
Car Shipping St. John
Do you want to ship your vehicle to St. John from the United States
Shipping A Car To St. John
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Car shipping costs to St. John from the United States are between $1,500 and $3,500.
- Normal-sized vehicles (cars and small trucks) shipped from the East Coast have the lowest overall transport rates to the island.
St. John is the wealthiest and most affluent island in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). It is often called the “Beverly Hills of the Caribbean.” St. John is home to Trunk Bay, which is considered among the top ten beaches in the entire world. It is also undeveloped and has much more natural beauty than St. Thomas and St. Croix (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_John,_U.S._Virgin_Islands). If you intend to export your vehicle to St. John, follow a specific procedure. However, because the USVI is considered US territory, shipping there is much easier than to other international destinations.
Before you ship your vehicle, you should determine if it is the most cost-efficient route. You will want to determine if there are mechanics on the island that can service your vehicle and if your car can handle the often rough terrain and poorly cared-for roads on St. John. However, you should remember that public transportation on the island is unreliable, and taxis can be costly. Finally, if you choose to ship your vehicle, enlist the help of a reputable auto transport company, as they can make the process so much easier.
Vehicle Transport Logistics to St. John
Shipping a car directly to St. John involves a two-step process. First, your vehicle is transported to St. Thomas, the nearest major port. From there, it's ferried to St. John via a barge service between Red Hook (St. Thomas) and Cruz Bay (St. John). These barges run hourly during daylight hours, making the final leg of the journey relatively straightforward. Planning for this transfer is essential, adding an extra layer to the shipping timeline and logistics.
Registration and Compliance Requirements
Upon arrival in St. John, your vehicle must be registered with the local authorities. The U.S. Virgin Islands imposes a road tax of $0.16 per pound on all imported cars. Additionally, if your car was not manufactured in the U.S., a 6% import duty may apply. Ensuring all necessary documentation, such as the vehicle title and proof of ownership, is in order will facilitate a smoother registration process.
By understanding the logistical steps, assessing your vehicle's suitability, and preparing for registration requirements, you can ensure a seamless car shipping experience to St. John. Proper planning and knowledge of local regulations are key to enjoying the island's scenic drives with peace of mind.

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Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To St. John
- Customs: After arriving in St. John, your first stop will be customs. The vehicle’s origin will determine if you owe any duties. If the vehicle’s VIN starts with 1, 4, or 5, it is US-made and no duty is owed. If the VIN begins with 2 or 3, duty owed is 6% of vehicle’s value. If the VIN starts with six or a letter, the duty is 3.5% of the value.
- Internal Revenue Office (http://www.vibir.gov/ ): Your next stop is the Internal Revenue Office, where you will need to pay a road tax of 16 cents per pound of vehicle weight. At this point, you will need the Bill of Lading, as provided by your shipping company.
- Department of Motor Vehicles (http://www.usvibmv.org/): You must obtain a moving permit from the DMV before transporting your vehicle from the arrival dock. The fee for this permit is $5 and will allow you to transport an unregistered vehicle to the DMV to complete an inspection and proceed with registration. (Please note that your car must be insured before obtaining this permit)
- Finally, the vehicle must pass a DMV inspection before you can register it.
- Passport
- Bill of lading
- Proof of insurance & registration
Road Conditions and Vehicle Suitability
St. John's terrain is characterized by steep hills, winding roads, and limited infrastructure. While the island's natural beauty is unparalleled, its roads can be challenging, especially for vehicles not equipped for rugged conditions. Before shipping your car, assess its suitability for such terrain. Compact SUVs or vehicles with higher ground clearance are often more practical choices for navigating St. John's unique roadways.

Call us today at 1-800-518-8708 Or Fill Out The Form On The Upper Right-Hand Side Of The Page For A FREE Quote.
Helpful Tips and Important Info:
- You should keep a number of documents handy to expedite this process, including the vehicle’s current registration, the bill of lading, a free and clear vehicle title, a stateside driver’s license, and a commercial invoice or bill of sale.
- Keep all of your receipts for any duties and taxes you pay throughout the procedure. You will need them to register your vehicle.
- Obtaining a driver’s license from the Virgin Islands is as easy as trading in your United States driver’s license. There are no tests required!
- The US Virgin Islands are the only US territory where you will drive on the left side of the road. Please be vigilant and cautious as you adjust to this change in technique.
Finally, as import rules and regulations constantly change, it is important to contact the US Customs Department directly to obtain the most current information. It is also crucial that you select an auto transport company with a superior reputation and a proven track record.

Final Thoughts on Shipping a Car to St. John
Shipping a car to St. John can be an innovative and practical choice, especially if planning a long-term stay or relocation. While the island’s remote beauty and rugged terrain present unique transportation challenges, having your vehicle offers unmatched freedom and convenience. With careful planning, accounting for the barge transfer from St. Thomas, local road conditions, and registration requirements, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Partnering with an experienced auto transport company makes the process even easier, helping you confidently get behind the wheel and explore St. John.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I ship a car directly to St. John, USVI?
Cars are typically shipped to St. Thomas, the nearest major port, and then transported to St. John via a local car ferry. While some shipping companies offer services to St. Thomas, arrangements for the ferry to St. John are usually made separately. It's advisable to coordinate with local ferry services for the final leg of the journey.
What are the import duties and taxes for vehicles shipped to St. John?
Import duties in the U.S. Virgin Islands depend on the vehicle's origin. Vehicles manufactured in the U.S. (VIN starting with 1, 4, or 5) are exempt from import duties. For others, duties range from 3.5% to 6% of the vehicle's value. Additionally, a road tax of $0.16 per pound is applied to all vehicles.
Can I ship personal belongings inside my car to St. John?
It's generally discouraged to ship personal items inside your vehicle. Customs regulations require vehicles to be free of personal belongings to avoid delays or additional inspections. It's best to ship personal items separately to ensure compliance and prevent potential issues.
What is the typical transit time for shipping a car to St. John?
The transit time for shipping a car from the U.S. mainland to the U.S. Virgin Islands, including St. John, typically ranges from 14 to 25 days. This includes the ocean transit to St. Thomas and the subsequent ferry transfer to St. John.