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 For vehicles that were issued, by any jurisdiction of the U.S., a title or certificate that is no longer in force, or that are not required to be titled or registered, and for which an SO was not issued, THE OWNER MUST ESTABLISH THAT THE JURISDICTION FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE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.