Shipping your vehicle from the United States to Germany requires careful planning, documentation, and an understanding of international shipping processes. Whether you're relocating to Germany, sending a classic American muscle car to a buyer, or moving your prized vehicle for a European tour, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the shipping process.
The first decision when shipping a car to Germany is selecting the appropriate transportation method for your vehicle and budget:
Container shipping offers the highest level of protection and security for your vehicle:
Dedicated Container: A 20ft or 40ft container exclusively for your vehicle provides maximum protection and allows for personal items to be shipped inside the car
Shared Container: Save up to 50% on shipping costs by sharing container space with other vehicles through West Coast Shipping's container consolidation service
Benefits: Protection from weather elements, reduced handling, and greater security throughout transit
Container shipping is ideal for luxury vehicles, classic cars, and high-value automobiles that require maximum protection.
For urgent timelines, air freight provides the fastest transit option:
Delivery time: Just 3-10 days from door to door
Cost premium: Significantly more expensive than ocean freight options
Best for: Extremely valuable vehicles or urgent shipping needs
Understanding the costs and timeline helps you plan your car shipment effectively:
Container shipping: $1,050–$1,800 for port-to-port service
Destination fees: Starting at $600, depending on the receiving agent in Germany
Additional services: Door-to-door service includes vehicle pickup and final delivery
When importing vehicles to Germany, you'll need to budget for:
Standard import duty: 10% of the vehicle's declared value
Value Added Tax (VAT): 19% of the combined value (vehicle + shipping + duty)
Vehicles over 30 years old qualify for significant tax advantages:
Import duty: Completely exempt from the 10% duty
Reduced VAT: Only 7% instead of the standard 19%
This makes importing classic American cars to Germany particularly attractive, as detailed in our guide to top cars imported from Germany in 2025.
Plan for the following timeframes when shipping to Germany:
Preparation and loading: 2 weeks for customs clearance and container loading
Transit time:
East Coast to Bremerhaven: 2–3 weeks
West Coast to Bremerhaven: 5–10 weeks
Additional time: Add one week if using shared container service
Total duration: 12–45 days from pickup to delivery, depending on your location
Proper documentation is essential for a smooth shipping process:
Original vehicle title: Must be clear of liens or include lien release documentation
Bill of sale: Showing proof of ownership and purchase price
Original Bill of Lading: Created during the shipping process
Completed shipping form: Provided by your shipping company
International citizens: Copy of passport
US citizens: EIN Letter from the IRS
For registration in Germany, you'll need:
Customs clearance certificate: Obtained during the import process
TÜV inspection certificate: Vehicle must pass German safety inspection
Vehicle insurance certificate: German coverage required before registration
Proof of ownership: Original title and purchase documentation
Proper preparation ensures your vehicle arrives in Germany safely:
Clean your vehicle: Thoroughly wash the exterior and interior
Document condition: Take detailed photos of your vehicle from all angles
Remove personal items: Most shipping methods prohibit personal belongings
Secure or remove loose parts: Prevent damage during transit
Check fluid levels: Ensure they're at appropriate levels (not empty, not full)
Disable alarm systems: Prevent battery drain during shipping
Leave minimal fuel: Approximately 1/4 tank is ideal
When shipping vintage vehicles to Germany, additional preparation may be necessary:
Documentation of age: Gather proof of the vehicle's build date for the 30-year rule
Originality verification: Documentation supporting the vehicle's original condition
Special handling instructions: Provide detailed notes for classic car handling
These preparations are particularly important for vehicles qualifying under Germany's classic car import advantages, as mentioned in our article about shipping classic cars to Germany.
Once your vehicle arrives in Germany, several steps are necessary before you can drive it:
Your vehicle must clear German customs with:
Import declaration: Filed with German customs authorities
Payment of applicable duties and taxes: Based on vehicle value and age
Inspection: Possible physical examination by customs officials
To register your imported vehicle in Germany:
TÜV inspection: Mandatory technical inspection for roadworthiness
Registration office: Visit the local Kfz-Zulassungsstelle with required documents
Insurance verification: Proof of German auto insurance coverage
License plates: Issued after successful registration
Vehicles over 30 years old can apply for historic vehicle registration (H-Kennzeichen):
Lower annual tax rate: Significant savings on road tax
Exemption from certain emissions zones: Easier access to city centers
Special historic vehicle license plates: Distinctive appearance
West Coast Shipping specializes in vehicle transportation to Germany with comprehensive services:
Door-to-door service: Complete management from pickup to delivery
Documentation assistance: Expert handling of all required paperwork
Customs clearance: Navigation of both US export and German import processes
Consolidation options: Cost-saving shared container services
Specialized classic car handling: Expertise in vintage vehicle shipping
Nationwide pickup: Service from all major US cities
Established German partnerships: Reliable delivery and support in Germany
Shipping a car from the United States to Germany involves multiple steps, but with proper planning and the right shipping partner, the process can be straightforward and stress-free.