Avoid Customs Delays When Shipping Your Car Overseas:New Customs Title Clearance Regulations for Customers Shipping New Cars

One thing we always try to do here at K International Transport is keep our customers in the loop when new regulations or changes occur in international shipping.  Recently we have experienced a change in the requirements for automobile title clearance at several ports.  In order to help you, our customer, avoid any issues with export title customs clearance, we wanted to provide you with details on the new regulations.  These new regulations for title clearance affect automobiles that are brand new or are 3 years old or younger.  For 2012 these regulations affect all cars with the model years of 2010, 2011, 2012 and soon 2013.

When shipping your car from the US, the last thing you want to deal with is delays because of customs issues.  It is very important to make sure all documentation including the title, bill of sale and/or certificate of origin are submitted on time and with all the necessary information.

As one of the leading experts in the United States for international car shipping, we always know what's going on in the world of overseas car transport.  One of the most frustrating parts for many customers shipping a car overseas from the USA, is dealing with customs regulations.  We have already discussed how to ship a car that has a lien, and now there are some new requirements for brand new cars that have already been fully paid for.  Several ports including the port of Baltimore and the port of New York now require additional documentation when shipping brand new vehicles.  In addition to submitting the original title or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO) you must now submit the following additional documentation:

• All cars that are model year 2010 or younger will now require an original, notarized bill of sale issued from the seller, along with the original title and/or manufacturer's certificate of origin (MCO).
• The bill of sale must state that the vehicle is paid in full or indicate a zero balance.  Bills of sale not showing a zero balance or full payment will not be accepted.
• The bill of sale should indicate the form of payment received

Without following the above guidelines, customs will reject your title or certificate of origin and will not allow the car to ship.  Anytime your title is rejected your run the risk of missing your vessel.  Additionally, the local port will only store your car for a limited amount of days before they begin to charge you storage.  The last thing you want when shipping your car internationally from the US is to have any unnecessary charges and/or delays.

The last thing you want is for your car to miss its ship!  Make sure you use a reliable international shipping company who knows all the rules and regulations when it comes to shipping a car overseas from the US.

K International Transport is here to help you with all of your overseas car shipping needs!  As one of the best international car shipping companies in the United States, we provide some of the most reliable and affordable international shipping service.  For more information on our overseas car shipping services give us a call at 212-267-6400 or on Skype at kinternationalny.  You can also visit our website at www.kinternational.com or visit us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/KInternationalTransport/.  To receive some of the best car shipping quotes send an email to sales@kinternational.com.  Make sure to indicate the type of car you are shipping, where you are shipping from, and where you are shipping to.  We respond to all request for international car shipping prices within 1 -2 business days. 

How do you ship a car without a title overseas?

There are many reasons why a vehicle would not have a title, but thankfully there are ways to export a car without a title. The documents required and export customs regulations that are applicable depend upon the reason the car is without a U.S. Title. In general, if you are trying to ship a car overseas without a title, you will need alternate documentation that proves legitimate ownership.

1. For used, self-propelled vehicles that are registered or titled abroad, the owner must provide to Customs the original document that provides satisfactory proof of ownership (with an English translation of the text if the original language is not in English), and two complete copies of that document (and translation, if necessary). 
2. Newly manufactured vehicles, issued a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (SO). For newly manufactured, self-propelled vehicles that are purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, distributor, or dealer that become used and are issued an SO, but not issued a certificate of title by any jurisdiction of the United States, the owner must provide to Customs at the time and place specified in this section, an original SO and two complete copies of the original SO.
3. Newly manufactured vehicles not issued an SO. For newly-manufactured, self-propelled vehicles purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, distributor, or dealer that become used and not issued an SO or a Certificate of Title by any jurisdiction of the United States, THE OWNER MUST ESTABLISH THAT THE JURISDICTION FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE COMES DOES NOT HAVE ANY OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS REGARDING SUCH VEHICLES and provide to Customs an original document that proves ownership, such as a dealer’s invoice, and two complete copies of such original documentation.
4. Vehicles issued a junk or scrap certificate: for vehicles for which a junk or scrap certificate, issued by any jurisdiction of the U.S., remains in force, the owner must provide to Customs the original certificate or a certified copy of the original document and two complete copies of the original document or certified copy of the original.
5. Vehicles issued a title or certificate that is not in force or are otherwise not registered. For vehicles that were issued, by any jurisdiction of the U.S., a title or certificate that is no longer in force, or that are not required to be titled or registered, and for which an SO was not issued, THE OWNER MUST ESTABLISH THAT THE JURISDICTION FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE COMES DOES NOT HAVE ANY OWNERSHIP DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS REGARDING SUCH VEHICLES and provide to Customs the original document that shows the basis for ownership or right of possession, such as a bill of sale, and two complete copies of that original document. Further, the owner must certify in writing to Customs that the procurement of the vehicle was a bona fide transaction, and that the vehicle presented for export is not stolen.

Please keep in mind that if none of the above situations applies to your vehicle, and the Original Title has been misplaced or destroyed, you will have to apply for a replacement Original Title from the relevant Department of Motor Vehicles.


K International Transport is an experienced international transport company for cars in particular, and we have successfully exported vehicles with a variety of title issues. It is important to us that your vehicle is exported correctly, and in accordance with all U.S. Export Customs regulations, so if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us by:


Phone: (212) 267-6400
Email: inquiries@kinternational.com
Skype: kinternationalny


You can also visit our international car shipping quote request page, and include any questions about your vehicle's title status that you have.

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