Car Shipping to Georgia
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Georgia is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Georgia, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Georgian regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Georgia
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Georgia – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Georgia — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Germany – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 20 days (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 18%
Cost: $1,450–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Poti, Batumi
Import tax: 12% (or fixed rate of the customs value)
Required inspection: Georgian customs declaration and registration via the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Georgia
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Georgia
Our local broker handles all Georgia customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Georgia
Your vehicle is registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia before plating and release.
Georgia Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Georgia starts around USD $1,450, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The Port of Poti is our recommended destination port, with additional service available to Batumi on the Black Sea coast. The estimated transit time is approximately 20 days, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Poti | $1,450 | $1,500 | $2,000 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Poti | $1,650 | $1,600 | $3,050 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Georgia Destination Ports
LogisticsGeorgia’s main Black Sea ports handle vehicle imports, with onward inland delivery available throughout the country.
Ports Served in Georgia
Poti
Batumi
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Georgian government. Some of these fees could include:
Georgia Import and Registration Fees
Import Tax/ Customs duty
Value-added tax (VAT)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Customs broker fees
Excise tax (based on engine size, age and fuel type)
Motor liability insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing a vehicle into Georgia, you can generally expect an import tax of 12% (or a fixed rate based on the customs value), 18% VAT on the import amount, and an excise tax assessed by engine size, age, and fuel type. Diplomats rotated from Georgian diplomatic or consular offices abroad, and individuals entering Georgia for permanent residence, may be entitled to tax concessions.
Georgian Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 18% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Diplomatic Exemption | Diplomats being rotated from diplomatic representations or consular offices of Georgia abroad are entitled to tax concessions on personal vehicles. Standard diplomatic documentation is required. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles |
Classic and vintage vehicles may be subject to different treatment than newer passenger cars. Note that, as of April 2026, Georgia restricts the import and registration of passenger cars older than six years as part of a vehicle modernization and environmental initiative, with some exemptions (for example for electric vehicles). Eligibility for any classic exception should be confirmed with the Georgian Revenue Service before shipping. |
Returning Resident / Permanent Relocation | Individuals entering Georgia for permanent residence may be entitled to tax concessions on imported personal vehicles. Eligibility, documentation, and the extent of relief should be confirmed with Georgian Customs (Revenue Service) before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Georgia.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Georgia, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Georgia.
- Only left-hand-drive vehicles can be shipped to Georgia from the US — right-hand-drive vehicles are not eligible.
- Your vehicle will need to comply with Georgian exhaust and noise emissions standards.
- As of April 2026, Georgia restricts the import and registration of passenger cars older than six years, with some exemptions (for example for electric vehicles). Confirm eligibility before shipping.
- Vehicles with foreign plates can typically remain in Georgia for around 90 days before re-export or local registration is required.
- New and used vehicles may have different eligibility requirements — confirm with your agent before booking.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Georgia
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Georgia:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Georgian authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Georgia, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to the Georgian Revenue Service
Import tax, VAT and excise tax assessment documents
Purchase invoice (proof of value)
Proof of Insurance
Passport or Other Identification
Proof of Official Address Registration
Original certificate of registration, for previously registered vehicles
Registration application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia
Vehicle Registration in Georgia (Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Registration
All vehicles shipped to Georgia must be registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia before they can be legally driven on public roads. As part of this process, customs clearance must be completed first, with import tax, VAT and excise tax paid to the Georgian Revenue Service.
If your vehicle requires any modifications to meet Georgian standards, such as emissions or lighting adjustments, these will need to be handled before registration. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
You’ll also need the vehicle title, proof of identity (identity card or passport), proof of motor liability insurance, and confirmation that import taxes and duties have been paid. Import and registration rules can change relatively often in Georgia, so we recommend confirming the latest requirements with the Ministry of Internal Affairs before shipping.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Georgia, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Germany Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Georgia
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Georgia?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is EU “mutual recognition” for vehicles?
Mutual recognition means that if a vehicle is approved in one EU country, it can generally be registered in another without additional testing. This simplifies importing within the EU, though compliance with local regulations is still required.
Can I ship a right-hand-drive vehicle to Georgia?
No. Only left-hand-drive vehicles can be shipped to Georgia from the US. If your vehicle is right-hand-drive, your agent can advise on alternative destinations.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.