Exporting Cars
General Information
Exporting cars doesn't have to be too difficult to accomplish. Depending on the location in which your vehicle is being exported, there may be a litany of paperwork that has to be filled out, but with the right auto broker, you'll be able to get through this process as pain-free as possible. A-1 Auto Transport has been exporting cars for years and will be able to guide you through every step of the customs process and to ensure that you avoid as many of the fees as possible.
However, exporting cars from the United States means understanding the customs regulations and requirements that you'll have to adhere to, as well as understanding the export options that you will have available.
Requirements to Send a Vehicle
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), you must abide by the following guidelines to export a car from the United States.
- Provide the Original Certificate of Title or a valid proof of ownership document (it must contain the Vehicle Identification Number, known as the VIN);
- If you're exporting your vehicle through a land border to Canada or Mexico, you will need to provide the documents at least 72 hours before the export date;
- On the day that you're planning on exporting the vehicle, you will need to bring the car to U.S. Customs so that they may make sure that your documents match the vehicle (both VINs match);
- You will have to allow the U.S. Customs agent to inspect your vehicle from both the exterior and interior;
- Finally, if you're planning on exporting your car overseas, you will need to provide U.S. Customs with the vehicle 72 hours before the scheduled ship date, as well as all of the pertinent ownership documents
*If you do not have access to the ownership documentation of your vehicle, you should contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for assistance. Do this as soon as possible, as you may not receive the replacement immediately.
For an explanation of the requirements, visit the CBP's website at:
//help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/307/~/requirements-for-exporting-a-vehicle-%28including%3A-snowmobile,-atv-and-motorcycle%29
- Exporting a car internationally costs $1,000–$5,000+, with RoRo being the most affordable method and container shipping offering greater protection.
- International car export transit takes 2–8 weeks; major routes to Europe or Asia move faster due to frequent port sailings.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires the original vehicle title and export declaration submitted 72 hours before departure.
Types of Vehicle Classifications
According to the U.S. Customs Border and Protection, cars can be classified into the following categories:
- Used Cars
Used cars will require the aforementioned proof of ownership documents. If the used vehicle is owned by a third party, such as through a lease/financial arrangement, then the exporter must have a written letter providing permission to export the vehicle from the third party. The authorization letter must have the third party's contact information present so that all of the information can be verified in terms of its validity.
A translation of the proof of ownership documents must be provided if the used vehicle was initially purchased abroad.
Lastly, suppose a U.S. Government employee is the one exporting the vehicle. In that case, the official documents from the particular agency that the employee works for must be provided, and the arrangement must be clearly stated.
- New Cars
New cars that were bought in the United States have to have a letter provided to the U.S. Customs official, usually called the Certificate of Origin, that states that the car was created in the United States. Usually, you will already have these documents given to you when you purchase the vehicle.
- "Junk" Cars
When exporting a car that is considered to be "junk," this requires a certification that states this. You may be asked to provide a copy of this certification, depending on the circumstances.
Hauling Methods
Of course, when exporting cars, you should be aware of the shipping service options that you have available. The two most common shipping methods when shipping overseas are:
- Roll-On and Roll-Off Service
Not only is this the most popular method, but it is also the least expensive option. When choosing this option, your vehicle will be placed on a unique car deck on a freight ship at a port in the United States, where it will then be delivered to the port of your destination country or the nearest port. However, it would help if you understood that this method takes a bit of a long time and may not arrive at the specified date. This would be a good option for a "Junk" car or one that is used and old.
- Container Service
The more expensive option out of the two, it does cost extra, but this brings with it extra perks. Considerably more secure, your car will be placed in its unique container rather than secured on a car deck alongside other vehicles like in the first option. You will also be able to include other items in the container as well, as long as they're not placed inside of the vehicle. This is the recommended option for a new or highly valuable vehicle.
Of course, if you're exporting the vehicle to Canada or Mexico, you can choose from the available land options: shipping it via either an enclosed or open trailer. Rail options might also be available in Canada at specific locations, but in Mexico, the trucking option will be the only one available.
A-1 Auto Transport can not only help you out with each step of the documentation process, but we can also recommend to you the best export shipping option for your vehicle and arrange all of the delivery services that you may need, including door-to-door transport so that your car makes it to its final destination as quickly as possible! Contact us today!
Visit www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/export-docs/motor-vehicle for more detailed information!
Related Information & FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
: How does exporting cars from the USA work?
Exporting cars from the USA starts with confirming destination-country import eligibility, then booking transport and completing the required U.S. export clearance. For a used self-propelled vehicle, EEI must be filed through AES at least 72 hours before export, and a successful filing returns an ITN. CBP also requires the vehicle and its ownership documents to be presented under the applicable port procedure. A1's international car shipping service covers the transport options after those requirements are addressed.
How much does exporting cars cost internationally?
As of August 11, 2026, typical port-to-port ocean pricing for exporting a standard running car from the U.S. is about $1,200-$5,000. RoRo and shared-container service generally sit toward the lower part of that range, while dedicated containers and longer lanes can cost more. Inland pickup, vehicle size, destination handling, and marine insurance can raise the transport total; destination-country duties and taxes are separate. A1's international car shipping cost calculator can narrow the estimate for a specific vehicle and destination.
What documents are required for exporting cars?
For a U.S.-titled used car, CBP's core ownership packet is the original Certificate of Title or a certified copy, plus two complete copies. Used self-propelled vehicle exports also require EEI through AES, and a successful filing produces an ITN for the shipping documents. A bill of sale can serve as ownership evidence in certain untitled or non-standard cases, but it does not universally replace a valid title. The destination country may separately require import permits, emissions documents, or other customs paperwork.
What is the difference between RoRo and container shipping when exporting cars?
RoRo carries a running vehicle aboard a specialized car-carrier vessel, while container shipping secures the vehicle inside a steel shipping container. RoRo generally costs less and requires a vehicle that can start, steer, and roll under the carrier's rules. Containers provide enclosed protection and can accommodate non-running or high-value vehicles that need different loading. Personal-cargo rules vary by carrier and destination, so container service does not automatically mean unrestricted belongings. A1's RoRo shipping cost guide explains the method in more detail.
How long does exporting cars to another country take?
Loaded ocean transit for exporting a car from the U.S. typically takes 2-6 weeks on common routes, with longer Pacific and Oceania services reaching about 6-8 weeks. Europe commonly falls near the shorter end, while Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Oceania require more sailing time. Pickup, port staging, customs clearance, and final delivery sit outside loaded ocean transit, so an end-to-end move can take roughly 4-10 weeks. Vessel schedules and transshipment stops account for much of the route-to-route difference.
Can I export cars from Japan or other countries to the U.S.?
es, cars from Japan and other countries can be shipped to the U.S., but federal import eligibility should be established before the vehicle is loaded. Under NHTSA rules, a vehicle 25 years old or older can use the age-based entry provision; a newer nonconforming vehicle may require an eligibility determination and a Registered Importer. EPA applies a separate over-21-year provision and requires the engine to be identical to the original model and configuration for that treatment. Meeting one agency's age provision does not automatically satisfy the other agency's requirements.
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