
If you have decided to leave the sunny beaches and beautiful weather of the great state of California, you will need to make some particular arrangements. These arrangements are even more overwhelming and potentially time-consuming if you move internationally.
One of the most important factors to consider will be the transport of your personal motor vehicle. Depending on the country to which you are moving, you may not have the option to deliver your car there, as some country's import laws are stricter than others. Even if you are legally allowed to bring your vehicle, you will want to determine the financial repercussions and decide if it is even worth the cost. It is best to follow the steps below when moving your vehicle worldwide from the countryside.
- Research Customs and Import Law of your Destination Country - As previously stated, certain countries do not allow the import of vehicles from the United States. In contrast, others may require that they be of a particular model year or newer, or pass stringent emissions regulations. You can often find this information by looking at the Consulate website of your destination country, but if you have no luck there, feel free to contact the embassy for more details. Sometimes, they may even be able to provide you with the costs associated with importing taxes and fees. If not, you will need to move on to the next step.

- Find Out the Cost to Import Your Vehicle - This can be the step during which you determine that it is not cost-efficient to deliver your vehicle after all. You may decide that the cost alone of transferring, added to the import fees and taxes, makes this a fruitless endeavor. However, if you have a high-dollar vehicle or a car with sentimental value for which the delivery price is no object, you may choose to deliver your sedan anyway. Consider that you will often need to ship your vehicle from California to a port on the East Coast and then from that port to the final destination country. Because this is composed of two long stretches of travel, expect for a much longer transport time and increased cost of transfer.
- Research and Select an Auto Transport Company - Once you have determined that delivery of your vehicle worldwide from California is still beneficial, your next step will be to decide which company you trust to perform the delivery. Seek out a company with experience in international shipping, high qualifications, and an impeccable history of services. The more time you have to research and select a company, the better, but if you don’t have much time, try to find a reputable auto-linguistic company with a quality of service and professionalism that surpasses all others.
- Finally, prepare your Vehicle for Pick-Up and Patiently Await Arrival - Vehicle logistics companies will provide you with a checklist specifying what you must do to prepare your vehicle for dispatch, including draining your gas tank to less than ¼ full, emptying your vehicle of all personal belongings, and removing all aftermarket items that might be damaged during moving. Remember that your car has a long road of transport ahead of it, so recognize that the transfer period may be much more extended than you expected.

Frequently Asked Questions
What does international car shipping from California cost?
International car shipping from California typically costs between $1,200 and $5,500+, depending on the destination country, vehicle size, shipping method, and port fees. Popular routes to Europe, Australia, and Asia often have different customs and handling charges. RoRo shipping is usually less expensive than container transport, while luxury or oversized vehicles increase costs. You can compare current pricing factors using the international car shipping rates calculator.
How long does international car shipping from California take?
Most international vehicle shipments from California take 3 to 10 weeks from pickup to final delivery. Transit times depend on the destination country, vessel schedules, customs clearance, and whether the shipment departs from major ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland. Delays are more common during peak shipping seasons and around major holidays. Booking several weeks in advance often helps secure faster sailing schedules.
Is RoRo or container shipping better for international car shipping from California?
The best option depends on your vehicle and budget. RoRo shipping is often the most affordable choice for standard operable vehicles, while container shipping provides added protection for luxury, classic, exotic, or modified cars. Container service also allows personal vehicle-related items in some cases. Learn more about ocean transport methods through international car shipping by sea, which explains the advantages of each option.
What documents are required to ship a car internationally from California?
Most international shipments require the vehicle title, government-issued identification, booking paperwork, and destination-country import documents. If the vehicle has a lien, additional lender authorization may be necessary. U.S. Customs generally requires ownership verification before export approval. Requirements vary by country, so preparing documents early helps prevent customs delays and unexpected storage charges at the port.
Can I ship a luxury or classic car internationally from California?
Yes. Luxury, exotic, and classic vehicles are regularly shipped overseas from California using enclosed inland transport and secure containerized ocean freight. Owners often choose extra protection for high-value vehicles traveling long distances or entering markets with strict import requirements. For additional vehicle protection before export, many customers select luxury car transport services to minimize exposure during domestic transit to the departure port.
Which California ports are commonly used for international car shipping?
Los Angeles, Long Beach, Oakland, and San Diego are among California's busiest vehicle export gateways. These ports handle large volumes of international cargo and offer frequent sailings to Europe, Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and other global destinations. Port selection affects pricing, transit time, and vessel availability. Many customers choose locations with the most direct routes to reduce handling and transfer delays.



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