Importing a bus from Mexico to California.

[nm767]

Hello guys I had a question specific for people with California knowledge. Is it possible to import a VW bus from Mexico into California and register it here. I tried to search but all I could find was information on importing a Brazil bus by shipping container. This is not the route I would take.

I have family that live in Mexico and my thought was they would meet me in Tijuana and I would actually drive the bus across the border. I have read a lot of information about doing this for other states and it's not an issue however I know here in California nothing is easy everything is expensive and nothing fun is allowed.

I know it has to be 25 years or older and that would allow it to be exempt from some of our regulations. I know it needs to be a 17 digit Vin and I believe all or most Mexican Volkswagens are. I also know that pre 1975 does not require any type of smog check.

Is this even possible and it does anyone have any knowledge on if it's financially feasible. I could pick up a bus in Mexico for Fairly inexpensive (compared to here) but I don't know what kind of requirements and fees California requires. Again I would not be shipping the bus I would be personally driving it or trailering it depending on it's condition.

Oh and as far as a Mexican or other country busses being less than desirable that's perfectly fine. I would be purchasing this bus to build it for myself with no desire to try and resell it.

Sorry if this is covered already, I just couldn't find it via search.

[wheel607]

You have about 5 issues here. Yes all is POSSIBLE, just remember Covid is everywhere and Mexico has gotten worse, not better. I imported a car from Mexico and it was critical, no make that extremely critical that I have all the paperwork in order and before you say you have that covered, no you dont. They are like no other, in that they will have another then another piece for you to complete on YOUR time. I would hire a Mexican transport agency next time. Or at least thats what everybody I know does.
If as you say it is Mexican, you have family that lives there, and the bus HAS Mexican plates, you can just drive it in. Since you are keeping it forever as you say, change what you need to here to conform to US regulations.

[Abscate]

Pre 1975 is smog check exempt, but 1967- requires smog equipment. Unless it’s pre 1967, itwont have the right US smog equipment, so your quest will end there.
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.ssS!

[OB Bus]

Find a U.S. firm (customshouse broker) that knows cars and has experience importing them to the US --- and LISTEN TO THEM! There are dozens of reason why this whole idea could go wrong.
In general a better idea is to find a nice bus *here* and build it up.
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Larry in OB
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
69 Westfalia and 2002 Eurovan Camper.

[slayer61]

FWIW I imported a motorcycle from Canada to KCMO in the 80's. The bike went into customs jail (holding) until I put up a cash bond 3X the purchase price of the bike. I get the bike out and need to swap out/prove all the lights, horn tires are DOT approved. I need to swap cylinder head, carbs & exhaust to EPA approved devices......................................................... it goes on and on



1 year 4 months and 10 days later, I put tags on my new motorcycle. It's a complete pain in the balls, but can be done, if you want it bad enough.
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[imissmyvanna]

Hi there - did you ever figure this out? We are in the same boat.

[nm767]

[imissmyvanna]

[Abscate]