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How to Ship a Car from Puerto Rico to the United States

Simple Steps to Guide You Through the Process


Puerto Ricans have been relocating to the mainland United States for over a century—for job opportunities, to be closer to family, or in response to events like hurricanes. When relocating, many people also choose to bring their vehicles with them.

Shipping a car, truck, van, or SUV may seem confusing if you haven’t done it before. But Crowley, a leader in vehicle transportation between Puerto Rico and the U.S., is here to make the process easier. Our experts have created this step-by-step guide to help you get your vehicle ready for shipment.

We’ve also prepared a handy checklist to help you organize all required export documents.


1. Choose Your Destination

The two main U.S. ports for shipping vehicles from Puerto Rico are Jacksonville, Florida, and Eddystone, Pennsylvania.


2. Gather Your Vehicle Documents

Make sure to have the following:


3. Get a Notarized Authorization Letter

Required from a licensed Puerto Rican attorney, this affidavit must include:


4. Additional Documentation Scenarios

If your vehicle has a loan:
Include a notarized letter from your lender authorizing export.

If your vehicle is paid off:
Provide your title and a payoff confirmation letter (no notarization required).

If company-owned:
Include a corporate resolution or notarized letter authorizing shipment.

If someone else is handling the process:
The affidavit must include copies of both your ID and the third party’s ID.


5. Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

Ensure the VIN is visible and matches documentation. Check your owner’s manual for location details.


6. Purchase Internal Revenue Stamps

For each vehicle, obtain:

Buy from any Colecturía or approved financial institution. Digital copies are not accepted.


7. Time-Sensitive Certificates (Act Fast!)

These documents expire quickly:

• ACAA Certificate of No Debt (valid for 30 days)
Verifies the vehicle has no accident-related debt. Available at ACAA offices or online.

• DTOP No-Fines Certificate (valid for 3 days)
Requires Form DTOP-DIS-224 and DTOP-DIS-234.
You’ll need $11 and $2 stamps. The issue date counts toward the 3-day window.

• Puerto Rico Police Pre-Inspection Certificate (valid for 5 days)
Required for export. Visit the appropriate precinct with your vehicle and bring all required documents.


8. Safety Requirements

Vehicles will be rejected if they:


9. Make Extra Copies

Keep at least 2–3 copies of all documents for your records and any requests during processing.


10. Thoroughly Clean Your Vehicle

The USDA requires a pressure wash with a dated receipt from a car wash. The cleaning must include:

Failure to meet standards may result in a $110 fine and delays.


11. Reserve a Spot for Your Vehicle

Due to high demand, book in advance via Crowley’s vehicle shipping page. You’ll need to submit:

Be sure the origin port is San Juan, PR and destination is either Jacksonville, FL or Eddystone, PA. Click “Get Rates” to confirm pricing.

You must also apply for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) via the IRS EIN Assistant. SSNs are no longer accepted for this process.


12. Drop Off at Isla Grande Terminal

Crowley Terminal – Car Division
Calle Lindbergh, San Juan, PR 00907
Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–11:00 AM & 12:00 PM–2:00 PM


13. Payment & Optional Insurance

Accepted payment:
✅ Debit/Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
✅ Money order or bank check
❌ No cash or personal checks

Optional cargo insurance:

Without insurance, Crowley’s liability is capped at $500 per unit under U.S. COGSA (1936).

Expect a minimum 45-minute processing time, longer during peak periods.


14. Final Inspections Before Shipping

Before loading, your vehicle will undergo a final USDA and Puerto Rico Police inspection at the terminal.


15. Vehicle Pickup – Jacksonville, Florida

Location:
Crowley Terminal, 1163 Talleyrand Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32206
📅 Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM

Bring:

You have 5 business days to pick up the vehicle after notification, or daily storage fees will apply.


16. Vehicle Pickup – Eddystone, Pennsylvania

Location:
PENN Terminals, 1 Saville Ave, Eddystone, PA 19022
📅 Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

If selected for U.S. Customs inspection, pay a $118.84 handling fee (card only).

To schedule pickup, email: Vehicles@PennTerminals.com by 3:00 PM the day before. Include:

You’ll receive a PIN and confirmation email. Arrive early on your scheduled day.


Have Questions?