Moved to California and THEN bought the CDN car....

I moved to California in Aug 2010 and borrowed my parents 10 yr old mini-van to get here. I didn't intend to keep the van, folks were going to fly up and drive it home. Instead they bought a new SUV and sold me the van for $1.00. So, now I 'own' the van (with CDN plates, registration and insurance) and am in the process of trying to register it/insure it in CA.

Anyone know how to go about getting US Customs Clearance for a vehicle that is already in the US? Do I need to go to a US Border? If so, probably not even worth doing.

DMV said that I need the evidence of customs clearance forms either 7501, 3461, 6059, 3299 or 3311.

I am scanning through this forum to see if I can get this info myself, but any input is appreciated.

you start by getting the manufactuers letter from the Cdn automaker, outlining if your car can or cannot be imported based on meeting NHTSA standards.

Then you take that letter to a POE (that is a PORT of Entry), that includes many airports and -- wait for it -- ports. I'm guessing, living in Cali and all, that there is a POE within 15 miles of where you live.

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/import/

look at the second bullet.

Hi Just did it, first thing is you need your letter from the manufacturer such as GM or Ford call thier Canadian office and explain you want to do, it will cost about $150 and can be faxed to you.
Have auto insurance with yourUS address, and the letter of purchase from your parents., plate and title.
You will need a "A" ticket issued by immigration for the car they will need to know when they car came down and what point of entry.
Most major airports that have International flights will have a site such San Jose.
all this documentation then proceed to the local DMV, best make a online appointment. The DMV has a great website for all of this.
Go to a smog center and have a air q. test done also.
Go to the DMV site and they have a estimate costs, they have a value of the car/van so $1 won't do. They will estimated what the cost is.
They will first require a inspection of the car/van then will process the paperwork and provide plates and title.
I was treated like gold, so best advice be very nice and you will get the same treatment back, expect costs to be around $300 for the first year.
if you don't have a ca license best get one at the time too, you will need to to a written then a driving test.

Thank you both for your helpful responses!

I did get the manufacturer's letter re compliance, went to the DMV and got a temporary registration. I now need to figure out the insurance problem - it is no longer insured under my parents insurance so I need US insurance, but they want me to have the car registered and CA plates to insure it...but need to get it insured to drive to the SJ airport POE for the import certification...quite the challenge. Working on it....

I did get the US driver's license at least!

That is why it is usually easier to do this on your way into US.