How to Ship a Car From Puerto Rico

With proper preparation, shipping a vehicle from Puerto Rico can be easy to accomplish.

Puerto Rico sounds so tropical, so different, so foreign, but it is actually a part of the United States. As such, people move daily from the island to the mainland and vice versa. It is actually quite easy to ship a car from Puerto Rico to the mainland in comparison the the reverse. But there are proper procedures to follow.

Things You'll Need

• Original title of the vehicle with no liens or a letter of release from lien or lease holder
• Certificate of "No Fines Due"
• Certificate of pressure washed and cleaned vehicle (including motor)
• Hacienda voucher or certificate of fees paid
• Notarized Power of Attorney
• Inspection forms
• Police Permit Slip

Instructions

Shipping a Car from Puerto Rico to the United States Mainland

1. Find a shipping company. There are many from which to choose.Shop around for the best price. Ask dealers who they use. If the car recently was purchased, they may be able to help and mitigate personal expenses.

2. Make sure the title is clear. If the car is not paid off, then get a release on any liens if the title itself is not available. If the shipper plans to pay off the vehicle loan, a notarized letter stating the lien is lifted and title will be sent should suffice. Since Puerto Rico is part of U.S., some banks do business on the mainland and in Puerto Rico and may be willing to transfer your payments to your new address, giving you a notice of temporary lien release or what is known as an "explanation letter." Otherwise a U.S.-based bank can agree to be the new lien holder and has to co-sign documents for shipping.

3. Go to the police station and obtain a statement that there are no outstanding penalties (tickets or other violations).

4. Get the vehicle cleaned. The shipper needs to get a full pressurized wash, including the motor, for liability reasons.

5. Go to the department of Hacienda (IRS as it is locally known or state tax authority). The shipper pays $10.00. This releases the car for all inspections. Usually, this can be issued locally at the police department or at a local inspection station.

6. Get a notarized power of attorney. This states the shipper is the owner and has met the criteria for export. Proceed to the port. Present all documentation, and the car will be on its way.

Tips & Warnings

• Inspections are performed on Mondays and Wednesdays.It is required by the police and can be obtained at any inspection station. Mayaguez is the hub for inspections.

• The vehicle must be available at least 48 hours prior to the inspection days.

• Vehicles less than 120 days on the island are not required to meet the regulations of the checklist or the inspection.

• Depending on your state, you may or may not be subject to fees. Miami is the best port for importation as there are no fees.

• Ask your shipping company about fees.

• Shop around. It often is worth a drive to save thousands of dollars and go get the car a state or two from where you want it.

• Transporting a stolen car is a federal offense.

References

• Departamento de Hacienda

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Movecars.com