Power of Attorney Requirements for International Car Shipping

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a mandatory legal document when shipping vehicles internationally, authorizing West Coast Shipping to act on your behalf for customs clearance and regulatory compliance. Without it, customs authorities may delay or reject your muscle car, classic vehicle, or modern export. This guide explains the POA process, its importance, and how to ensure compliance for hassle-free shipping.

For a full breakdown of documentation, see our pillar article: Shipping American Muscle Cars Overseas: A Complete Documentation Guide.

Why a Power of Attorney Is Required

Key Reasons:

• Customs Clearance: POA allows West Coast Shipping to submit paperwork, pay duties, and resolve issues at ports.

• Legal Compliance: Required by U.S. Customs and international regulations for all commercial shipments.

• Efficiency: Avoid delays caused by missing signatures or incomplete authorizations.

Example: A POA is essential for clearing a 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda through German customs, where local agents must act on the owner's behalf.

How to Complete a Power of Attorney

Step 1: Download the POA Form

West Coast Shipping provides a standardized POA form, available here.

Step 2: Fill Out Critical Details

• Shipper Information: Full legal name, address, and contact details.

• Vehicle Details: VIN, make, model, and export destination.

• Scope: Limit authorization to customs clearance and logistics.

Step 3: Notarization

• Requirement: POA must be notarized in the presence of a licensed notary.

• Options:

  • Visit a local notary (banks/UPS stores often offer services).

  • Use West Coast Shipping's partner notaries for remote online notarization (RON).

Step 4: Submit with Shipping Documents

Email the signed, notarized POA alongside the original title and commercial invoice.

Common POA Pitfalls & Solutions

1. Missing Notarization

• Risk: Customs rejection and storage fees.

• Fix: Double-check notary stamps and signatures before submission.

2. Overly Broad Authorization

• Risk: Unintended legal/financial liability.

• Solution: Specify that the POA applies only to customs and shipping tasks.

3. Expired POA

• Validity: Typically 6–12 months. Renew if shipping timelines exceed this period.

Country-Specific POA Considerations

How West Coast Shipping Handles POAs

Our process ensures seamless POA management:

• Template Provision: Access standardized forms for all destination countries.

• Verification: We review each POA for accuracy before submission.

• Electronic Processing: Send documents digitally for faster approval.

Important Note: We never exceed the authorization scope specified in your POA.

POAs for Different Shipping Scenarios

1. Private Owner Exports

• Requirement: Individual POA from the title holder.

• Duration: Valid for single shipment (typically 6 months).

2. Dealer Consignments

• Requirement: Blanket POA covering multiple vehicles.

• Duration: Can be extended for regular exporters.

3. Remote Purchases

• Complexity: Requires POA from both seller and buyer.

• Solution: Our shipping for dealers program simplifies this process.

Tips for International Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers:

• Timing: Submit POA at least 14 days before scheduled pickup.

• Verification: Ensure your contact details match your passport/ID exactly.

For Sellers:

• Sales Authorization: Include bill of sale alongside POA.

• Lien Releases: If title shows a lien, provide notarized release letter.

For more guidance, see International Car Shipping Process & Best Practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a general Power of Attorney?

No. Customs requires a shipping-specific POA that explicitly authorizes customs clearance.

Do I need separate POAs for origin and destination?

Yes, typically one for U.S. export and another for import at destination.

How long is my POA valid?

Usually 6-12 months, though requirements vary by country.

Conclusion

A properly executed Power of Attorney is essential for smooth international car shipping. By following the guidelines above and working with West Coast Shipping's experienced team, you can ensure your muscle car, classic vehicle, or modern export clears customs without unnecessary delays or complications.

Ready to ship your vehicle?

Contact West Coast Shipping for personalized guidance on POA requirements for your destination country.

For more on customs documentation, visit Clearing Customs: Documentation Required for Shipping Muscle Cars Internationally.