Get Rates
Get Rates

Import Your Car to the USA

It's your dream car. Let's get it home.

US car import cost calculator with 25-year rule and Section 232 tariff layers built in. Door-to-door by ocean or air from 16 countries to our own warehouses in California, Florida, and New Jersey.

We import cars to the US from Europe, UK, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

16,000+
vehicles shipped per year
CaliforniaFloridaNew Jersey
Our owned US warehouses

Instant Import Quote

Get your Car Import Costs

How to import a car to the USA

Importing a car to the USA takes four steps: get a quote, confirm eligibility and book, we collect and ship your car, then we clear customs and deliver to your door.

Get an instant estimate

See ocean and air costs, transit time, and duties for your route in the calculator above. Not sure your car qualifies? Check it with our Import Tariff Tool.

Confirm eligibility & book

We verify your vehicle meets US import rules (such as the 25-year exemption) and collect the documents — title, bill of sale, and import forms.

We collect & ship

We pick up the car, transport it to the departure port, and load it into an enclosed container or onto air freight — your choice of method.

Customs clearance & delivery

Our team clears US customs and delivers door-to-door, or you collect from our warehouses in California, Florida, or New Jersey.

How much does it cost to import a car to the USA?

The cost to import a car into the USA starts from around $2,750 by ocean container, plus US import duty (usually 2.5% of the vehicle's value) and any applicable tariffs. Your exact cost depends on origin, US destination, vehicle value, and shipping method.

Typical all-in estimate
$3,000 – $4,850
door-to-door, before duties & declared-value fees
Ocean freight (shared container) $2,750–$3,350
Pickup & trucking to port $300–$1,500
US delivery to your door $400–$1,500
US import duty (passenger car) 2.5% of value
Cargo damage protection (optional) ~1.5–2% of value

Estimates for planning only. Air freight is faster and costs more. Section 232 and reciprocal tariffs may apply depending on the vehicle's origin.

Get my exact estimate →

Import duties, taxes & the 25-year rule

The standard US import duty is 2.5% of the vehicle's value for passenger cars (25% for light trucks). Section 232 or reciprocal tariffs may also apply depending on the car's country of origin. There's no federal sales tax on import, while state registration tax applies when you title the car.

How the landed cost builds up

Vehicle valuee.g. $40,000
+
US import duty (2.5%)$1,000
+
Tariff (if applicable)varies
Duty & tariffs owed≈ $1,000+
Duties are paid to US Customs on arrival. Rates and tariffs vary by origin country and current trade policy.

The 25-year import rule

Under 25 yrs25 yrs+

Vehicles 25 years or older can be imported without meeting current FMVSS safety or EPA emissions standards. That exemption is why classic and collector cars are the most straightforward to import.

25+ yrs → exempt Newer → must comply with DOT/EPA
Check duties & tariffs for my car →

How we ship cars to the USA

We import most vehicles by enclosed shipping container or air freight — the most reliable and secure ways to move a car across the ocean. Choose based on your vehicle's value and how fast you need it.

Car loaded into an enclosed shipping container for US import

Shipping container

Your car is securely loaded into an enclosed container — fully protected from the elements and handling. Often shared with other vehicles to lower cost, and you can pack personal items and parts inside.

Our recommended method for most cars

Car being air freighted to the USA

Air freight

The fastest way to import a car to the USA — delivered in about a week. Higher cost and weight/size limits apply; ideal for time-critical, rare, or exceptional vehicles.

Best for speed

RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) is available for car imports from Japan and for RVs or heavy equipment. For most car imports we use enclosed containers or air freight for greater reliability and protection.

Import a car to the USA from anywhere

We import vehicles to the United States from 16+ countries, routing each to its nearest departure port. Pick your origin for routes, ports, and pricing:

United KingdomSouthampton → USA FranceLe Havre → USA GermanyBremerhaven → USA EuropeAll EU ports → USA JapanYokohama → USA AustraliaSydney → USA

US car import with West Coast Shipping

Not a broker. Your car, handled start to finish.

We're a direct vehicle shipping company, not a middleman. One team owns your import from pickup overseas to delivery in the US — with our own warehouses on both coasts and nearly two decades moving collector and everyday cars across borders.

One point of contact

A dedicated import specialist manages your shipment end to end — no handoffs between brokers and carriers.

We own our US warehouses

Company-owned facilities in California, Florida, and New Jersey mean your car is handled by our people, not subcontractors.

