Ship Car to St. Thomas with Reliable U.S. Virgin Islands Transport
Do you want to ship your vehicle from the USA to St. Thomas?
Shipping A Car To St. Thomas
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Shipping a car from the U.S. mainland to St. Thomas costs $1,600–$3,500, with Florida port departures offering the most frequent sailings and lowest base rates.
- Total transit to St. Thomas averages 14–25 days; RoRo is the standard method, though Atlantic hurricane season can affect schedules between June and November.
- Upon arrival, USVI customs charges a road tax of $0.16 per pound; foreign-made vehicles also owe duty of 3.5–6% of value, plus a DMV inspection before registration.
St. Thomas is one of the islands contributing to the archipelago, the US Virgin Islands. Because it is a US territory, the rules and regulations regarding importing a vehicle from the US are not nearly as stringent as those for shipping overseas internationally. However, it is still crucial that you work with a reputable auto export company to ensure the smoothest process possible.
Determining whether or not it is cost-effective to ship your car to St. Thomas is in your best interest. Transportation throughout the island can be challenging without a vehicle, as public transportation is minimal and taxis are expensive. There is also a significant dealer markup on cars sold on the island, so you will probably find that as long as your car can handle the somewhat rough terrain of St. Thomas, it is worthwhile to bring it with you.
Required Documents For Dispatching A Vehicle
- Current Registration
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle Title (or notarized permission from lien holder allowing the vehicle’s transport)
- Current US Driver’s License
- Bill of Sale/Commercial Invoice (if available)
- Passport
- Proof of registration
Steps of Procedure:
- After arriving with your vehicle in St. Thomas, you must pass through Customs. No duty fees will be owed if your car is manufactured in the United States. If you are unsure, check the VIN. VINs beginning with 1, 4, or 5 are from the US and, therefore, are not obligated to pay duty. If the VIN starts with 2 or 3, the duty is 6% of the vehicle’s value as determined by either the bill of sale or the current blue book calculation. If the VIN begins with six or a letter, the duty is 3.5% of the vehicle’s value.
- You must now bring the Bill of Lading provided by your shipping company (www.a1autotransport.com) to the Internal Revenue Office (http://www.vibir.gov/) to pay the road tax, which is currently 16 cents per pound (vehicle weight). Please keep your receipt; you will need it to register your vehicle.
- Before you can move your vehicle from the dock, you will need to obtain auto insurance. After your insurance is in place, you must request a moving permit from the Department of Motored Vehicles (http://www.usvibmv.org/). 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.
- The vehicle must then pass an inspection by the DMV before you can register it. You must present all the previous documents in the shipping procedure, including proof of insurance.
You can use your stateside driver’s license for a grace period of 90 days to allow you time to obtain a valid Virgin Islands driver’s license. To get your new license, you will only need to trade in your current stateside permit and not be required to take any tests.
Because St. Thomas is considered a US territory, the official language is English. Shipping your vehicle can be a breeze without a language barrier. Enlist the help and support of a great auto transport company, and ALWAYS remember to drive on the left.
Understanding Vehicle Import Requirements in St. Thomas
Importing a vehicle into St. Thomas involves specific requirements to ensure compliance with local regulations. Vehicles must meet U.S. emission standards and pass a safety inspection upon arrival. A road tax of $0.16 per pound applies to all imported vehicles. It's essential to have the original title and proof of ownership ready for customs clearance. Engaging with a knowledgeable shipping company can help navigate these requirements smoothly.
Navigating Driving Conditions in St. Thomas
Driving in St. Thomas presents unique challenges due to its terrain and road infrastructure. The island's roads are often narrow and winding and may lack shoulders, requiring drivers to be cautious and alert. Additionally, vehicles drive on the left side of the road, which can be an adjustment for those accustomed to right-side driving. Understanding these conditions is crucial for a safe driving experience on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions
What documents are required to ship a car to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands?
To ship a car from the mainland U.S. to St. Thomas, prepare the vehicle title or ownership record, government ID, and lienholder authorization if the vehicle is financed. Ocean carriers may require a signed title copy before sailing, while USVI BMV first-time registration requires the original title, valid local insurance, ID, the Highway User's Tax receipt, and shipping documents. If a lien exists, BMV also requires an original lender letter authorizing the shipment. Confirm your carrier's document cutoff before the port handoff.
How much does it cost to ship a car to St. Thomas?
As of October 2, 2026, current market evidence puts mainland-to-St. Thomas car shipping at about $1,600-$3,500 for a standard vehicle before USVI taxes and registration charges. Florida departures usually fall toward the lower end, while larger vehicles, container service, or a long inland pickup can raise the total. A1's car shipping rates guide explains the main quote inputs. Road tax, customs duty when applicable, and registration costs are separate from the transport price.
How long does it take to ship a car to St. Thomas from the mainland?
From the mainland handoff to St. Thomas, allow about 2 to 4 weeks for terminal processing, vessel scheduling, ocean transit, and island arrival. A full move that starts far from the Florida export port can reach 3 to 5 weeks, especially if the vehicle misses a vessel cutoff. The ocean crossing is only part of the calendar because scheduled sailings and port processing can add waiting time. Plan around the confirmed vessel departure rather than a guaranteed arrival date.
What taxes and port fees apply when importing a car to St. Thomas?
The standard USVI Highway User's Tax on an imported vehicle is $0.16 per pound, so a 3,500-pound vehicle would owe $560 in road tax. Customs duty, when applicable, is separate and depends on the vehicle's country of manufacture and customs valuation; carrier terminal or documentation charges are separate again. USVI BMV requires proof that the road tax was paid before issuing the moving permit for a first-time registration. Budget these arrival charges separately from the ocean-freight quote.
Can I ship a car from Florida or Miami to St. Thomas?
Yes. You can ship a car from Florida to St. Thomas, and a Miami-area pickup can be trucked to the ocean carrier's assigned Florida terminal. If you do not want to drive the vehicle to port, A1 can arrange the mainland leg through its door-to-door auto transport service. The booking should identify the exact terminal, vehicle handoff date, document cutoff, and St. Thomas release instructions before pickup. After arrival, you complete the applicable clearance and registration steps.
Should I use roll-on/roll-off or container shipping for a car going to St. Thomas?
RoRo is usually the simpler option for a standard running car, while container shipping offers more separation and may suit a high-value or specialty vehicle better. RoRo works by driving the vehicle onto and off the vessel, so the car normally needs to start, steer, brake, and roll properly. A non-running vehicle may require special loading equipment and should be confirmed before booking. A1's international car shipping by sea guide explains the main ocean options.
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