How to import a car from Europe to the US: Costs and steps

Shipping a car from Europe to the US will cost a significant amount for transportation alone, plus customs duties, taxes, and perhaps modifications. But to get a luxury car to the US, this could be more than worth it.

Importing cars from Europe is a complex process, but if your car already meets US safety and emissions standards or is at least 25 years old, the process will be easier and cheaper. Let’s cover how much it costs to import a car from Europe and everything else you need to know.

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Can I import a European car into the US?

Yes, you can import most cars from Europe to the US. However, some cars will have to be modified, and others won’t qualify for modification.

Cars that are at least 25 years old don’t have to meet US emissions or safety standards.¹ As a result, they’re much easier to import.

To begin the process, you’ll want to check your car to see if it already meets US standards and how to get these qualifications certified. If modifications are necessary, you’ll have to set those up before you begin the process as well.

Which cars can be imported from Europe to the US?

Lots of European cars are eligible for import to the US. The most important condition is that they certifiably meet federal safety and environmental standards. Otherwise, they won’t be allowed into the country.

These standards are set and enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

There are several ways for European cars to meet EPA and NHTSA standards or secure an exemption. These are:

Vehicles 25 years or older

Under what’s known as the “25-year rule,” vehicles that are at least 25 years or older are exempt from NHTSA conformity.² Vehicles older than 21 years don’t have to comply with EPA emissions standards.³ So any European vehicle that is manufactured before that time will have a relatively easy path to importation.

Vehicles originally manufactured for the US market

These vehicles bear labels that identify the car and its manufacturer and make unequivocal statements that the car conforms to US manufacturing standards.² The safety and emissions standards will have separate labels for each.⁴

Your car must bear these labels or come with a letter from the manufacturer attesting that it conforms to NHTSA and EPA standards — separately. But with either of these, you’ll be nearly ready to ship your car from Europe to the US.

European vehicles modified to meet US standards

Most vehicles that don’t meet these NHTSA and EPA standards are eligible to be modified. However, they must be modified by certified importers that are registered with each federal agency. Unfortunately, their fees are known for being high.¹

To modify a vehicle for import from Europe into the US, you’ll need to contract these importers ahead of time and post a bond of 150% of the vehicle’s value.¹ The modifications also need to be done under a deadline or you’ll have to forfeit them.

Vehicles eligible under show or display exemption

If you’re bringing your European car to the US for show or display, a written letter from the DOT would exempt you from NHTSA standards. There’s a simple application form to fill out to obtain the letter.

If you’re going to drive the car on the road while in the US, you will need to modify the car to meet EPA emissions standards. If you won’t be driving it on the road, you can get a waiver for these regulations.⁵

Motorcycles & certain specialty vehicles

If you’re bringing a motorcycle or specialty car to race or use for a specific purpose over a temporary period, you can get permission from the DOT to bring it in without any duties or regulations. You’ll still need to get approval from the EPA on the specific car, so it’s important to leave enough time to get everything arranged.

How much does it cost to import a car from Europe?

You’ll pay carrier fees to bring your car overseas, which generally don’t vary highly across various parts of Europe. “Roll-on, roll-off” shipping is the cheapest option, but luxury vehicles would be better off with container shipping, which is more protective and secure.

To fully estimate how much it costs to import your car from Europe to the US, you’ll also want to take these factors into account:

You’ll also need to pay registration fees for your car once it arrives in the US. These fees depend on the state, but they can be several hundred dollars or more, especially when you factor in state taxes, which may or may not apply.

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How to import a car from Europe to the US

Here are the steps to import your car from Europe to the US once you’ve chosen the car that you want to bring.

Determine your vehicle’s eligibility

Check your car for labels that attest to its conformity to NHTSA and EPA guidelines. If you have no luck, search your make and model on the NHTSA and EPA website to see if you can get a letter from the car’s manufacturer certifying its conformity.

Otherwise, you can get in touch with qualifying importers to help modify your car and secure their services to make the modifications upon entry into the US.

Gather necessary documentation

This documentation will be easy if you have all the regulations figured out. It comes down to three agency forms and some supporting documents for the car:¹

• NHTSA Form HS-7
• EPA Form 3520-1
• CBP Form 7501A
• The car’s European title and registration
• The car’s bill of sale
• The shipper or carrier’s bill of lading

Prepare the vehicle for import and arrange shipping

Remember that you can’t put anything inside the car.¹ You’ll need to contract with a shipping agent to bring the car overseas; they should make all the necessary arrangements to get your car to the port of entry.

Meet your car at the border

CBP advises that you give notice of your importation ahead of time.¹ You will have to meet your car in person at the border, so make travel arrangements if necessary. When it’s time, bring all your documentation and payment.

Register your car in the US

This process will depend on the US state the car will be driven in. But at the very least, you’ll need to bring an insurance policy for your car, the car’s title, and your identification to get your registration and license plate. Also: bring a checkbook, credit card, or cash for registration fees.

Whether you’re looking to save on a luxury car or you want a European model vehicle that you can’t get anywhere else, the effort of shipping a car from Europe to the US could be more than worth it. The key is getting ahead of the paperwork and knowing your costs and eligibility in advance.

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Sources

1. CBP - Importing a Motor Vehicle
2. NHTSA - Importation and Certification FAQs
3. EPA - Overview of import requirements for vehicles and engines
4. EPA - Locating the vehicle emissions label
5. NHTSA - Application for Permission to Import for Show and Display
6. CBP - User Fee Table
7. Reuters - US implements EU trade deal, 15% autos tariffs retroactive to Aug 1