Classic & race car experts

Specialist handling and loading for collector, exotic, and competition vehicles — the cars most worth getting right.

Transparent, instant pricing

Real shipping, duty, and tariff figures up front from our live calculator — no surprise fees at the port.

~20 yrs
importing cars to the USA
16,000+
vehicles shipped per year
3 warehouses
+ over 50 partners worlwide
West Coast Shipping US warehouse with imported cars Loading a car for import to the USA Classic car imported to the USA by West Coast Shipping

As featured in

West Coast Shipping in the News

Bloomberg Autoweek CNN ClassicCars.com Hagerty.com WELT N24 FOCUS

Importing Cars to the USA: Costs, Duties & FAQ

Everything you need to import a car to the US in 2026, in one place. The Show and Display law, the documents, customs and delivery, the special cases, and the questions buyers ask most before they import. We handle the loading, the customs file, and the delivery with our own people.

Show and Display imports

Import a car the US never federalized

The Show and Display law, in effect since 1999, lets NHTSA approve a small number of cars that are historically or technologically significant, even though they were never federalized for US roads. It lets a car come in before it reaches 25 years old, with a 2,500-mile annual driving limit. Read the full guide →

Porsche 959McLaren F1Jaguar XJ220Skyline R34 NürLancia Delta S4
Which cars qualify for Show and Display?

The car has to be rare or significant enough that showing it here serves the public interest, and it has to be one that genuinely could not be brought into compliance. You can check the current list of eligible vehicles on the NHTSA website, last refreshed in March 2026. If your car is not on the list, you can petition NHTSA to add it.

Do I still have to meet EPA emissions?

It depends on age, and this is the part owners most often get wrong. Two agencies set two different thresholds: DOT exempts safety standards at 25 years, while EPA exempts emissions at 21 years. Show and Display bridges the DOT safety gap for newer cars, but it does not cover EPA. So a car 21 years or older is clear on emissions by age, while a car under 21 still has to meet EPA emissions on its own. Some modern collectibles were built to US spec from the factory, so check for the US emissions sticker before you buy.

How many miles can I drive a Show and Display car?

No more than 2,500 miles per 12-month period. The exemption is meant for cars that are primarily shown and displayed, with limited time on public roads. Once a car turns 25, you no longer need Show and Display, and the 25-year rule gives a full exemption with no mileage cap.

How do I apply for Show and Display?

There are two questions to answer: is the car eligible, and may you import it. If the car is not already on NHTSA's approved list, file a Show or Display petition through NHTSA's VISTA online import portal with evidence of its significance. Then submit the Application for Permission to Import, including your plan for staying under 2,500 miles a year. NHTSA reviews the application, may request more documentation, and issues a compliance agreement once approved. Build review time into your schedule rather than your shipping deadline.

Can you ship my car once it is approved?

Yes. The NHTSA approval gives you the legal right to import the car. We handle the physical side: loading at our own warehouses in California, Florida, and New Jersey, the customs entry, and delivery to your door. Because a Show and Display car is rare and the customs file has to line up with the NHTSA approval, we coordinate the booking and the paperwork together so the car arrives ready to enjoy.

Documents you need to import a car

Original vehicle title or foreign registration from the country of origin, showing you as the owner.
Bill of sale with the VIN, price, buyer and seller details, and date.
Bill of lading as proof of shipment.
EPA Form 3520-1 declaring emissions basis (vehicles 21+ years old are exempt).
DOT Form HS-7 declaring the safety basis or exemption, such as the 25-year rule.
Foreign registration documents, if the car was previously registered.
Do I need the original title, or is a copy acceptable?

US Customs requires the original title for import. Photocopies and uncertified copies are typically rejected and cause delays. The title must show no liens, or include a lien release, and the VIN must match the vehicle. If you bought from a Japanese auction, make sure the actual title travels with the car, not just the auction sheet. Non-English documents need certified English translations.

How does the title reach you?

Either the driver collects it at pickup, or you instruct the seller to send it to our warehouse by FedEx or UPS. Please avoid USPS for original documents. Once the car clears, we forward the original title to your chosen address.

Why do you also need a bill of sale?

If the title is not in your name, we need a bill of sale in addition to the title to clear the car. It should show the VIN, the price, and both parties. The bill of sale also establishes the declared value used to calculate your import duty.

Do I need new US registration after import?

