Ship Car to Rome with Reliable International Transport

Car Shipping Rome

Moving to Rome, Italy, is a move that many desire to make. Once you arrive in the busy industrial capital of Italy, you may realize that having your vehicle to get around will help financially and save time when you need to get somewhere. Rome is a city that showcases perfect driving weather year-round, and navigating the busy city streets is easy once you begin to drive on your own. The first thing you’ll need to do when planning to ship your car to Rome is hire a professional automobile transport company that can ship internationally. An experienced auto transporter will be able to answer all of your automobile shipping questions and give you the information you will need on customs regulations, fees, and the total cost of relocating internationally to Rome.

Cost & Time Examples For Hauling a Vehicle to Rome

• Shipping a car from the U.S. to Rome costs $1,900–$4,000, with East Coast ocean freight averaging $2,800 and West Coast departures via California reaching $3,400.
• Most vehicles arrive at the Port of Civitavecchia in 3–6 weeks, with inland delivery to Rome adding time after customs clearance and port processing.
• Italy applies a 22% VAT plus customs duty on imports; owners who have held the vehicle for at least one year qualify for a duty exemption but must still register and obtain Italian plates immediately.

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to relocate a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*The RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Documentation and Vehicle Preparation

When shipping a car overseas, you must schedule the transport beforehand, preferably 2-4 weeks in advance if possible, so the hauler can schedule the time to pick up your car. You’ll need to give them a copy of your driver’s license and social security number to verify your identity. They will also get the details of your car, including the make, model, and year, the mode of transport you will be using, and the port the car will be shipped from, to give you an accurate price quote. Your quote will also vary depending on the import taxes due when the car arrives at the entry port and whether you will need the vehicle delivered when it arrives.

To prepare your vehicle for transport, it is usually advisable to check the insurance coverage included with shifting and ensure a complete inspection is done just before the car is loaded onto the carrier. You will also want to remove all personal items from the car's interior and check the fluid and battery levels to ensure they are at the proper levels.

Modes of International Transport

Your shipping agent will work with you to decide on your vehicle's proper international relocation mode. Primarily, you will choose from RORO or Enclosed shipping. Shipping with RORO is the preferred way for millions of people each year to move a car internationally. Your vehicle is driven onto the shipping carrier in the United States and then driven off when it reaches Rome. You’ll be able to pick your car up and drive it through customs and then to your new location or have it delivered once customs has cleared the vehicle. RORO is the least expensive way to move a car overseas. Enclosed hauling is convenient if you have a classic automobile or if you may need to ship personal belongings and your vehicle. Your car (and personal belongings) are loaded inside a relocating container and transported. Enclosed shifting is a little more expensive than RORO, but it will allow more protection during transport and let you relocate other belongings to Rome.

Regulations for Customs Clearance

Rome and all of Italy have very few regulations when it comes to customs clearance. The primary thing that you will need to do is register your automobile and obtain an Italian license plate when importing the car. To do this, you will need to provide the following paperwork to the Provincial Motorization Office and have it registered at the Public Register of Motor Vehicles:

Understanding Rome's Traffic Restrictions

Rome's city center enforces strict traffic regulations known as Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), which restricts vehicle access during specific hours to reduce congestion and pollution. If you plan to drive your imported car within these zones, obtaining the necessary permits is essential to avoid fines. Additionally, certain areas may have environmental restrictions based on your vehicle's emissions, so ensure your car complies with local standards before navigating Rome's historic streets.

Final Considerations for a Smooth Transition

Before shipping your car to Rome, ensure all documentation is accurate and complete, including the vehicle's title, registration, and any required certificates of conformity. Familiarize yourself with Italy's import duties and taxes, including a 10% customs duty and a 22% VAT based on the vehicle's value and shipping costs. Consulting with a professional auto transport service can guide through the complexities of international shipping, ensuring your vehicle's arrival in Rome is as seamless as possible.

New Automobiles:

• Vehicle Title (Foreign or Domestic) showing the signature of the owner.
• Sales Receipt or Commercial Invoice showing ownership if the new owner's name is not yet on the car title.
• Photo Identification or Driver’s License with photo to show identity.
• Residence certificate of the applicant.
• Social Security Number or Tax Code Number.
• Copy of Vehicle Registration.

Used Automobiles:

• Copy of Photo Identification. If the photo ID is not written in Italian, it must be accompanied by an Italian translation document that shows it is a certified identification document.
• A residence certificate from the vehicle owner or documentation showing that residency has been applied for.
• The NP2B registration form and the owner's tax code number were obtained from the Office of Civil Motor Vehicles.
• Sales Invoice that has been notarized with the owner’s signature and shows the revenue stamp.
• A foreign certificate of registration and a copy of registration are required.
• TT 2119 application that the owner has signed.
• If a company owns the automobile, it will need a Certificate of Commerce, including revenue stamps naming the legal automobile driver’s name.

For further in-depth information on regulations for the automobile registry in Rome, you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Italy for detailed information. You will also be required to pay import duties and register to pay taxes in Italy. All residents in Rome must pay taxes, whether they have imported a motor vehicle or not. New car owners will also be required to pay a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 22%. If you have owned the motor vehicle for at least one year before relocation, you can be exempted from paying the import duties. Proof of ownership is required. You must also register the car and have Italian license plates immediately. Cars found without Italian plates are subject to repossession by the police in Rome and throughout Italy.

Other Services

• Moving to Rome