What Documents Do I Need to Ship a Car Overseas?

When it comes to shipping a car overseas, one of the first things that you will need to sort is your paperwork. Whether you’re relocating, selling, or sending a vehicle abroad for the first time, having the correct documentation in place can make sure that the process goes as smoothly as possible.

Join us as we consider what essential documents you will need and how these can vary depending on your destination and chosen shipping method.

What Are the Essential Documents for International Car Shipping?

No matter where you are shipping your vehicle, there are certain specific documents that you will need to have in order before you start the shipping process. These are official papers that prove that you own the vehicle and provide crucial information to ensure smooth customs clearance and onward transport.

The essential documents required to ship a car abroad include:

Original Vehicle Title and Registration Documents

These are, in fact, the most important documents as they prove that you legally own the vehicle that you are shipping and that you have the legal right to export it. This helps to avoid any disputes during customs clearance or at the destination port.

If you currently have a lien on the vehicle, US customs will also accept a certified copy of the title along with a notarized original letter from the bank, giving you authorization to ship the vehicle.

Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice

If you have recently purchased the vehicle that you are looking to ship, you will need to provide some proof of sale. This means that a copy of the Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice will be required by customs.

Your Bill of Sale should include specific information, including the buyer’s and seller’s names, the vehicle’s purchase price, the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the date of sale.

The bill of sale does not always need to be notarized, only for some ports and for specific purposes. For example, if you buy a vehicle from a dealer and you are shipping the vehicle from New York, you do not need the bill of sale to be notarized, it can be just a regular bill of sale. But if you purchase the vehicle from a private party and the vehicle is specifically leaving New York, you do need a notarized bill of sale. As of the publication of this article, no other current port of departure requires a notarized bill of sale under any circumstances.

Bill of Lading (BoL)

The Bill of Lading is an important document that is issued by the shipping carrier. This forms a contract between you and the international auto shipping company, confirming that they have taken possession of your vehicle for transport.

The Bill of Lading will include details about the make and model of your car, the vehicle’s VIN, the names of the sender and receiver, and the final destination.

Official Photo Identification

This should be a clear and legible copy of the photo page of your passport or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. It is used by customs authorities in both the origin and destination countries to verify your identity.

Export Declaration or Customs Forms

Before your car can leave the country, you will need to submit certain customs forms. These vary depending on where you are shipping from, but they basically declare that you are exporting a vehicle and confirm its details for customs clearance.

Your chosen international car shipping company can help you to understand which forms are needed and how to submit them properly.

Power of Attorney (if required)

If you are authorizing a third party, such as your car shipping company or a family member, to handle the export and customs clearance process on your behalf, then you will need to provide a Power of Attorney document to declare this.

Packing List (if shipping personal items inside the car)

This is not always essential, but if you intend to ship any personal belongings inside your vehicle (such as clothes or tools), then you may be required to submit a full packing list. This helps customs officials to know exactly what is in your vehicle, and is particularly important if you are using a container shipping service.

Proof of Loan Payoff or Lien Release

If your car is currently financed or leased, then you won’t legally be allowed to export it without obtaining prior written permission from the lien holder or providing proof that the loan has been paid off. Notably, military personnel may be exempt from this requirement if they can provide deployment orders and lender approval.

Vehicle Inspection Report (sometimes required)

Some car shipping companies or certain destination countries may ask you to provide a pre-shipping inspection report. This confirms your car’s current condition before transit, including any pre-existing damage, and can help to avoid any disputes over damage that occurs during shipping.

Emissions or Compliance Certificate (depending on destination)

Certain countries, especially those that have strict environmental rules, may ask for proof that your vehicle meets local emissions or safety standards. Some countries with strict emissions laws may actually reject the import of vehicles that fail to meet their standards, so you should verify this with your destination country before shipping.

Do the Required Documents Vary by Destination Country?

The short answer to this question is yes, and it is something that you should be aware of from early on when shipping cars overseas. Different countries enforce unique car overseas requirements, reflecting their individual environmental laws and safety standards. As well as the usual essential shipping documents that we have discussed above, some countries have their own additional requirements.

For example, some countries ask for additional compliance documents such as emissions or safety certificates, while others might require translations or special handling instructions for classic cars or motor vehicles that have a spare tire.

If you have a brand new car or you have recently purchased it, you may need to think about sales tax, import taxes, and extra processing fees, which can all vary depending on the new country’s regulations.

Some countries also require proof of vehicle insurance or supplemental insurance during transit, especially if you’re using international air transport or RoRo shipping services.

