Hey! I’m Mike, I go by DJ AXCESS, and I’m a travel DJ, hype man, and public speaker based in Columbus, Ohio.
If you’ve ever booked a gig outside the U.S.—especially if you’re driving—you know how stressful it can be figuring out what paperwork you need to get your DJ gear across the border. I recently had my first international wedding in Toronto, and I learned a ton about how to get your gear from the USA to Canada and back without paying unnecessary customs fees or taxes.
Here’s a full breakdown of what I did, what I learned, and what I’d do differently next time.
Youtube video: https://youtu.be/yDimA7WJmEM?si=ZxhG9dTZMLAwaFj_
Why I Went to the Border Patrol Office First
Before heading to Canada, I stopped by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) office in Columbus, Ohio to fill out a form called CBP Form 4455. This document is crucial—it certifies that the gear you’re taking out of the country is yours, so when you return, you don’t have to pay duty or taxes as if you bought it abroad.
I’ll be honest—I didn’t find much online about the exact process, so I went in with the van, my gear, and a blank form. The officer was incredibly helpful and walked me through the whole thing.
Step 1: Filling Out Form 4455 (Certificate of Registration)
Here’s what you need to know:
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Bring a separate sheet for each bag or case you’re taking across the border.
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List every major item in that case—DJ controller, laptop, microphones, speaker cables, etc.
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Include serial numbers where possible (I only had one for my laptop, and that was fine).
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Don’t worry about small, replaceable items like USB-C cables or power cords—they’re likely not going to care about those, or you can replace them without a crazy financial burden.
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Once filled out, the officer will inspect your gear and sign off on the form.
This whole process took about an hour—half for paperwork, half for inspection. Once signed, that form goes with you and gets presented to U.S. Customs when you return home.
Step 2: Crossing into Canada
Crossing into Canada was way easier than expected. The agent asked:
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Where I was from
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Where I was going
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What I was doing there
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When I’d be returning
He also asked if it was a work vehicle and whether I was self-employed. I said yes, and that was it. No van inspection, no extra paperwork. The entire process took less than five minutes.
Pro tip:
Bring proof of your gig—like an invitation or contract—just in case they ask. Mine didn’t, but it’s good to have it ready.
Step 3: Coming Back into the U.S.
Coming home took a little longer, but was still smooth. I handed over my passport and the signed Form 4455. The border agent looked a bit confused at first and sent me inside to talk with another officer.
Inside, the officer asked what the forms were for. I explained that I was a DJ returning from a gig in Canada, showed the paperwork, and he quickly cleared me to go. From start to finish, it took about 15 minutes.
Honestly, I got the sense that if I’d just said I had DJ gear and wasn’t bringing anything new back, they might’ve waved me through—but it’s always better to be over-prepared than under.
Step 4: What I’d Do Next Time
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Keep the forms on hand for future trips. Once you’ve done it once, the process will be much faster.
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Have your gear list saved digitally so you can easily update it before each trip.
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Arrive early at the border. Even though it was quick this time, I budgeted an hour for potential delays—and that peace of mind was worth it.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to DJ internationally, here’s the short version:
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Fill out CBP Form 4455 at your local U.S. Customs office before leaving.
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Bring documentation proving you’re performing (an invitation, email, or contract).
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Be professional and transparent when speaking with agents.
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Expect it to take a bit of time the first go-around, but once you’ve got your system, it’s easy.
This process was current as of September 2025, and it might change—so always double-check before you travel.
If you found this helpful, check out my YouTube channel where I document travel gigs, gear setup walkthroughs, and lessons learned from events like this. Together, we’re building a better DJ community—one gig at a time.
Until next time: peace, and practice.
