Are you planning to relocate to another country and want to bring your car?
If one thinks of moving a vehicle to another country, they might get worried about the process.
Still, after realizing that documentation is essential and achievable, the process can be straightforward.
Here is a detailed checklist of the documents required to ship a car overseas.
Essential documents needed to ship a car overseas
To ensure your car clears customs and arrives without delays, gather the following documents:
1. Personal identification:
Government-issued ID such as your passport or driver's license are required for two pieces to confirm your identity.
2. Vehicle information:
- Car title: The first copy of the car title is required to establish ownership, and an additional copy is necessary.
- Proof of ownership: If you recently bought the car, attach the bill given to you when you purchased the vehicle. If financing is still required, the certificate of title is notarized, and the lien authorization is notarized from the line holder.
- Important note: You cannot export a car overseas without a lien against the automobile. It must be fully paid off. Those military, government employees, or contractors of the US may find themselves in the exclusion clause if they have authorization from the lender.
- Vehicle details: State the year, brand, model, VIN, and estimated value of your car.
3. Shipping information:
Shipper and consignee information: Enter the sender's full name and complete contact information, including the street address, phone number, and email address, as well as the full name and contact information of the receiver, be it the person is delivering the item or someone else at the destination.
4. Additional documents (Depending on the port):
- Bill of sale: Again, depending on the port of initial departure, a bill of sale or notarized bill of sale may be necessary.
- Power of attorney: Some ports, especially those in Florida, do not allow clearing agents to conduct customs clearance without a power of attorney.
5. Military personnel:
If you are a military person, you must include your military orders, a letter from a government or state authority, and a copy of the Title Record History from any Department of Motor Vehicles in your state.
Also, read How much does it cost to ship a car overseas?
Why ship your car?
Although shipping a car overseas costs money, it may be cheaper than buying a new vehicle when you get to your destination, more so if you have a favorite or a car with some sentimental value for you.
Also, you will have a friendly and company-known mode of transport when you get to the new country.
Shipping process
1. Research and choose a shipper:
- When searching for car shipping companies to transport your vehicle, check whether they work internationally for your desired route and ensure they are licensed, Bonded, and insured.
- Search the Internet for recommendations and get estimates from several firms.
2. Prepare your vehicle:
- They erase personal effects from all the car's compartments, leaving only those relevant to the vehicle, such as the spare tire and jacks.
- Wash the car, including itself as well as the inside part.
- Have your car have no more than a quarter fuel tank on hand.
- Take pictures of the car to support the state of the injured vehicle and provide evidence of previous injuries.
3. Transport to the Port:
- You can deliver your vehicle to the port on your own, but think about the trip's cost, time, and the state of the automobile.
4. Customs Clearance:
- Custom control of vehicles is carried out at both the car's departure and incoming ports.
- Check all your paperwork to avoid a situation when you will be penalized for not having all the required documents.
5. Destination Handling:
- In the discharge place, one will require the services of a customs agent who will arrange to move the goods from the discharge port to the definitive place.
Additional costs and consideration to ship a car overseas
- Marine insurance: How can you minimize the loss of your car while on a voyage to a foreign land? Marine insurance can help you here.
- Destination charges: Add to this the costs for importing customs clearance fees and the additional auto transport costs after arrival at the destination port.
- Customs duty: You must part with a fee known as customs duty, which is an amount of money charged on imported items depending on the car's value in the destination country.
- Shipping time: The duration depends on the distance and the location to which the ship gets to. Plan on it taking between one week to one month or even more.
Tips for a smooth experience
- Start early: Planning and preparation should not be made at the last minute; they should start early.
- Contact the port: Contact the port of entry where you intend to go and inquire about the specific documents needed and the time required.
- Communicate with your shipper: As much as possible, keep communicating with the company you chose for shipping.
- Understand the regulations: Learn the import regulations of the country of destination as much as you can.
Taking your conveyance across the seas includes some deliberations that must be made.
When you know what documents are needed, how the shipping process will go, and what you will spend, the process can be rewarding.
