How Do I Ship an Auto from the UK to the USA?

Exporting Vehicle out of the United Kingdom

• 1). If you are planning on taking your vehicle out of the country for more than 12 months, it is considered a permanent export. Fill out the Notification of Permanent Export section of your vehicle registration certificate, and send it to the DVLA. If you are missing your registration certifcate you will need to fill out the Application for Certificate of Permanent Export provided by the DVLA and send it in.
  
  
• 2). Check to see if your vehicle falls under the U. K. 's Personal Export Scheme. HM Revenue and Customs states that the Personal Export Scheme allows you to buy a vehicle in the U.K., with the intention of shipping it overseas, without paying VAT taxes. You are eligible if you have bought or will buy a car in the U.K., and you fill out VAT notice 705. You will receive a pink registration book indicating that you bought the car tax free. If you are a not a member of the European Union (EU), you can drive the vehicle for 12 months before exporting it to the U.S.; you have six months if you an EU resident.
  
  
• 3). Locate an auto shipper to ship your vehicle to the United States. Both UK- and American-based cargo companies are available. Buy cargo insurance either independently or through the shipping company. Be sure that the shipping company is registered with the Federal Maritime Commission and has a current shipping license.
  
  
• 4). Complete export customs procedures. You will need to fill out export forms either online or at the office of export at the seaport your car will be leaving out of. It is best to hire a customs broker to help you handle customs both exiting the UK, and entering the US. Most custom broker companies also handle the actual shipping of your vehicle, which is highly convenient.
  
  

When Your Car Arrives in the U.S.A.

• 1). Provide Documentation to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. Once your vehicle has reached an American port, your customs broker will have an agent on the U.S. side taking care of your paperwork. If you did not use a broker, you must present the shipper's original bill of landing, the bill of sale, your vehicle's UK registrations and any other car paperwork you may have at the port of entry. You will also need to fill out a DOT form HS-7 and EPA form 35207 ensuring that your car meets all U.S. safety and emissions standards.
  
  
• 2). Pay any applicable duty and taxes. If your car is foreign-made it will be subject to a 2.5% duty fee, unless you are an American citizen or the owner is arriving at the same time. Depending on the type of car you have, your car may be subject to the gas-guzzler tax.
  
  
• 3). Get appropriate license plates if necessary. If you are a U.S. resident, contact the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state for temporary licensing. Visitors are allowed to drive up to one year on their own country's license plate and driver's license. Foreign nationals working the the U.S. can use their foreign license tags.