Your foreign registration is used for the import itself, but it does not carry over. After customs clears the car, you register and title it in your state to put it on the road. We can point you to your state's titling requirements.

Customs clearance & delivery

How long does it take to import a car?

Ocean transit usually runs 2 to 6 weeks depending on the origin port and the US coast, plus a few days for pickup beforehand and a few days for customs clearance on arrival. Air freight can deliver in about a week. Your account manager provides tracking once the car is loaded.

Do you handle US customs clearance?

Yes. Our licensed customs broker team handles the full clearance with US Customs and Border Protection: submitting your DOT HS-7 and EPA 3520-1 forms, coordinating the inspection, calculating and paying duty on your behalf, meeting the USDA undercarriage requirement, and securing the release notice. You provide the documents and approve the duty figures, and we do the rest.

How long does customs clearance take?

Most vehicles clear within 2 to 7 business days of arrival, assuming documents are in order and there is no inspection hold. Cars 25 years and older usually clear faster. We keep you updated and notify you the moment the car is released.

Can I pick up at the port, or do you deliver?

Both. You can collect the car from our warehouses in California, Florida, or New Jersey, or we arrange door-to-door delivery anywhere in the continental US, by open or enclosed carrier, to a home, business, dealership, or storage facility.

How is my car protected during transport?

Our base liability is limited to $500. To cover the car's actual value, add our optional cargo damage protection, which runs about 1.5% to 2% of declared value and covers the car from our hands at origin through delivery after clearance.

Can I drive the car home from the port?

You can collect the car once it is released, with your ID, proof of ownership, and any temporary tags or permits your state requires. Many clients have us arrange open or enclosed transport to the door instead.

What if my car is selected for inspection?

If Customs or another agency orders an inspection, the car is moved to an inspection area at the terminal. Our team and the broker keep you updated and flag any additional port fees before they are incurred.

Do you import cars from my country?

We import cars to the US from 16-plus countries across Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, routing each vehicle to its nearest departure port. Popular routes include Japan, Germany, the UK, and the rest of Europe. We do not handle land-border imports from Canada or Mexico. Enter your origin and ZIP in the calculator to see routes and pricing.

Trucks, race cars & special cases

Why is the duty on light trucks 25% instead of 2.5%?

That is the Chicken Tax, a long-standing 25% US import duty on qualifying light trucks, compared with the 2.5% on most passenger cars. It still applies, plus the usual harbor maintenance fee and merchandise processing fee. Confirm how your specific vehicle is classified with the tariff tool before you buy.

What duties apply to importing a race car?

Dedicated race cars built outside the US carry their own tariff treatment, which has moved with recent trade policy. The rate and any added Section 232 or reciprocal tariffs depend on the build country and current rules. For the up-to-date picture, read our guide on duties to import race cars to the USA or run the car through the tariff tool.

Do I pay duty bringing my own US-spec car back after living abroad?

If it is a US-spec vehicle you previously owned and registered in the US, it can often return as US goods returned without new duty, provided you can show the prior US paperwork and ownership has not changed. If the car was sold abroad and is coming back under a new owner, duty is normally due on re-import. Confirm your case with a customs broker before shipping.

Are there duties on temporary entries for shows or events?

Temporary entries for tourism, exhibitions, events, or testing can often be admitted without standard duty, as long as the car leaves the US within the allowed time and all conditions are met. Tourist entries usually need EPA paperwork only, while entries for testing or modification may need both EPA and DOT approvals. Temporary imports are generally limited to non-US residents.

Is a car exempt from duty just because it is antique or classic?

No. Being over 25 years old can simplify the EPA and DOT side, but it does not remove customs duty. Duty is based on the car's tariff classification and origin, regardless of age.

Is there a gas-guzzler tax on imported cars?

Possibly. A federal gas-guzzler excise tax applies to cars with a combined EPA rating under 22.5 mpg, which can catch high-performance imports. It does not apply to trucks and SUVs, and most 25-year-old classics have no EPA rating, so it usually does not apply to them. We flag it in your quote when it is relevant.

Can you help with EPA/DOT compliance for cars under 25 years?

For vehicles under 25 years old that are not otherwise exempt, we can connect you with specialists who handle compliance conversions and the paperwork. Not every car can be brought into compliance economically, so it is worth reviewing before you buy.

Can you combine multiple cars in one container?

