, bringing in a WA state vehicle into Canada.
Once I cross the border into Canada will that permit cover me for the Ontario requirements? I will have had the car insured by my broker and will be carrying an insurance certificate.
Once again, thanks for your valuable and speedy answers.
Maybe once I am sorted with all of this I will still have time to dine at a nice restaurant as suggested!
d
Answer1) As long as you have all the proper paperwork, they can print out the in-transit permit in just a few minutes. Read the requirements on proof of insurance CAREFULLY- they're real sticklers on that one, and the proof (particularly the agent's letter) has to be EXACTLY as stated in the instructions. It can turn into hours as letters are faxed back and forth, with DMV waiting to get one that's juuuuuuuust right...
2) The permit should cover you fine, but make sure you have all paperwork in order, along with all your own personal identification. Passport is best, but not required. If you don't have one, then photo driver's license along with birth certificate.
3) Regardless of my advice, I'd suggest calling the DMV and discussing the situation one-on-one before you get here. Their number is 518-473-5595 (8AM-4PM weekdays, Eastern time). You may also want to contact Ontario Provincial Motor Vehicles to see if there's anything else you might need to get the car into Canada. Here's their website:
http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/index.html
Good luck, and let me know how you made out! Oh yeah, for the record: Trattoria Aroma, on Main St in Williamsville, is probably the BEST Italian restaurant you'll ever dine in!
