The Ins and Outs of Auto

Exportation in the U.S.

Here are the standard documents you’ll need when exporting cars from the U.S.:

1. Certificate of Title

Vehicles used in the U.S. typically have an original certificate of title or salvage title. The vehicle’s owner must provide the original or a certified copy of the certificate of title with two additional copies to customs. The certified copy of the certificate must be issued by an authorized government agency and must include a signed statement that it is an authenticated copy of the original.

Where the shipment involves a U.S. government employee exporting the vehicle in conjunction with their reassignment abroad as directed by official travel orders, that employee must establish that they have complied with the sponsoring agency’s internal travel department procedures for vehicle exportation.

Where the vehicle was used, titled or registered outside of the U.S., the owner must present proof of ownership with the English translation where necessary and two complete copies of each document.

Again, where a scrap or junk certificate issued in the U.S. remains active, the owner must present the original certificate or a certified copy with two extra copies to the CBP.

2. Manufacturer’s Statement or Certificate of Origin (MSO/MCO)

The documentation requirements are different for newly manufactured and untitled vehicles. Newly manufactured vehicles purchased from a U.S. manufacturer, dealer or distributor and used in the country are generally issued an MSO instead of a certificate of title. The owner must provide the original MSO with two copies to the customs at the specified time and location.

3. Bill of Sale

Where the owner is not issued an MSO or certificate of title, the owner must establish that the jurisdiction where the vehicle comes from does not have ownership documentation requirements regarding the motor vehicle. The owner must provide the original documents proving their ownership, like a dealer’s invoice or bill of sale, with two copies.

The same applies when the vehicle is titled or has a certificate that is no longer valid, only that the owner would have to provide a written statement indicating that the car was procured in a bona fide transaction.

Owners who purchase antique cars that were never titled may apply this requirement. The same applied to special vehicles which entered the U.S. without conditions for a title. The essence of providing these documents is to prove that the vehicle was genuinely obtained.

4. Lien Release Documents

Where you share ownership in the vehicle with a third party, like in the case of leased vehicles or vehicles with a recorded lien in the U.S., the owner must provide the original or certified copy of the certificate of title with two complete copies and a separate written statement from the third-party indicating that the vehicle may be exported.

The written statement must be on the third-party’s letterhead and contain documents that describe the vehicle, including the VIN, the name of the lienholder, their contact information, the owner or lienholder’s signature and the date of the signature.