Car Shipping to Romania
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Romania is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Romania, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Romanian and EU 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 Romania
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 Romania – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Romania — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Germany – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: typically 21% of the assessed CIF value
Cost: $2,000–$7,000+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Constanta (primary), Midia, Galati
Customs duty: typically about 10% for passenger vehicles
Required inspection: technical inspection with the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR); registration with the Romanian authorities
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 Romania
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Romania
Our local broker handles all Romanian customs paperwork, customs duty, VAT and any pollution/environmental tax.
Delivered & Registered in Romania
Your vehicle passes the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) technical inspection before registration and release.
Romania Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Romania starts around USD $2,000, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Constanta on the Black Sea is the principal Romanian port of entry, with additional service available to Midia, Medgidia, Galati and other Danube and Black Sea ports. Some clients also route via a Northern European port (Bremerhaven or Rotterdam) and onward to Romania. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, 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 → Constanta | $1,700 | $2,600 | $3,600 | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Constanta | $2,000 | $3,400 | $5,200 | Contact for Pricing |
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Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
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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
Romanian Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle directly to Romania’s main Black Sea and Danube ports, with onward inland delivery available across the country. Some clients also choose to route via a Northern European port for onward delivery into Romania.
Ports Served in Romania
Constanta
Midia
Medgidia
Galati Basin
Bechet
Calarasi
Braila
Giurgiu
Orsova
Moldova Veche
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 Romanian government. Some of these fees could include:
Romania Import and Registration Fees
Customs duty (typically about 10% for passenger vehicles)
VAT (typically 21% of assessed CIF value)
Environmental/pollution tax (depending on emissions and age)
Vehicle registration tax
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
RAR technical inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory civil liability insurance (RCA — răspundere civilă auto)
Annual road tax (rovinietă)
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing from outside the EU, you can generally expect a customs duty of about 10% for passenger vehicles and VAT of around 21% on the CIF value (vehicle purchase price + shipping + insurance). Additional environmental and registration costs may apply depending on the vehicle’s emissions profile and age.
Romania Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 21% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Temporary Stay in Romania | If you are staying in Romania temporarily, you may be able to ship 1 vehicle into the country tax-free, provided you meet the standard temporary-admission requirements. |
Returning Romanian Citizens | Returning Romanian citizens may ship up to 2 vehicles into the country tax-free, as long as the vehicles are less than 8 years old. |
Transfer of Residence (Non-EU Residents Moving to Romania) | US citizens (and other non-EU nationals) who have lived outside Romania for at least 12 months and have owned and used their vehicle for the last 6 months can ship 1 vehicle into Romania tax-free as part of their Transfer of Residence. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic vehicles 30+ years old may qualify for different tax treatment or reduced VAT in some cases. Eligibility should be confirmed with Romanian Customs and the RAR 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 Romania.
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 Romania, 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 Romania.
- Your vehicle must comply with Romanian and EU safety, emissions and technical standards.
- Vehicles shipped to Romania must have all air-conditioning gases removed and the fuel tank no more than one-quarter full. Any excess gases will be removed at the shipper’s cost.
- Compulsory civil liability insurance (RCA) is required before driving in Romania.
- New and used vehicles may have different tax and eligibility treatment.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Romania:
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 Romania 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 Romania, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to Romanian Customs (ANAF)
Purchase Invoice / Bill of Sale (with Romanian translation)
Registration certificate from country of origin
Original Title
Passport or Other Identification
Proof of RCA insurance
Pollution Tax and VAT Payment Receipt
Vehicle Registration Tax Receipt
RAR technical inspection report
Vehicle Registration in Romania (Romanian Automotive Register / DRPCIV)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Romania must be registered with the Romanian authorities before they can be legally driven on public roads. Before registration, your vehicle must undergo a technical inspection with the Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) to ensure its safety and compliance with Romanian and EU standards.
As long as you have a valid US driver’s license and an international driving permit, you can drive temporarily in Romania for up to 90 days. Once your shipped car has been successfully registered, you will be eligible to apply for a Romanian driver’s license.
The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay duty, VAT and any pollution tax → pass the RAR technical inspection → arrange RCA civil liability insurance → register the vehicle at the local DRPCIV (Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor) office and receive Romanian plates.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Romanian and EU standards, such as emissions or lighting compliance, these will need to be handled before the RAR inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Romania, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
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Romania Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Romania.
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 Germany?
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.
Can I drive in Romania on a US license while my car is being registered?
Yes. With a valid US driver’s license and an international driving permit, you can drive in Romania for up to 90 days. After that, or once your imported vehicle is registered, you’ll need to apply for a Romanian driver’s license.
What is RCA insurance?
RCA (răspundere civilă auto) is Romania’s mandatory civil liability auto insurance. It covers personal injury and material damage caused by your vehicle and must be in place before the vehicle can be driven on Romanian roads.
What is the RAR inspection?
The Romanian Automotive Register (RAR) is the body responsible for verifying that imported vehicles meet Romanian and EU safety, emissions and technical standards. A vehicle must pass the RAR inspection before it can be registered for road use in Romania.
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.