Requirements for Shipping Cars from the US to Germany

When preparing a vehicle for shipping from the US to Germany, US documentation export requirements for military service members are the vehicle’s original title or notarized lien letter with a copy of the title, PCS orders, and passport or EIN. Non-military exports also need the passport or EIN, the original title, and a copy of the bill of sale.

German import requirements for vehicles have more specific documentation, which varies depending on whether it is military or non-military, temporary imports or importing as moving goods, or has proof of purchase by a European citizen. We can help you know which forms you need to show at the port or to customs depending on your vehicle and personal circumstances.

US Military Service Members or Contractors with SOFA Status:

• AE-Form 550 from Military Customs Office
• AE-Form 190-1AA from Military Vehicle Registration Office and Temp Plates

For temporary imports, German registration and taxation are not necessary if certain conditions are met, and even the security deposit can potentially be avoided. Reach out to us for help on the process. Vehicles as moving goods do not have duty or VAT charges, while vehicles purchased by European citizens have various rates for duty and VAT depending on the vehicle’s age. Germany’s customs website has more specifics.

Transit time to Germany from the US is about 15 days from the East Coast and 30 days from the West Coast. With additional days for clearing customs and loading and unloading the vessel, expect the shipping process to be about 30-45 days from the East Coast and 45-60 days from the West Coast. We will provide a free no-obligation online quote to estimate your cost for shipping a car from the US to Germany.

Even though German customs do not require import approval before shipping your vehicle, we recommend contacting the German registration office to confirm your vehicle meets their emissions standards and specifications. Modifications can be costly, so you want to factor in that cost before arranging shipping from the US to Germany.

Vehicles shipped to Germany permanently need registration, with various requirements depending on whether the owner is in the US military. If your stay in Germany is less than a year, you can drive your imported vehicle with your home license plates and registration. Proof of insurance and a registration document with a German translation is required, and a technical vehicle inspection may also be necessary.

Trans Global services all US Ports for departures. When shipping a car from the US to Germany, the most common German entry ports are Bremerhaven and Hamburg. We also offer door-to-door destinations in Germany after your car arrives at a port, including Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, Stuttgart, and more. Door delivery includes going through customs before vehicles are released.

Trans Global Auto Logistics has everything from air freight to Roll on Roll Off (RORO), which is basically large parking garages on the water. RORO offers cheaper rates and sometimes has quicker container transit times, but vehicles have to be in good running condition and cannot store personal items. Shared container shipping can take longer since containers only leave with full loads, but it does mean costs can be shared among the vehicle owners. Dedicated container shipping removes the shared element, with the fastest service besides air freight and also the most expensive. We will work with you to find which transport option makes the most sense when shipping your car from the US to Germany.