What Paperwork Is Needed to Ship a Car Overseas?

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.

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 Information

Naturally, all parties in the process will need to have your personal information. In order for the shipping company to handle all appropriate paperwork they will need two copies of government-issued identification (driver’s license, passport, etc.)

Vehicle and Ownership Information

Specific information that identifies the vehicle will be required. This information includes year, make, model, VIN number and estimated vehicle value.

You will need to produce the vehicle title, as well as a copy of the title. The title acts as the vehicle identification document as well as shows proof of ownership. One copy of the title is needed for booking, and the original must go along with the vehicle.

Recently purchased vehicles will also require a bill of sale. If the vehicle is currently financed, the shipping company will need a lien authorization as well as a copy of the title. Both documents must be notarized by the lien holder. The finance company must physically mail this to you so that the notarization stamp is original; this document cannot be emailed or faxed. These documents must be available when the vehicle is picked up so that they can go with the vehicle.

Shipper and Consignee Information

This form will be provided by the shipping company for you to fill out. The required shipper and consignee information includes name, address, phone number and email for both the individual shipping the vehicle from the country of origin, as well as the consignee (person receiving the vehicle) at the country of destination.

Other Information

If your vehicle is traveling in a container with other personal items, make a general list of everything you are including. The shipping company is not responsible for any of the items in the vehicle, but it is always best to provide them a list, which they will include in your booking information.

Payment

Credit cards are accepted for the initial deposit. The remaining balance must be paid in certifiable funds; cashier’s check, money order, direct deposit, ACH, or wire transfer (there will be a $15 bank fee on wire transfers). The initial deposit is based on the estimated cost at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due when the vehicle is picked up (or dropped off if you are delivering the vehicle to the port of origin).

Return All Documents in a Timely Manner

A common delay in transport is when your required documents are not received by the shipping company in a timely manner to complete your booking. Booking documents can be faxed, mailed or emailed to your shipping expert. All original documents should be with the vehicle when it is picked up at the point of origin.

If You Need Further Help

The experts at Ship Your Car Now have extensive experience in making sure your international car shipping goes smoothly, and expedited services may be available for faster shipping. Contact Ship Your Car Now to discuss your specific needs.