Yes. When the origin and destination match, we can load multiple vehicles in one container, which usually lowers the per-car cost compared with shipping them separately.

Services, payment & fees

Can you help me buy the car?

Yes. Our escrow service can pay the seller on your behalf, with funds released only when the agreed terms are met. It is a common step for buyers purchasing a car they have not seen in person.

Do you inspect vehicles before shipping?

We do not inspect cars ourselves, but we can introduce you to inspection companies that do. Contact us for a recommendation before you commit to a purchase.

How do I track my car?

Once the car is loaded into its container, your dedicated account manager provides tracking and proactive updates by email and our online portal, with a call or text for anything urgent. You always know what stage the car is in.

When do I get the invoice, and when is payment due?

We invoice you when the car is scheduled for loading, under the subject line YOUR CONTAINER HAS BEEN LOADED. Please make sure payment reaches us at least 2 weeks before the vessel arrives at the destination port, so there is no delay releasing the car.

What payment methods do you accept?

Wire transfer, check, or Zelle. We do not accept credit cards, and we do not offer freight-collect terms, so the invoice is paid directly to West Coast Shipping.

Are there any hidden charges?

We include most charges in the quote, itemized up front so you know your total before arrival. The exceptions are unforeseen costs such as a customs inspection or port storage, which are billed to the cargo only if they occur.

Importing cars: common questions

The questions buyers ask most before they import a car to the US.

Is it worth importing a car to the USA?

It depends on the car. A classic over 25 years old, or a model that sells for much less abroad, often makes sense: a Japanese sports car can land at roughly half its US price, and European cars are frequently 15 to 25% cheaper in their home market. A modern mainstream car usually does not, once you add the 2.5% car duty, any Section 232 tariff, and $10,000 to $30,000 in compliance work for vehicles under 25 years old. Run the numbers in our import calculator, and read our breakdown on whether importing is worth it.

Can I import a car that is less than 25 years old?

Yes, but it is harder. A sub-25-year car has to be brought into full FMVSS compliance by an NHTSA Registered Importer, which commonly runs $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the model, plus a DOT bond of 1.5 times the vehicle’s dutiable value. Two narrow exemptions skip that process: the Show and Display law for a short list of significant cars, with a 2,500-mile yearly limit, and factory-built race cars for closed-course use. More on the options in our guide to getting around the 25-year rule.

Which cars become eligible to import in 2026?

A non-US-market car becomes importable under the 25-year rule on the 25th anniversary of its build date, month by month. That means 2001 models enter the window through 2026, opening up a fresh set of Japanese, European, Korean, and Australian cars each year. Check your specific car and its current duty with our import tariff tool.

How do I import a JDM car from Japan?

Most JDM classics, such as the Skyline GT-R R34, Supra A80, and Silvia S15, qualify once they pass 25 years, which clears both DOT and EPA. We collect the car in Japan, load it at Yokohama, and ship to our warehouses in California, Florida, or New Jersey, then clear customs and deliver to your door. See routes and pricing on our import a car from Japan page.

Can I import a right-hand-drive car, and is it legal to drive?

Yes. Right-hand-drive cars are legal to import and to register in every US state, which is why JDM imports and ex-UK cars are common. Some states have minor rules for commercial use, but for a personal car right-hand drive is not a barrier. The same age and emissions rules apply as for any other import.

Ready to import your dream car?

Get an instant, route-specific estimate with shipping, duty, and tariff figures built in, then a dedicated specialist handles the rest from overseas pickup to your door. It's your dream car. Let's bring her home.

Get my import estimate → Talk to an import specialist
Related Articles

From Our Blog

Stay up to date with what is new in our industry, learn more about the upcoming products and events.

What Duties Do I Pay Today To Import Race Cars To The USA?
alfa romeo race car
Guides

What Duties Do I Pay Today To Import Race Cars To The USA?

June 5, 2026 at 3:27 PM 6 min read
US Car Import: Show and Display Law Explained | 2026 Guide
mclaren f1 import
US car import

US Car Import: Show and Display Law Explained | 2026 Guide

June 3, 2026 at 7:00 AM 5 min read
Monterey Car Week 2026: The World's Best Week for Cars | Import & Export Guide
Ferraris driving on the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance fairway during Monterey Car Week
Monterey Car Week

Monterey Car Week 2026: The World's Best Week for Cars | Import & Export Guide

May 22, 2026 at 9:52 AM 3 min read