Most people worry about UK customs when they buy a car in America. The step that more often catches them out is the American one: US Customs and Border Protection has to clear the car to leave before it can sail. The rules are short and very specific, and once you know them, there is little to go wrong.
We handle the export side through agents we have worked with for years. What we need from you is mostly one document, the title, in the right form and in good time.
- Who clears it
- US Customs and Border Protection
- Key document
- The original title
- Deadline
- 72 hours before export
- Export filing
- AES, for every used car
Why the US checks cars leaving
The US checks cars on the way out as well as on the way in. CBP wants to see that the person exporting the car is entitled to, and that it is not stolen or still owed to a lender. Until those checks are done, the car is generally not allowed to leave.
For you, that means the export paperwork has to be right before the ship's departure, not just before the car reaches the UK.
The title
For a US-titled car, CBP asks for the original Certificate of Title, or a certified copy, plus two complete copies. A certified copy is one signed as authentic by an authorised government office. A photocopy you made yourself does not count.
CBP authenticates the documents and marks the originals, which are usually returned to the exporter. Keep that original safe once it comes back. It is the car's registration document, and the DVLA asks for the original foreign registration certificate when we register the car here. GOV.UK says you will not get it back after that.
Some cars have something other than a normal title. CBP has rules for those too:
- A brand new car with no title: the Manufacturer's Statement of Origin, plus two copies
- A car titled outside the US: the original ownership document, with an English translation if needed, plus two copies
- An expired or unregistered title: a document showing ownership, such as a bill of sale, plus a written statement that the purchase was genuine and the car is not stolen
The 72-hour rule
For a car leaving by sea or air, CBP's wording is that the documents and the car must be presented to Customs at least 72 hours before export. They are presented at the port the car is leaving from, and each port sets its own locations and hours.
That is one reason the US end takes time. Allow around 2 weeks for paperwork and loading before the car sails, then around 2 weeks at sea from the East Coast or around 4 from the West Coast.
A late title means a missed ship. If the title is not with us in time for the 72-hour deadline, the car cannot be presented and waits for the next sailing. Have it ready on collection day.
AES and the ITN
As well as the title, the export has to be filed electronically in the Automated Export System, or AES. The filing is called Electronic Export Information, or EEI. CBP is clear that all used self-propelled vehicles must be filed in AES regardless of value or country of destination.
A car counts as used once its title has passed from the manufacturer or dealer to a buyer. So even a nearly new car you have bought from a dealer needs the filing.
A successful filing produces an Internal Transaction Number, the ITN. CBP wants the ITN submitted with the ownership documents 72 hours before export. The filing is made by a US party, so overseas buyers use a US agent. Our agents in the US take care of this as part of the export.
Cars with a loan or lease
If there is a lien recorded on the title, or the car is leased, the title alone is not enough. CBP also asks for a letter from the lienholder or lessor, on their letterhead, that includes:
- A full description of the car, including the VIN
- The owner's or lienholder's name
- Phone numbers where they can be reached
- An original signature and the date it was signed
- A clear statement that the car may be exported
Lenders do not always produce these quickly, so ask early. The other route is to pay the loan off and have the lien released before the car ships. Our guide to shipping a car with finance outstanding covers both.
What we need from you
For the US export
0 of 5 done
The bill of sale and your ID matter for both sides: the US export and the UK customs entry. The full UK list is in documents to ship a car to the UK.
From purchase to sailing
-
Before collection
Title in hand
Get the original title, or a certified copy, and any lienholder letter. Send us copies so we can check them.
-
Collection
To the port
We collect from anywhere in the USA, from a dealer, auction yard or driveway, and truck the car to the port.
-
Around 2 weeks
Loading
Paperwork, the AES filing, loading and meeting the ship, whether it is going in a container or by RoRo.
-
72 hours before export
CBP presentation
The title, copies and ITN go to CBP, and the car is presented at the port of export.
-
Around 2 to 4 weeks
At sea
Around 2 weeks from the East Coast, around 4 from the West Coast.
-
In the UK
Customs, testing and registration
We clear the car, notify HMRC, make the changes it needs and register it.
After it leaves the US
Once CBP has cleared the car and it has sailed, the American paperwork is done. Everything after that happens here: UK customs, NOVA, the lighting changes, an IVA test or MOT, and DVLA registration. Our guide to importing a car from the USA walks through each stage, and converting an American car covers the changes.
As a guide, shipping from the USA starts from around £1,450. That is shipping only, and does not include import tax, registration, other services or remedial work. Our breakdown of the cost of shipping from the USA explains what moves the figure.
Questions people ask
What is the 72-hour rule for exporting a car from the US?
For a car leaving by sea or air, CBP says the documents and the car must be presented to Customs at least 72 hours before export, at the port it is leaving from.
Do I need the original title to export a car from the US?
CBP asks for the original title or a certified copy signed by an authorised government office, plus two complete copies. Keep the original safe afterwards, because the DVLA needs it to register the car here.
Does every used car need an AES filing?
CBP says all used self-propelled vehicles must be filed in AES regardless of value or destination. A car counts as used once its title has passed from the dealer to a buyer.
Can I export a car that still has a loan on it?
Yes, with a letter from the lienholder on their letterhead, including the VIN, contact numbers, an original signature and a statement that the car may be exported. Or pay off the loan and have the lien released first.
Do I need to be in the US for the export?
No. We collect the car, and our US agents handle the export filing and presentation to CBP. What we need from you is the title and the other documents in good time.
Found a car in the States? Send us the details on the quote form and we will tell you exactly which documents to get from the seller.
