Ship Car To The Virgin Islands
Car Shipping Virgin Islands
Typical Shipping Prices – How Much Does It Cost?
- Car shipping to the Virgin Islands from the mainland U.S. generally costs $1,500 to $3,600 for transport.
- Since the region is a U.S. territory, customs and duties are not as high for importing a car as in other international destinations.
The U.S. Virgin Islands, or USVI, is a territory of the United States, making shipping a car a little easier than shipping the U.S. Virgin Islands to a foreign territory such as the British ones. The USVI has three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. The British require more extensive paperwork and higher taxation for imported US autos. An experienced auto transport company will be able to walk you through the process and assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.
Getting around in the Virgin Islands is difficult without a car, and taxis can be expensive. Many of the roads have potholes, steep mountains, and sharp curves, which can make for tricky driving conditions compared to the continental United States. With the Caribbean Sea on one side of the area and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, high temperatures and salty air are typical, impacting your vehicle's performance.
Click here to learn more about the vehicle registration process in The Virgin Islands.
Hauling A Vehicle To The Area
If you’re a resident of the United States, you’re entitled to export $1,600 in goods to the U.S. Virgin Islands with no duty, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. As for vehicles specifically, if your car was manufactured in the United States, there is no duty. (If you’re unsure, cars made in the U.S. have a VIN# that starts with a 1, 4, or 5.)
Vehicles not manufactured inside the U.S. are subject to a duty of 6% of the total value, typically based on the auto's Blue Book value. There is also a road tax of 16 cents per pound for all vehicles imported to the Virgin Islands.
Required Documents For Shipping A Vehicle To The Virgin Islands.
- Certificate of title or notarized letter from a lender.
- Bill of sale.
- Bill of lading.
- Local license plate.
- VIN.
- EPA form (if necessary)
- DOT form.
- Certificate of conformity.
- Title & Registration.
- Passport.
Methods Of Auto Moving To Local Area.
Roll On/Roll Off - Most automobiles bound for the British and American Virgin Islands are transported by loading them safely into the hold of a vast ship. The car is driven aboard the boat, where it is secured for the journey, and then driven off at the destination port, earning this form of carrier the acronym "RORO," which stands for "roll on, roll off."
*It should be pointed out that customs authorities will not accept vehicles with other items stored inside.
Shipping Container—If you need to ship more than a vehicle, containerized shipping to the Virgin Islands is your best option. With a shipping container, you can often transport a car and other household goods or cargo you’ll need during your time on the islands.
Popular Islands We Import To.
Virgin Islands Auto Transport Resources.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles— The Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles website has information about parking, licensing, driving, permits, registration, and everything else you’ll need to know about operating a vehicle.
Customs Clearance - Information on what you’ll need to do to clear customs through the U.S. before traveling or moving to the Virgin Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to ship a car to the Virgin Islands?
Shipping a car to the U.S. Virgin Islands typically costs $1,800–$3,500 from the mainland U.S. Pricing is driven by origin port, vehicle size, shipping method, and seasonal ocean capacity. Most vehicles ship from Florida ports via ocean freight. Larger SUVs and trucks cost more due to space and weight. For a detailed breakdown of pricing factors, see our international car shipping guide.
How long does it take to ship a car to St. Thomas or St. Croix?
Transit time usually ranges from 10–20 days port to port. This includes vehicle drop-off, port processing, ocean sailing, and arrival clearance. Weather patterns in the Caribbean and vessel schedules can affect timing, especially during hurricane season. Shipping to St. Thomas is often slightly faster than St. Croix due to more frequent sailings. Booking early helps secure faster departures.
What shipping methods are used for Caribbean car transport?
Most Caribbean car transport to the Virgin Islands uses Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service. Vehicles are driven onto the vessel and secured below deck, making it cost-effective and efficient. Container shipping is available for high-value or non-running vehicles, but costs more. RoRo is the most common choice for standard cars and trucks. Learn more about RoRo car shipping.
What documents are required to ship a car to the Virgin Islands?
You need a valid photo ID, vehicle title or lien authorization, and a booking confirmation. If the vehicle has a lien, written lender approval is mandatory. Vehicles must be cleared through U.S. Virgin Islands customs on arrival. Missing or incorrect paperwork can delay release. For a full checklist, review our international car shipping document requirements.
Can I ship a non-running or oversized vehicle to the USVI?
Yes, non-running and oversized vehicles can be shipped, but they require special handling equipment and cost more. Inoperable vehicles often ship via container or special RoRo loading. Oversized trucks and lifted vehicles may face port restrictions or surcharges. Accurate vehicle measurements are critical before booking to avoid delays or rebooking fees.
Where do cars ship from when sending a vehicle to the Virgin Islands?
Most vehicles ship from Florida ports, including Miami, Port Everglades, and Jacksonville. Inland pickup can be arranged to move your car to the departure port. Choosing a port closer to your location can reduce total cost. You can estimate inland transport expenses using our car shipping cost estimate tool.
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