Shipping a car internationally requires considerably more paperwork than a domestic shipment depending on your specific situation. For all vehicles, U.S. Customs requires that you provide the original Certificate of Title or a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Title plus two complete copies that accompany your car to the port of origin.
If you lease your car or if a lien has been recorded, you must also provide a separate letter from the lienholder authorizing exportation. This letter must be on the lienholder’s letterhead and include a complete description of the vehicle including the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the name of the owner or lienholder, the telephone numbers at which that owner or lienholder may be contacted, and the lienholder’s original signature including the date it was signed.
When you are a U.S. Government Employee and your car is being shipped in conjunction with your reassignment abroad, you are required to present your Military orders or a letter from the government or state authority that establishes authorization for auto transport.
If you are purchasing a new car that is being shipped overseas, a Bill of Sale and an Original Certificate of Origin must be obtained from the dealership who sold you the vehicle.
Finally, you may need to issue a power of attorney if you will not be able to accompany your car to the port of departure.
MoveCars.com is a comprehensive online directory of car shipping companies, including enclosed auto transport and international shipping. Even before you start looking for a car shipping company, you can find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about car moving , car shipping tips, and a glossary of auto transport terms.