When shipping a car overseas you may be wondering what paperwork is required. While the process involves several steps, international vehicle shippers like Ship Your Car Now can provide expert guidance. Knowing in advance what is needed will make the process much less stressful, since failure to comply with requirements could result in delays or storage fees.

Download the International Car Shipping Checklist here.

There are several types of information you’ll need to have ready when planning to ship a car.

  • Personal information—two copies of government-issued ID (driver’s license or passport)
  • Vehicle Information—year, make, model, VIN # and estimated value
  • Ownership information (depending upon ownership)
    • If owned: vehicle title – original plus one copy
    • If recently purchased: vehicle title and bill of sale
    • If financed: a notarized copy of the title and a notarized lien authorization
  • Shipper and Consignee information—name, address, phone number and email for both the sender and receiver

Personal Identification Requirements

For security reasons, international shipping demands proper identification:

  • Driver’s license or passport (two copies)
  • Both must remain valid throughout the shipping process
  • Clear photocopies accepted for booking purposes

Vehicle Documentation Details

The paperwork needed to ship a car overseas must include specific vehicle information:

  • Complete year, make and model
  • Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
  • Current estimated value (for customs purposes)
  • Color and any distinctive features

International car shipping services require accurate vehicle details for proper customs processing.

Ownership Verification Options

Your ownership status determines what paperwork you’ll need:

  • Outright owners: Original title with one copy
  • Recent purchases: Title plus bill of sale
  • Financed vehicles: Notarized title copy and lien authorization

For financed vehicles, start this process early – lender documentation takes time to receive.

Shipper and Receiver Information

Complete contact details must include:

  • Full legal names matching identification
  • Current physical addresses (no P.O. boxes)
  • Working phone numbers with country codes
  • Active email addresses for updates

Additional Documentation Tips

When figuring out how to ship a vehicle overseas, remember these details:

  • List any personal items traveling in containerized shipments
  • Keep all original documents with the vehicle during transport
  • Submit required paperwork promptly to avoid delays
  • Consider scanning copies as backup

Other Things to Consider

  • Shipping With Personal Items? Make a list of what’s inside. Ship Your Car Now isn’t responsible for personal belongings, but a manifest keeps things clear.
  • Payment Methods: A credit card works for the deposit, but the final balance needs certifiable funds (cashier’s check, money order, wire transfer, ACH, or direct deposit).
  • Timely Submissions Matter: Late paperwork means late shipments. Send all required documents ASAP to keep things moving.

Ready to ship your vehicle overseas with confidence? Get approved with ShipYourCarNow and let our international shipping experts handle the paperwork requirements.

Understanding the paperwork needed to ship a car overseas saves time, prevents delays, and makes your international auto transport experience stress-free from start to finish.