Customs agents at your destination port will review your documents closely, and any missing paperwork could lead to customs fees, import duties, or even delays in when you can typically collect vehicles after arrival.

It is best to check with your chosen international car shipping company, as they can guide you through the process and make sure that you have the correct paperwork in place so that your car shipment can clear customs smoothly.

How Do Document Requirements Differ for Temporary and Permanent Shipping?

The documents required to ship your car overseas can vary depending on whether your move is temporary or permanent.

If you’re shipping your vehicle temporarily, for example, for a work assignment, an extended trip, or an international event, you will likely need to have a temporary import permit or a carnet de passage. These documents allow your car into the destination country without having to pay full import duties or sales tax, as long as it leaves again within a set period.

For permanent moves, you will most likely need complete ownership papers and must pay applicable customs clearance fees, import taxes, and meet all local car overseas requirements, such as emissions or safety inspections.

Do I Need Marine Insurance When Shipping a Car Overseas?

When shipping a car internationally, marine insurance isn’t always mandatory, but it is something that you should carefully consider. This type of insurance can cover your vehicle against any damage or loss while it is being transported by sea, which could include adverse weather conditions, handling errors, accidents, theft, or loss.

Standard vehicle insurance usually won’t cover your car once it’s off the road and onboard a ship, so having supplemental insurance specifically for transit is a smart move, especially if you are shipping a high-value or classic car.

What Does International Car Shipping Cost?

The cost to ship your vehicle internationally depends on several factors, including the distance to the destination port, the size and type of your vehicle, whether it is a classic or high-value car, and any extra services such as special handling instructions or supplemental insurance.

The final cost will also depend upon the type of shipping service that you opt for; for example, air freight is typically faster but more expensive, while sea options, such as using a shipping container or RoRo shipping, tend to be more cost-effective for most vehicles.

Remember to factor in additional costs, including customs clearance fees, import duties, and processing fees that might pop up at the other end. It is also worth considering potential car maintenance costs that may be necessary before and after shipping.

What Are Destination Charges and When Do You Pay Them?

When your car shipment arrives at its destination port, there are often additional fees to cover customs clearance, storage, and local taxes such as import duties or sales tax. These destination charges vary widely by country and are often calculated based on the paperwork submitted at the Port of Entry directly prior to your vehicle being released.

How Should You Prepare Your Vehicle for Overseas Shipping?

Before your vehicle can be shipped overseas, you will need to prepare your car carefully. This ensures that your vehicle remains safe during transport and that it complies with all necessary regulations, helping to avoid any unnecessary delays or potential headaches along the way.

Here is a quick breakdown of how to get your vehicle ready:

• Clean your vehicle inside and out, which includes getting your car washed to remove any dirt, mud, plant material, seeds, insects, or other foreign contaminants.
• Check your car’s current condition, including the air pressure of the tires, fluid levels, and battery charge, and document any existing damage with detailed photos. You should remove any loose parts, such as antennas or spoilers, and secure or cover mirrors to avoid damage. It’s also best to keep your fuel tank about a quarter full to reduce weight, but still have enough fuel for loading and unloading.
• Remove all personal belongings, unless you have arranged to ship them inside your vehicle with a detailed packing list.
• Make sure your registration and insurance information are up to date and accessible. Also, don’t remove your license plates unless your destination country specifically requires it.
• Many destinations require you to disconnect the battery or disable alarms to prevent false alerts during transit.
• If your car runs on a different fuel type or has modifications, check to see if any special permits or additional compliance documents are needed for your destination country.

Why Choose a Trusted International Car Shipping Company?

Shipping your car internationally can be complex, with required paperwork and compliance rules varying from country to country.

A trusted international car shipping company will help to guide you through the process of shipping your vehicle overseas, helping to organize all of the necessary documentation, such as your car title and registration, and insurance coverage, and coordinating with customs or overseas agents to ensure smooth shipment and that your car arrives on time.

Trust CFR Classic for Reliable, Transparent International Car Shipping

Whether you are relocating temporarily or making a permanent move, having the right documents in place is key to a smooth car shipping process, helping to save you time, stress, and unexpected delays.

At CFR Classic, we are dedicated to simplifying the international car shipping process for you. With over 25 years of experience in international shipping, we ship over 2,000 vehicles every month, plus hundreds of motorcycles, boats, RVs, and more, from across the U.S. to destinations around the world.

Our domestic trucking and logistics teams work together to give you a smooth, hassle-free shipping experience, from start to finish.

Contact us today for an online quote and let us take care of your beloved vehicle.