Import a Car from Germany to the USA
2026 Guide
Importing a car from Germany to the US is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and requirements. Whether you’re moving to the United States, selling a German vehicle in the US, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with US regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CRF Classic?
Get an Instant Germany Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip from Germany
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.
Importing a Car from Germany – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the Germany to USA — before you dive into the detail.
Importing a Car from Germany – Key Takeaways
Transit time:2–4 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
Cost:$2,500–$8,000+ (ocean), $10,000+ (air)
Main departure ports: Bremerhaven, Hamburg, Rotterdam (Netherlands)
EU vehicle tariff: 15%
Entry ports: US East or West Coast
Purchasing a Car in Germany
Buying a carSometimes your dream car is easiest to find in another country, especially if it’s a classic car or exotic car. If you’re looking to purchase a car in Germany and import it to the United States, our agents can help you find a reputable seller and handle all the red tape to bring your dream car home.
Below, we list some of the best places online to shop for a German vehicle; you can reach out to a CFR Classic shipping agent for assistance during the purchase process.
Germany Car Import Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingImporting a car from Germany to the US starts around USD $2,500, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. The estimated transit time is 2-4 weeks, but this can also vary.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Bremerhaven → US East Coast | TBD | TBD | TBD | Rate Available on Request |
Bremerhaven → US West Coast | TBD | TBD | TBD | Rate Available on Request |
Get an Instant Germany 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.
German Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations in Germany and nearby in Europe that we can ship a car from. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in Germany
Bremerhaven
Hamburg
Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Antwerp (Belgium)
And More
US Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports for car imports to the United States. Our agents can also arrange for shipment to an inland location in the United States, depending on your needs.
US Destination Ports
Los Angeles
New York
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Charleston
And More
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with import, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the US government. Some of these fees could include:
USA Import and Registration Fees
Import tariffs & duties
Gas guzzler tax
(applicable to passenger cars with a fuel economy below 22.5 mpg)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Description goes here
Merchandise processing fee (MPF)
.3464% (maximum amount of the fee shall not exceed $634.62 and shall not be less than $32.71)
Harbor maintenance fee (HMF)
0.125%
State sales/use tax
~0%–10% depending on state
Section 232 Tariffs
(if importing a new vehicle)
Car insurance
Description goes here
DMV registration fee
Description goes here
Your agent can help you navigate these fees. As of April 2026, for imported vehicles from the EU imported to the US, the vehicle tariff will be 15% under current Federal policy. Duty rates are based on price paid or payable.
If importing a new vehicle, Section 232 Tariffs will apply.
- Up to 25% additional tariff on certain imported vehicles and auto parts
- Applies to non-exempt countries (including the EU in many cases)
- Classic cars (25+ years old) are generally exempt from this tariff
United States Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsHere’s a full list of tax exemptions
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Oldtimer Exemption | If the car was originally built in the US, it may qualify for duty-free re-entry. The importer must prove U.S. origin using the VIN or manufacturer records and that it was previously exported from the US. |
Relocating to the United States | If you’re moving to the US, you may qualify for duty-free import of your vehicle as part of your household goods. Requirements typically include that you have owned and used the car abroad for at least 1 year and that the vehicle is for personal use, not for sale. While exemption applies to duties, EPA/DOT compliance may still apply unless the car qualifies under the 25-year rule. |
Temporary Import | Visitors or people staying temporarily in the United States may import their vehicle duty free for up to 1 year as long as it is not sold in the US, is used solely by the importer, and is exported after that period. |
Military and Government Workers | U.S. military and certain government employees stationed abroad may be allowed to import their vehicle duty-free in some cases. Additional allowances may depend on assignment and documentation. |
Import Methods
Choose your import methodYour vehicle can be imported 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 imported car 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 import 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 the United States.
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 import a car from Germany to the US, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for US import.
If your vehicle is newer than 25 years old, your vehicle will need to comply with EPA emissions standards and DOT safety standards (FMVSS).
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to import a car:
Documents for Import
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
Vehicle Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay, EPA and NHTSA label if the vehicle is newer than 25 years old) if required by the carrier or US authorities
Bill of Lading, Shipping Contract, and/or Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in the United States, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary)
Download – your CFR Classic agent will handle this
DOT Form HS-7 (Safety Compliance)
EPA Form 3520-1
(Emissions Compliance) Download
Or contract with a DOT-registered importer
to modify the vehicle if you cannot meet the requirements of these forms
Passport or Other Identification
Description goes here
Proof of Insurance
(if driving the vehicle in the United States)
Foreign Registration and Plates/Tags
(if driving but not registering the vehicle in the United States)
Vehicle Registration and Driving in the United States
RegistrationAfter you’ve imported your car to the United States, you and your vehicle must comply with US licensing and registration laws before driving. Requirements differ based on your citizenship status and the length of your stay in the United States.
US Citizens Registering a Vehicle in the US
If you are a US resident, you should contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your state or territory of residence, inquire about temporary license plates, and determine what documents and certifications the DMV requires from CBP to register the vehicle.
Foreign Citizens Driving a Vehicle in the US
If you are a non-US citizen importing a vehicle, you may be able to drive it with a foreign registration under some circumstances.
Your imported vehicle should bear valid foreign license plates, and you may wish to consider acquiring an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are a foreign national (although not strictly required, it is a translation of your license that can simplify traffic stops or other situations where you must present ID).
Germany is a party to the Convention on International Road Traffic of 1949, meaning that German citizens can acquire an IDP and use their driver’s license in the United States for up to one year in some cases (varies by state).
If you are a motorist from Canada or Mexico, you are permitted to tour in the US without US license plates or US driver’s permits.
If you are a foreign national employed in the US, you may use your foreign license tags from the port of entry to your destination in the US.
If your country was not party to either the 1949 Geneva Convention or the 1968 Vienna Convention and none of the above circumstances apply, you will likely need to secure a driving permit in the US after taking an examination before driving your vehicle. However, other legal frameworks may apply to your foreign driver’s license that could permit you to drive in the United States. Contact your agent for additional information.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car to Germany Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
German Car Import FAQs
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the Germany to US.
What is the 25-year rule?
When importing into the US, vehicles 25 years or older are exempt from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) emissions standards and Department of Transportation (DOT) safety requirements.
This makes classic cars significantly easier and cheaper to import.
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 import a new car from 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 import?
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 (like major U.S. to Germany ports) 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 the United States?
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.
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.
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 Germany
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Germany
Our local broker handles all German customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in Germany
Your vehicle undergoes TÜV inspection before registration and release.