What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico?
Shipping a car to Puerto Rico requires some planning and the proper documents to ensure the process flows smoothly. Whether you’re relocating, selling your vehicle, or shipping a vehicle to a family member, ensuring that you possess all the required papers is crucial. In this article, we’ll discuss what documents are required when shipping a car to Puerto Rico and add some tips on how to make the process smooth.
Documents Required to Ship a Car to Puerto Rico
1. Original Title of Vehicle
The original title of the vehicle is needed. It should be in the lienholder’s name and be free of any lien, or you can obtain a lienholder authorization if the vehicle is financed.
2. Valid Government-Issued ID
A notarized Power of Attorney may be necessary if the car is being exported by a third party. A state ID, driver’s license, or passport is needed to verify the owner.
3. Bill of Sale or Dealer Invoice
Since you have just purchased the vehicle, it is possible to use a dealer invoice or bill of sale in order to demonstrate ownership, and to determine the value of the vehicle for customs.
4. Shipper Export Declaration (SED) Form
Use when exporting a car from the continental U.S. to Puerto Rico. The SED form affords export regulation compliance.
5. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Form 3299
Should you be exporting a car with a household relocation, you may need CBP Form 3299, which is a declaration for unaccompanied personal effects.
6. Puerto Rico Excise Tax (Hacienda) Documentation
Vehicles being shipped to Puerto Rico must pay excise tax, levied by the Puerto Rico Department of Treasury (Hacienda). You will need to provide vehicle details to calculate the payable tax before pickup.
7. Insurance Proof
Certain transport companies require proof of comprehensive automobile insurance before shipping. While not always required, it is strongly recommended to protect your automobile during transit.
8. Notarized Power of Attorney (If Applicable)
When another party is handling the shipping process, a notarized Power of Attorney (POA) may be required to sign off on it.
Additional Tips for Smooth Shipping Process
Review Documents Ahead of Time: Have all the documentation in place before organizing transportation to avoid delays.
Inquire from the Shipping Company: Procedures might vary marginally from transporter to transporter.
Prepare for Puerto Rico Excise Tax: Estimate your tax obligation in advance by utilizing the Hacienda website.
Remove Personal Items: Most shippers don’t allow personal items inside the car during transport.
Learning Car Shipping Cost to Puerto Rico
The shipping cost of a car to Puerto Rico depends on several factors including the vehicle size, shipping method (container or roll-on/roll-off), and port of origin. The shipping cost is between $1,000 and $3,000, plus additional charges for customs clearance and excise tax. You can estimate the total cost by requesting a quote from an auto transport company in Puerto Rico.
Choosing the Right Puerto Rico Auto Transport Company
To have a worry-free experience, it’s essential to employ a reputable Puerto Rico car transport firm. Pick a reputable firm with transparent pricing and positive customer reviews.
Conclusion :
Shipping a vehicle to Puerto Rico entails meticulous documentation for U.S. and Puerto Rican compliance. Including the original title, identification, bill of sale, SED form, excise tax paperwork, and proof of insurance will ensure the experience is as trouble-free as it can be. Using a seasoned car shipping business such as Transport Masters USA to perform the process will make the experience easy and get your automobile to Puerto Rico fast and intact.
Looking for Safe Puerto Rico Car Shipping Companies?
Transport Masters USA offers hassle-free Puerto Rico car shipping services. Contact us now and we will handle the shipping for you!