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How to Ship a Car to Germany

by Lizzy Scully

Overview

Shipping a car to Germany can take up to three or four weeks, and many steps need to be taken to ensure it arrives safely. Vehicles are typically transported in containers either by air freight or RO-RO (Roll On-Roll Off---when vehicles are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels). There are no restrictions on importing vehicles into Germany; nor are export permits or written authorization required. However, upon registering your car in the country, you will have to pay a motor vehicle tax. If you stay in Germany for a year or more, you will be required to acquire a German driver's license. A variety of other taxes and duties will be charged as well, including import duty (10 percent of purchase price); freight costs to destination in Germany, plus freight insurance; and value-added tax (VAT: 15 percent based on purchase price). However, some vehicles may be tax free if they are considered household goods and if the owner is establishing residency in Germany, among other things.

Step 1

Find a company to transport your vehicle (see Resources). You can use a moving company or an international freight forwarder. A moving company will charge more, but take care of all the details for you, including figuring out the best way to handle/transport your vehicle, transporting your vehicle, and dealing with all the paperwork. To avoid the middleman, go directly with a freight forwarder. This agent also understands import rules and regulations of foreign countries, methods of shipping, and the paperwork you need. A freight forwarder will also store your car until the next shipment. Agents are licensed by the International Air Transport Association to handle air freight and by the Federal Maritime Commission to handle maritime freight. Regardless of the type of company you utilize, the shipper will provide you with shipping containers and the option of transporting your car wherever it needs to go. To save money, you can bring the car directly to the port.
Step 2

Gather what you need to move your car, including a set of keys for the shipping company, vehicle registration and title to get the vehicle in and out of ports, a notarized statement of acknowledgment of export from the creditor if the vehicle is being financed or leased, a notarized letter of authorization from the owner if the person shipping the vehicle is not the owner, and a valid ID for whoever is picking up the vehicle.
Step 3

Get German shipping insurance or marine shipping insurance. Typically the company shipping your car will not insure it, so shipping insurance is highly recommended to protect your car against unforeseen damage or problems.
Step 4

Take the necessary steps to protect your vehicle from the elements. If it is going to be a cold trip, ensure that your battery and other fluids won't freeze. Also, leave your gas tank less than half full, shut your vehicle alarm off, and make sure your brakes and tires are in working order. Keep in mind that in order to ship your vehicle in the standard manner, it must not be a low rider---that is, the vehicle has to clear the ground by six inches.
Step 5

Remove from the car all personal items, such as bags, luggage and anything else that is not permanently affixed to the car.

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Freight insurance Personal documents related to your car Three copies of your title notarized front and back
Freight insurance
Personal documents related to your car
Three copies of your title notarized front and back
Make an extra set of keys as well as copies of your personal documents.
Make an extra set of keys as well as copies of your personal documents.