Here you will find the guidelines to follow when importing a vehicle for personal use (for nonresidents and residents alike) according to the CBP (Customs & Border Protection).

The CF 7501 Form is now the official form used for the importation of vehicles. All state Department of Motor Vehicles should have this information available.

To file the CF 7501 document for the “entry” of the vehicle, these requirements must be met:

• Declarant’s Personal Vehicle
• Imported for Personal Use
• Conforms with EPA and DOT Standards
• Not Intended for Resale

If all above requirements are met, regardless of value, the “entry” will be filed as Type 11, Informal entries, and No Bond required.

The following statement must appear on the face of the CF 7501 Document: 

Military and Civilian Employees of the U.S. can use ONLY if they took possession and registered the vehicle overseas and have proof of registration. Otherwise, normal duty rates will apply.

If a vehicle does not conform to EPA and DOT standards,

Source: CBP Non-Commercial Vehicle Importations

In order to bring a motorcycle, car or just an engine into the United States, it must conform to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.  Both agencies have very specific guidelines and regulations that can make this type of import more difficult.  For example, the EPA advises that vehicle importers obtain a letter from the manufacturer stating that the vehicle conforms to U.S. standards.  If a vehicle or engine is imported into the U.S. and does not meet the required standards, you will have to bring the shipment into compliance before it can clear Customs.

Unless a vehicle clears customs, you will not be able to legally register it, use it or sell it in the United States.  If you neglect to have the item brought into compliance, it will not be allowed to remain in the United States and will have to be exported or destroyed.  This type of neglect on the part of an importer will result in a waste of enormous expense.  A good place to gather valuable information regarding importing vehicles is the Automotive Imports Facts Manual  from the EPA website.  It has detailed automotive facts describing emission requirements, etc.  You may also get information from the EPA by calling their import hotline at 734-234-4100.

In order to register the vehicle in your state, you will need the Entry Summary document provided by Customs (CBP Form 7501).   To get the Entry Summary document, you will need valid proof of ownership (an original certificate of title and the bill of sale).  You will also be required to pay 1.5% to 2.9% duty, assessed per the purchase price or book value of the vehicle.

By this time, you are probably having second thoughts about handling the import yourself.  You certainly have the option to hire a good customs broker to handle it all for you.  Their experience and knowledge will eliminate a considerable amount of time, money and headaches involved with your vehicle(s) clearing customs.

Importing cars is not as straightforward as some other products because motorized vehicles are regulated by so many different government agencies. When Customs and Border Protection has to relate with other government agencies to ensure compliance, things tend to slow down a little bit.

Customs HQ has simplified the process of importing a car into the U.S. by making it obvious exactly which documents and data are required at every step of the process. Our streamlined web application for importing vehicles will save you time and money whether you’re returning with the family vehicle from an extended stay abroad or buying cars overseas for commercial resale in the U.S.

Fill out this form to get a quote from a licensed customs broker on clearing your vehicle through U.S. Customs.