Thinking of shipping your car from Dubai to the USA? This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from DOT and EPA sticker requirements to customs paperwork, shipping costs, and classic car exemptions under the 25-year rule. Whether it’s a modern luxury vehicle or a vintage collectible, find out what it takes to get your car legally into the U.S. and registered for the road.
So you're standing in Dubai, keys in hand, and you're wondering—how hard is it to get this machine across the ocean and into the United States legally? Whether it's a supercar fresh off the tarmac or a classic beauty with decades of charm, shipping your vehicle from the UAE to the U.S. isn't as simple as loading it onto a container and calling it a day. There's paperwork, compliance, a whole lot of acronyms, and yes, some surprising rules.
Let’s walk through what it really takes to make this transcontinental journey happen.
Short answer? No. The U.S. doesn't allow just any vehicle to be imported. It has to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), and if it doesn’t, there needs to be a valid exemption.
If it's a Gulf-spec model (which many Dubai cars are), you’ll likely run into issues unless:
- It has valid DOT and EPA stickers
- It qualifies as a classic under the 25-year rule
- Or you’re importing it temporarily under a special exemption
These two labels—one from the Department of Transportation (DOT) and one from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—are small but critical. Without them, U.S. Customs will assume the vehicle doesn’t meet standards.
Options if they’re missing:
- Go through a Registered Importer (RI) and Independent Commercial Importer (ICI)
- Pay for costly conversion (not always feasible)
- Apply for a waiver (very limited and rare)
Air freight is fast but costly—ideal for high-end cars. It can run $20,000 to $45,000 from Dubai.
Sea freight is more common and budget-friendly:
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo): Cheapest, minimal protection
- Container shipping: Safer and ideal for classics or luxury cars
Key customs documents:
- ISF Filing (must be done 24 hrs in advance)
- DOT Form HS-7
- EPA Form 3520-1
- Bill of Lading
- Original title or export certificate
- Proof of ownership
Typical costs:
- Sea freight: $2,900–$5,000
- Air freight: $20,000–$45,000+
- Duties: 2.5% for cars, 25% for trucks
- Port fees and clearance: $1,200-$2,000
- Conversion: $10,000–$30,000 (if needed)
- Insurance: 2% of car value
Cars over 25 years old are exempt from DOT and EPA compliance. Proof needed:
- Build sheet or manufacturer’s letter
- VIN and production date
- Statement of exemption
After customs:
- Ensure car is insured
- Meet state DMV rules for registration
- Pass safety/emissions tests (where applicable)
- Submit title and registration forms
Common errors:
- Forgetting DOT/EPA stickers
- Missing ISF filing
- Choosing non-convertible vehicles
- Misinterpreting 25-year rule (based on production date, not model year)
- Assuming all U.S. states follow the same process
If it’s your dream car or a collectible you can’t find in the States, yes—it can be worth the hassle. But between customs, compliance, shipping, and DMV paperwork, it pays to work with professionals who know the ins and outs of vehicle logistics between Dubai and the USA.
Don’t let U.S. customs paperwork ruin your love story with your car. Talk to Freight My Car—we’ll get your wheels across the pond and into your driveway, minus the drama.
