Documents Needed To Transport A Car Across State Lines

Last updated May, 09 2025
Documents Needed To Transport A Car Across State Lines

People transport cars across stateliness for different reasons. Some are hauling for sale and repair, while most people seek services to relocate to a new state. When preparing to ship, finding a good company is a huge concern. However, do not forget that documents are needed to haul across state lines. Read on to find out the files you need.

Documents needed by the Firm

Companies require the following papers before moving out of state;

  • Vehicle registration – before they can take your car, the company must prove that it is yours and that you have the right to ship it. The vehicle registration and title are the documents required to prove ownership. Without these, a professional firm with a reputation for protecting will not move.
  • Photo identification – to fully ascertain that you own the vehicle, the firm will request to see a photo identification. A photo ID can be your unexpired passport or driver’s license.
  • Certificate of insurance – the company also needs proof that the automobile is insured. Present a copy of the insurance certificate.
  • Bill of lading – this is not a paper they need; instead, it is a record they prepare, but it requires your presence when preparing it. Before loading it for moving, the agency inspects its state. They note the findings of the inspection in the bill of lading. You should be present to sign this document so that you can ascertain it is accurate. You should also make sure the truck driver or any other authorized agency representative signs it, too. This is evidence in case you need to claim compensation should the mover damage it.
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Papers needed to Haul across State Lines

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Are you moving to relocate to a new state? You need to transfer to the latest state when you move. Failure to do this in time could attract penalties. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is responsible for transferring. Three different situations are affecting the procedure;

Transferring with lease agreements or liens

If your title has a lien, you transfer by filing a release form and sending it to the lien holder. The lien holder will then send it to a local DMV office near your new residence. The DMV office will assist you in completing the final steps of the transfer.

In the case of lease agreements, you are supposed to obtain a power of attorney from the leasing agent for the transfer to be completed by the DMV.

Transferring from states that issue titles

If you are moving from a state that issues tags, you must transfer the label to your current state of residence. The procedure of transferring a label out of state resembles that of an in-state change of residence. The procedure has several additional steps, but they vary from state to state. Generally, the process involves;

  • Testing emissions standards of the car (some states do not require this test)
  • Filling out the transfer request form
  • Submitting the existing vehicle registration and title
  • Submitting insurance certificate
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) verification
  • Paying the applicable transfer fees

Note that there are states that have tax exemptions for new residents. Visit the DMV website to learn more about the transfer and the potential cost involved.

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Transferring to states that do not issue titles

If you are moving from a state that does not issue tags to one that does, you do not have a title to transfer. In this case, you apply for a new label in the DMV office in your new residence. The DMV office will need proof of ownership and the vehicle sale invoice or bill. The bill should have the contact info and signatures of both you and the seller. It should also have relevant vehicle information, including the price, year of manufacture, date of sale, and VIN.

Indeed, there are documents needed to haul across state lines, and to retain it there. To avoid any inconveniences or unavoidable penalties prepare all the necessary papers and funds in advance. If you are just hauling for purposes other than a change of residence, you only need to prepare the records the mover requires. For a change of residence, you need to consider the DMV requirements outlined above.

Call us for more information on the documents needed to move with A1-AT. Our friendly customer care team will be eager to help.

Related Information & FAQ

  • State-to-state moving company
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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

CSI Logistics
435 Division Street
Elizabeth, NJ 07201
FMC 22206
Intl Cargo
45 Campus Drive
Edison, NJ 08837
NO. 17858N
Trans Global Auto Logistics, Inc.
3401 E Randol Mill Rd,
Arlington, TX 76011
NO. 018191NF
CFR Rinkens
15501 Texaco Avenue
Paramount, CA 90723
NO. 013055NF
ABC Worldwide LLC
2840 NW 2nd Ave #105
Boca Raton, FL 33431
NO. 025472F
ShipYourCarNow LLC
1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
Boca Raton, FL 33487
NO. 025646
Merco Air & Ocean Cargo, Inc.
6 Fir Way
Cooper City, FL 33026
NO. 021869F
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