** We do not provide import/export services. This guide is for information only. **
If you are planning to move outside the United States, you might decide that taking your car with you is the best option. Maybe you already live outside the country and want to have a car shipped to you from the US, perhaps one you found on a site like eBay or Bring a Trailer. Either way, now’s a perfect time to review the steps on how to export a car from the United States. Let’s cover the basics first.
All vehicles follow the same steps
Did you know that the same process occurs whether you are exporting a car, motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile? That’s because U.S. Customs & Border Protection has decided that the requirements to ship a vehicle are the same regardless of what kind of vehicle it is.
Most of the regulations you need to follow are listed in the Trade and Tariff Act of 1984 which is now included in Part 192 of the U.S. Customs regulations. These are great resources to review in addition to this article.
You will want to empty the vehicle of most personal belongings and have its exterior and underside thoroughly cleaned. You risk being turned away for a muddy vehicle or a tightly packed vehicle that looks like a storage unit.
You are on a road well-traveled
It’s not worth reinventing the wheel here. When it comes to exporting a car, many shipping companies will know exactly what’s needed so you won’t have to sift through mountains of paperwork to determine what to sign. Their price is often worth the peace of mind that everything will be done correctly the first time. But in the spirit of independence, this article tells you how to export a car by yourself.
Exporting a Car: Required Documentation
There are several documents you’ll be required to have when you export a vehicle from the United States. It’s always best to get everything sorted before attempting to coordinate shipping, so here are the documents you will need.
MSO / MCO
The Manufacturer’s Statement or Certificate of Origin is required for all brand-new vehicles, vehicles which have never been registered before, and custom constructions like kit cars to indicate the car has not been registered in the past. You will need the original version of this document along with two extra copies.
Certificate of Title
All other vehicles will require a valid title on hand. This is the most critical document. To comply with regulations, you will need to submit proof of ownership at least three days before the export date.
Bill of Sale
In some rare situations, you would need a bill of sale. This would only apply if there was a good reason you didn’t have a title or MSO to provide. An example would be an antique vehicle that was never titled or a special vehicle coming from a state in which it did not require a title. In short, you must present ironclad proof that the car isn’t stolen and is legally yours before Customs will allow an export to occur. If you have detailed questions, it’s best to contact a shipping expert.
Lien Release Documents
If you don’t own your vehicle outright, you need written authorization from your lienholder that allows you to take the car out of the country. Provide these documents along with your car title.
Can I Export a Financed Car?
It is more difficult to export a car from the United States with an active loan, but it is possible.
If you have an outstanding lien on your vehicle, the best thing you could do is have it removed. This requires that you pay off the loan and then have the lender submit a lien release. You could also consider refinancing with an institution in the country that you are moving the vehicle to. Take out a loan there and pay off the existing lien so you can receive the title and provide it to Customs.
Otherwise, you will need a letter of permission from the current lienholder. Consider that many lienholders will be reluctant to allow you to export a vehicle you’re still financing, but it all depends on your situation. For such a letter to be considered legitimate by Customs, it must be on corporate letterhead and signed by an official. Supply this letter with a certified screen print of your title and registration.
What is the Automated Export System (AES)?
If you are a United States citizen, you will want to know about the Automated Export System (AES). This system is used by the government to collect data on all exports leaving the country. Before anything leaves, exporters are required to file all shipment information, otherwise known as Electronic Export Information (EEI), into AES.
As a United States citizen exporting a vehicle, you would need to create an AES account with your Social Security Number or your company’s EIN before exporting. As a non-citizen, you would need an authorized U.S. agent to file for you.
Often, the company handling the actual shipment of your export handles all of this on your behalf – they might even insist on it.
Can I Export a Car From the US While I Am in Another Country?
Let’s say you don’t live in the United States but you want to export a car to yourself. The first thing you need to do is find the vehicle you wish to import and check your local laws. For example, countries like Saudi Arabia will not allow you to import a vehicle with a salvage title.
Then, find and choose a shipping company that services your area. Some auctions and dealers already have companies in place to handle exportation. With the right shipping company, most of the hassle should be handled for you. They will provide a list of everything that is needed and you simply have to follow their instructions.
At that point, your only remaining obligation is to pick up your vehicle when it arrives. That, or you can hire a domestic ground shipping company to bring it to your door.
Exporting Cars from the United States: Frequently Asked Questions
As a titling company with decades of cumulative experience, here are some of the most common questions we receive about shipping cars out of the United States.
Should I ship a car by myself or use a shipping company?
As we said earlier, it really isn’t worth reinventing the wheel here. The bulk of what goes into creating an international shipping company is figuring out processes like these. Consider the price of a professional shipping service as peace of mind that your vehicle will be shipped correctly – it might even be cheaper when you consider all the time you would invest.
What kind of transport is available?
When you export to Canada or Mexico, you have the option to use standard land freight to transport your vehicle. Shipping overseas requires you to either use ocean freight or air freight.
Ocean freight offers two different shipment options within. You can put your car into a shipping container or RORO shipping (roll-on/roll-off). Air freight is the most expensive form of transport and is typically only used for costly vehicles, or if you need the car right away.
Some carriers might also request that you disconnect your car’s battery, so ask in advance what their policies are.
How do I insure a vehicle that is being shipped?
Shipping companies are required by law to carry insurance on everything they ship, but direct brokers and private parties are not. There are a variety of third-party companies that provide insurance for shipped vehicles. Shop around to find the best coverage for your needs.
There are two main types of international shipping insurance for a vehicle. The first option is All-Risk insurance which covers you for any type of damage during shipping. While this is the most comprehensive option, it is also the most expensive. The other choice is Total-Loss-Only. This only covers you if a total loss occurs such as these infamous disasters at sea involving massive vehicle transport ships.
How long does processing take?
Many ports require at least three days before the shipment date for processing. Keep in mind that the ports don’t process on weekends and holidays, so be sure to account for this.
How long does shipping take?
Which way is the wind blowing today? Many factors can influence how long it takes to export a vehicle to another country, but a solid estimate from industry experts is about 10 days. By contrast, air freight would only take a couple of days.
It Is Possible… but Should You Do It Alone?
Whether you are moving to another country, living abroad, or just passing through the United States, the same process applies to export any vehicle from the United States. To save yourself time, we recommend finding a trustworthy shipping company to help you through the process. They will provide everything you need to ensure that your vehicle arrives quickly, securely, and safely. The best choice might even be based in the destination country.
If you need a new title for a vehicle you plan to export, you could waste hours at the DMV, or just let us do the work for you. We can obtain a new title and registration for cars, motorcycles, and almost anything with wheels. Pair with our LLC Formation Service for a tax-free experience and add our Automatic Registration Renewal to keep things hassle-free and eliminate the DMV altogether. We also offer VIN Checks to help you gather the facts before you ship a vehicle. Click the links to learn more about our services.
** We do not provide import/export services. This guide is for information only. **
We are not attorneys. This article is not legal advice. Cover image source
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