What happens when you export a car
Exporting a car means selling it to a buyer outside the United States and arranging for it to leave the country. The process involves paperwork with the Department of Commerce, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, and your state's motor vehicle department. You will also need to work with a shipping company or freight forwarder who specializes in vehicles.
The timeline typically runs four to eight weeks from the moment you decide to export until the car physically leaves a U.S. port. Most of that time is spent gathering documents and waiting for approvals. The actual shipping takes one to four weeks depending on the destination country and port.
You do not need special permission to sell your car to someone overseas, but you do need to follow export rules. These rules exist to prevent stolen vehicles from leaving the country and to track what goods leave U.S. ports. Breaking them can result in fines and seizure of the vehicle.
Key Takeaways
- You must obtain an export declaration from U.S. Customs and Border Protection before the car leaves the country, which requires the vehicle identification number, title, and proof of ownership.
- The buyer is responsible for import rules in their country, not you — but you should confirm they understand what documents they will need before you ship.
- A freight forwarder or auto shipping company handles the logistics and can guide you through the export paperwork, though you remain responsible for accuracy.
- The car must be registered and titled in your name, and you must have the original title document or a certified copy to prove ownership.
- Export does not require federal approval in advance, but U.S. Customs must clear the shipment before it leaves port.
Verify you own the car and have the title
Before you contact a shipping company or buyer, confirm that you hold the title to the vehicle. The title is the legal document proving ownership. If you still owe money on a loan, the lender's name appears on the title, and you cannot export the car until the loan is paid off and the title is released to you.
Obtain the original title document or request a certified copy from your state's motor vehicle department if you cannot locate the original. Some states issue electronic titles now, which means you will need to contact the department directly to get a physical copy or certified document suitable for export. This step can take one to two weeks, so start here.
If the title is in someone else's name — a spouse, parent, or co-owner — that person must sign the title transfer or provide written consent to export. Some states require both owners to sign the title before export is permitted.
Gather the documents U.S. Customs requires
U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires specific paperwork before clearing a vehicle for export. You will need the vehicle identification number (VIN), the original title or certified copy, a bill of sale showing the transaction between you and the buyer, and proof that you own the car. Proof of ownership can be a registration document, insurance card, or loan payoff letter.
You will also need to complete Form 3062, which is the official export declaration. This form tells Customs that the car is leaving the country and provides details about the vehicle, the buyer, and the destination. You can obtain this form from a U.S. Customs office, read it from the CBP website, or ask your freight forwarder to provide it.
Some buyers request additional documents, such as a pre-export inspection report or a statement that the car has no outstanding liens. Check with the buyer's country to see what their customs authority requires. Many countries demand proof that the vehicle was not stolen and that all taxes in the United States have been paid.
Choose a shipping method and freight forwarder
You have two main options: hire a freight forwarder who specializes in vehicle export, or work directly with an auto shipping company. A freight forwarder handles all the paperwork, arranges transport, and coordinates with Customs. An auto shipping company focuses on moving the vehicle but may not handle the export declaration.
Most people use a freight forwarder because they manage the export process end-to-end. They know which documents each destination country requires, they file the export declaration with Customs, and they arrange for the car to be picked up, inspected, and loaded onto a container or roll-on/roll-off ship. Costs vary widely — typically $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the destination and the car's size — but the forwarder's fee covers their service, not the shipping itself.
Ask the freight forwarder or shipping company for references and confirm they are licensed by the Federal Maritime Commission if they are handling ocean freight. Verify that they have experience exporting to the buyer's country, because import rules differ significantly by nation.
File the export declaration with U.S. Customs
The export declaration must be filed before the car arrives at the port for shipment. Your freight forwarder typically handles this step, but you remain responsible for ensuring the information is accurate. The declaration includes the VIN, the buyer's name and address, the destination country, and the reason for export (usually "sale").
Customs reviews the declaration and checks the VIN against databases of stolen vehicles and vehicles with outstanding recalls or liens. This review usually takes three to five business days. If there are no issues, Customs issues a clearance, and the car can proceed to the port.
If Customs flags the vehicle — for example, because the VIN matches a stolen car report or because there is a lien on the title — the export will be stopped. You will need to resolve the issue before the car can leave. This is why having a clear title and accurate paperwork is critical.
Prepare the car for shipment and transport
Before the car is picked up, remove all personal items and may support the fuel tank is no more than one-quarter full. International shipping companies have strict rules about fuel levels for safety reasons. Take photographs of the car's condition inside and out, and document any existing damage. This protects you if the shipping company causes damage during transport.
The car will be inspected by the shipping company or freight forwarder before it is loaded. They will note the condition, mileage, and any pre-existing damage on an inspection report. You should receive a copy of this report. Keep it for your records and for the buyer's reference.
Arrange for the car to be picked up from your location or delivered to the port by the freight forwarder. Some forwarders include pickup in their fee; others charge separately. Confirm the pickup date and location with the forwarder at least one week in advance.
Track the shipment and complete the sale
Once the car is loaded onto a ship or container, the freight forwarder will provide you with tracking information. You can monitor the shipment's progress and estimated arrival date at the destination port. The journey typically takes one to four weeks depending on the destination.
The buyer is responsible for clearing the car through their country's customs and arranging for local delivery. Provide them with all export documents, the inspection report, and any maintenance records. Make clear what paperwork they will need to present to their customs authority — this varies by country and is not your responsibility, but transparency prevents disputes later.
Once the car arrives at the destination port and the buyer takes possession, your export is complete. Some buyers request a signed statement confirming the sale and export date. Provide this if asked, as it may be required for their customs clearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need permission from the U.S. government before I export a car?
No advance permission is required. You do not need to contact a federal agency before deciding to export. However, U.S. Customs must clear the export declaration before the car leaves port, which is why the paperwork must be filed in advance. The clearance is usually granted within three to five business days if there are no issues with the title or VIN.
What if the car has a lien or outstanding loan?
You cannot export a car with a lien on the title. The lender must release the lien and provide you with a clear title before export is permitted. Contact your lender and ask for a payoff amount, pay off the loan, and request a title release letter. This process typically takes one to two weeks.
Can I export a car that has been in an accident or has a salvage title?
Yes, but the buyer's country may have restrictions on salvage or rebuilt vehicles. Check with the buyer's customs authority before proceeding. You must disclose the salvage or accident history to the buyer and provide documentation of any repairs. Some countries will not import salvage-titled vehicles at all.
Who pays for shipping and export fees?
This is negotiated between you and the buyer. Some buyers expect the seller to cover all export costs; others pay for shipping themselves. Clarify who pays for the freight forwarder's fee, shipping costs, and any import duties or taxes in the destination country before you commit to the sale.
What happens if Customs stops my export?
Customs will notify you or your freight forwarder of the reason. Common reasons include a lien on the title, a stolen vehicle report, or an outstanding recall. You must resolve the issue — pay off the lien, clear the stolen vehicle report, or address the recall — before the car can be exported. This can add weeks to the timeline.