International Car Shipping

Required documents and customs regulations

When shipping your vehicle overseas, there are essential documents necessary to clear customs and import your car into the country. Customs regulations vary depending on the country, but commonly required documents include:

• Original Certificate of Title or a certified copy
• Proof of vehicle registration
• Completed HS-7 form
• Completed EPA 3520
• If you lease your car or have a lien, you must also provide a letter from the lien holder authorizing the exportation, with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the owner/ lien holder’s name, telephone number, signature and date.
• If you are a U.S. government employee being reassigned overseas, you will need your military orders or a letter from the government or other authority authorizing the transport of your vehicle.
• If you purchased a new car that is being shipped abroad, you will need a Bill of Sale and an Original Certificate of Origin from the dealership where you bought the vehicle.
• DOT requires a copy of the DOT label (usually located on the door panel)—if it is unavailable, you can contact corporate headquarters for the MFG and request a letter confirming your vehicle has conformed to US Federal Motor Vehicle safety, bumper and theft prevention standards
• If you cannot be present at the point of departure with your vehicle, you may require a power of attorney

Depending on your destination country, customs regulations restricting the age and type of vehicle permitted for import will vary. Some countries will not allow cars that exceed a certain age limit or did not pass safety or emissions inspections. The vehicle’s value, engine size and other factors can also affect the tariffs, customs duties and taxes required for entry.