To export a used car from the USA you need three things: the original title (a salvage title is accepted), an Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing in AES, which produces an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), and both presented to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at the port at least 72 hours before the ship sails. In practice, you deliver the car to your shipping agent's warehouse, give them the title, and they file and present the documents for you.
How do you export a car from the USA, step by step?
- Check your country's import rules before you buy. Some countries limit vehicle age or ban certain title types. See below.
- Buy and pay the auction. Get the transport price with the lot number before you bid, so you know the cost to the warehouse.
- Move the car to your shipping agent's warehouse. This is the part DispatchAuction handles: from any Copart or IAA yard in the lower 48 to export warehouses around Newark, Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Los Angeles and Miami, or any address you give us.
- Get the title to your shipping agent. Auctions usually mail the title separately, and it can take days or weeks to arrive. The car can't sail without it.
- Your agent files the EEI and presents documents to CBP. They file in AES, receive the ITN, and present the title and ITN to customs at least 72 hours before departure.
- Loading and sailing. The car is loaded into a container or driven onto a RoRo vessel and shipped.
- Import at destination. Your agent or a customs broker clears the car and pays duties in your country.
What documents do you need to export a car from the US?
CBP's rules are in 19 CFR Part 192. For a typical US-titled auction car:
| Document | What CBP accepts |
|---|---|
| Proof of ownership | The original Certificate of Title or a certified copy, plus two complete copies. A salvage title still in force is accepted. |
| EEI filing and ITN | Filed in AES for every used self-propelled vehicle, whatever its value or condition. The ITN goes on the export paperwork. |
| Lienholder letter | Only if there is a lien or lease: a signed letter on the lienholder's letterhead saying the car may be exported, with the VIN. |
| Junk or scrap certificate | Accepted in place of a title if still in force: the original or a certified copy, plus two copies. |
| Untitled vehicles | Where the state issues no title, an original proof of ownership such as a bill of sale, and in some cases a written certification that the car isn't stolen. |
Your shipping agent will also ask for the auction invoice or bill of sale, a copy of your passport or ID, and a power of attorney so they can file on your behalf.
What is the 72-hour rule for exporting a car?
For cars leaving by ship, CBP requires both the vehicle and its documents to be presented at the port of export at least 72 hours before departure. Each port director sets where and when documents are presented. If the title or ITN isn't in on time, the car misses the sailing. This is the most common reason export cars sit in warehouses: the car arrived, but the title didn't.
The truck from the auction to the warehouse takes days. The title can take weeks. Chase it from the auction as soon as you've paid.
What are AES, EEI and the ITN?
The Automated Export System (AES) is the US government system for export filings. The filing itself is called Electronic Export Information (EEI). When AES accepts it, it returns an Internal Transaction Number (ITN), which proves the filing is on record.
According to CBP, EEI is required for all used self-propelled vehicles, regardless of destination, value or condition. A US person or company with an EIN can file directly. A foreign buyer without one files through a US agent, which is normally the shipping agent. Late, missing or false filings can bring civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, which is a good reason to let an experienced agent file.
Can you export a salvage-title car from the US?
Yes. CBP accepts a salvage title as proof of ownership, and salvage cars from Copart and IAA are exported every day. Junk and scrap certificates are also accepted by CBP.
The limits usually come from the destination country, not the US. Some countries refuse cars with certain title brands, or won't register them afterwards. Check before you bid, especially for "non-repairable", "parts only" or certificate-of-destruction cars.
Should you ship by container or RoRo?
| Container | RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Cars are loaded and strapped inside a 20 or 40 ft container, often 2 to 4 per 40 ft box. | Cars are driven onto a specialized vessel like a floating car park. |
| Non-running cars | Yes, loaded with a forklift | Usually must run and drive |
| Parts inside the car | Often allowed, if declared | Usually not allowed |
| Best for | Salvage and auction cars, shared containers | Running cars, large vehicles, routes with RoRo service |
Most auction cars go by container, because many don't run and sharing a container keeps the cost per car down.
Which US port should you export from?
Usually the one your shipping agent loads from that has the best service to your country, and that's closest to the auction, because every extra mile on the truck costs money. The main export car hubs:
| Port area | Commonly used for |
|---|---|
| Newark / Elizabeth, NJ | Cars from the Northeast and Midwest, to Europe, West Africa and the Middle East |
| Houston, TX | Cars from Texas and the South, to the Middle East, Africa and Latin America |
| Savannah, GA | Cars from the Southeast, to West Africa, Europe and the Middle East |
| Baltimore, MD | A major RoRo port, for Mid-Atlantic cars |
| Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA | Cars from the West, to Asia and the Pacific |
| Miami, FL | Florida cars, to the Caribbean and Latin America |
Most export cars are delivered to a shipping agent's warehouse near the port, not the terminal itself. If you need a car delivered straight into an ocean terminal, the driver needs a TWIC card, which adds $150.
Any Copart or IAA yard to Newark, Houston, Savannah, Baltimore, Los Angeles, Miami or your own address.
What should you check in your own country first?
Every country sets its own import rules, and they change. Before bidding, ask your shipping agent or customs broker at home about:
- Age limits on imported vehicles.
- Whether salvage or rebuilt titles can be imported and registered.
- Left-hand drive rules.
- Import duty, taxes and inspection fees.
- Whether you can ship parts inside the car.
Getting this wrong after the car has sailed is expensive. Getting it right before you bid costs a message.
This guide is general information, not legal or customs advice. Confirm requirements with your shipping agent or with CBP at your port of export.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I need to export a car from the USA?
The original title or a certified copy plus two copies (a salvage title is accepted), an Electronic Export Information filing in AES with its ITN, and, if there is a lien, a letter from the lienholder allowing export. Your shipping agent will also ask for the bill of sale, ID and a power of attorney.
What is the 72-hour rule for exporting a vehicle?
For exports by ship, CBP requires the vehicle and its documents, including the title and the ITN, to be presented at the port at least 72 hours before departure.
Do I need to file AES to export a used car?
Yes. EEI must be filed in AES for every used self-propelled vehicle, regardless of destination, value or condition. A foreign buyer without an EIN files through a US agent, usually the shipping agent.
Can I export a salvage-title car from the US?
Yes. CBP accepts a salvage title as proof of ownership. Check that your destination country allows that title type to be imported and registered.
Can a car be exported without the title?
Usually not. A titled car needs its original title or a certified copy. Cars that never needed a title can use other proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale. Auction titles are often mailed separately, so plan for the wait.
Is it better to ship a car by container or RoRo?
Container suits most auction cars, because non-running cars can be loaded with a forklift and several cars can share a container. RoRo usually requires the car to run and drive.