Ship Car To Santo Domingo


Car Shipping Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is not only the capital and largest city in the Dominican Republic but also the largest city in the Caribbean by population. With a moderate annual climate, it is one of the most desirable places in the Dominican Republic to live. There is a monsoon season, but it is relatively short and seldom severe. Santo Domingo is also the country's political center and predominant business location. For tourists and those who need to relocate to the beautiful city, there are many museums, parks, and recreation areas for individuals and families to enjoy. To best enjoy the scenery and get to work or business meetings, you’ll need your own personal vehicle. While there are buses and ample taxi services, those can become quite expensive when traveling daily throughout the city. Having your own vehicle shipped to you will save money and valuable time.
Cost & Time Examples For Hauling A Vehicle
| To/From | Ground | Ocean | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Santo Domingo to (California port) to San Jose, CA | $200 | $2700 | 5+22 days |
| Local Area to (California port) to Los Angeles | $350 | $2700 | 5+22 days |
| Local Area to (New York port) to Boston, MA | $400 | $1700 | 5+12 days |
| Santo Domingo to (California port) to Phoenix, AZ | $550 | $2700 | 6+22 days |
| Local Area to (New York port) to Detroit, MI | $575 | $1700 | 6+12 days |
| Chicago, IL to (New York port) to Santo Domingo | $675 | $1700 | 6+1 days |
| Local Area to (New York port) to Atlanta, GA | $700 | $1700 | 6+12 days |
| Denver, CO to (California port) to the Area | $775 | $2700 | 7+22 days |
| Miami, FL to (New York port) to Santo Domingo | $925 | $1700 | 7+12 days |
| Dallas, TX to (California port) to the Area | $1,025 | $2700 | 7+22 days |
*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 haul 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.
The first thing you need to do is contact a reputable auto transport company to handle your motor vehicle shipping and to give you the peace of mind in knowing that your car will soon be with you. You will basically need to provide some identifying paperwork, such as a driver’s license, social security card, and your motor vehicle title, to show that you own your car. You must also sign a Power of Attorney form allowing the company to haul your automobile. The agent you will speak to will explain the details of how cars are shipped internationally and will be able to answer any questions you may have about laws for exporting from the United States and importing into the Dominican Republic. As they walk you through the shipping process, they will also let you know the types of carriers that you can choose from to move your car. Those types are the following:

- RORO—RORO, or Roll-On Roll-Off or Open Transport, is the best way to ship a standard, everyday-driving car or truck. Vehicles are driven onto the ship or truck and secured for the international journey. Once the vessel arrives in Santo Domingo, they are simply driven off the ship and then will be accessible to take through the customs checkpoint for clearance. RORO is the cheapest and quickest way to relocate a vehicle overseas and is the method that people worldwide prefer most.
- Enclosed Shipping- Enclosed, or container shipping, is the ideal way to haul a luxury, classic, race car, or antique car. Automobiles are loaded inside of a secure container, many of which offer particular padded walls for extra security during travel. Then, the container is loaded onto the transport vessel for the international journey. Once it arrives in Santo Domingo, you can take it through the customs checkpoint for clearance.
Before the automobile's scheduled pick-up day, you will need to clean the car out inside as well as clean the exterior. A damage inspection will be performed during pick-up, and a clean car will make any signs of chipped or scratched pain or minor dents and dings be easily seen. Your agent will inform you of any details regarding the preparation about your automobile. Before the car is picked up, your agent will also give you a total quote, and you’ll be able to pay your shipping fees before transport.
Customs Regulations
When you’re making plans to have your car in Santo Domingo, there are many things that you need to be aware of regarding customs regulations before shipping. One thing is that when the vehicle is going through customs clearance, you must be physically present even if you will have the vehicle delivered to your location after clearance. You also must own the automobile for at least one year before importation and will only be allowed to have one personal vehicle shipped into the city. If your car has a V8 engine, you won’t be allowed to import it as the Dominican Republic only will enable cars with six cylinders or less to be in the country. Also, the Dominican Republic will not enable luxury cars to be imported at all, so if your vehicle falls into this category, you may want to purchase a standard automobile before you relocate to the city. You must pay taxes and import duties on all motor vehicle imports, including motorcycles. You can check with the Embassy of the Dominican Republic in Washington, DC, for great information on import regulations and laws that you must be aware of when traveling in Santo Domingo. Some of the required paperwork that you will need will be the following:
- Driver’s License.
- Dominican Consular Invoice that the Dominican Consulate has stamped.
- Sales or Commercial Invoice.
- Motor Vehicle Title.
- Motor Vehicle Registration.

You must ensure that you have all the required documentation before the car reaches the entry port, as lacking paperwork can delay or even cancel your automobile import. Your auto transport agent will be able to fill you in on any new information that may be added for customs checkpoint requirements and other information you may need to know about Santo Domingo before relocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I ship a car to Santo Domingo from the United States?
Yes, shipping a car to Santo Domingo from the United States is fully supported and commonly done via ocean freight. Vehicles are typically moved from U.S. ports such as Miami or Jacksonville and shipped directly to the Port of Santo Domingo. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, shipping method, and port access. Most customers choose container or RoRo service for reliability. Full coordination is handled through our international car shipping services.
What year car can I send to the Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic generally allows passenger vehicles up to 5 years old, calculated from the model year, not the manufacture date. Vehicles older than this are usually restricted, with limited exceptions for classic or special-use imports. Age rules are strictly enforced by Dominican customs, so confirming eligibility before booking is essential. Vehicle year is one of the most common shipment delays when overlooked during the export planning process.
How much does it cost to ship a car to Santo Domingo?
Shipping a car to Santo Domingo typically costs between $1,200 and $3,000. Final pricing depends on vehicle dimensions, shipping method, departure port, and seasonal demand. Container shipping costs more but offers added protection, while RoRo is usually the most affordable option. For realistic budgeting and transit comparisons, many customers review current car shipping rates before scheduling.
What documents are required to import a car into the Dominican Republic?
Required documents include the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, and a bill of lading. Some shipments may also require a notarized authorization or export declaration. Missing or incorrect paperwork is the top cause of port delays in Santo Domingo. To avoid issues, review the full documentation checklist outlined in our international car shipping document guide.
Can I ship a salvage or non-running car to the Dominican Republic?
Salvage and non-running vehicles are typically not permitted for import into the Dominican Republic under standard passenger vehicle rules. Customs authorities focus on roadworthiness and emissions compliance. Even if shipped, clearance is unlikely without special government authorization. If the vehicle does not run or has a salvage title, confirming eligibility before export is critical to avoid seizure or forced re-export.
What shipping methods are used for cars sent to Santo Domingo?
The two primary methods are Roll-On Roll-Off (RoRo) and container shipping. RoRo is cost-effective and ideal for standard, operable vehicles, while containers offer better protection for high-value or personal-item-loaded cars. Transit time and port scheduling vary by method. Many customers compare options using RoRo when cost is the main priority, as explained in our RoRo shipping guide.

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