Shipping a Car from the USA to the UK: Costs & Import Tax 2026 | CargoHolidaysCargo Ship Travel & Freighter Cruises

Last updated: 22 October 2026

Importing an American car into the UK is easier than many people think. Whether you are moving home with your family car, buying a classic muscle car, or bringing back a pickup, thousands of vehicles cross the Atlantic every year. This guide explains how shipping a car from the USA to the UK works in 2026, what it costs, and how to get it legally on British roads.

Ro-ro or container?

Method	How it works	Typical cost (east coast to UK)	Best for
Roll-on roll-off (ro-ro)	Driven onto a car-carrier ship, like a floating multi-storey car park	From around US$1,200–2,000	Running cars, budget moves
Shared container	Your car shares a 40ft container with 2–3 others	Around US$1,500–2,500	Good protection at a fair price
Sole-use container	Your car alone in a 20ft or 40ft container	Around US$2,500–4,000+	Classics, high-value cars, cars with personal effects

Shipping from the west coast via the Panama Canal costs more and takes longer. Add inland trucking in the US, which can cost several hundred to over a thousand dollars, plus UK port and handling fees.

Cars driving onto a roll-on roll-off vessel — Ro-ro ships carry cars across the Atlantic like a floating car park.

How long does it take?

East coast (New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Savannah) to Southampton, Bristol or Liverpool: about 10–14 days at sea
West coast (Los Angeles, Long Beach) to the UK: about 4–6 weeks
Overall: allow 4–8 weeks from collection to UK registration

Import duty and VAT

If you are not moving to the UK, expect to pay:

Import duty of 10% for most cars (on the value plus shipping and insurance)
VAT of 20% on the total, including duty

If you are moving to the UK and have owned and used the car abroad for at least six months, you may qualify for Transfer of Residence (ToR) relief, with no duty or VAT. Apply on HMRC’s ToR1 form before the car arrives.

Classic cars: vehicles over 30 years old, in original condition, may qualify as historic. That means no duty and 5% import VAT.

Always check current rates on the HMRC website, because they can change.

Container ship loaded with shipping containers — Container shipping protects classic and high-value cars.

Making a US car road-legal in the UK

Notify DVLA and HMRC using the NOVA system within 14 days of arrival.
Pass an approval test. Cars under 10 years old usually need an IVA test (Individual Vehicle Approval). Older cars need an MOT.
Modify lights. US headlights dip the wrong way for UK roads, and amber rear indicators are required. A speedometer showing mph is fine.
Insure the car. Specialist import insurers often give better rates.
Register with the DVLA using form V55/5, with your proof of approval, insurance and ID. You then receive UK number plates.

Cost of shipping a car from the USA to the UK: example

Item	Example cost
Inland transport to port (US)	$500–$1,200
Ro-ro shipping, east coast to UK	$1,200–$2,000
Marine insurance (1.5–2.5% of value)	$300–$750
UK port and handling fees	£300–£600
Duty and VAT (no ToR relief, $20,000 car)	about £5,500
IVA or MOT plus modifications	£300–£1,000
Registration and plates	£55–£100

Shipping a car from the UK to the USA

Going the other way is also common. The US has strict rules: cars must meet federal safety and emissions standards unless they are 25 years old or more. Non-residents can import a car temporarily for up to a year. Speak to a specialist before you buy a car to export.

Tips for a smooth shipment

Get the paperwork right: the original title, bill of sale and your passport
Keep the fuel tank at a quarter full or less and remove personal items for ro-ro
Photograph the car from all angles before collection
Use a shipper that handles UK customs clearance, or appoint a UK customs agent

Moving to the UK yourself? You could even cross the Atlantic by sea, on a cargo ship sailing to the UK. See our guide to freighter travel from the UK and boats between the UK and USA.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to the UK?

Ro-ro from the US east coast typically costs about $1,200–$2,000, plus inland transport, insurance, UK port fees and any duty and VAT.

How long does shipping a car from the US to the UK take?

About 10–14 days at sea from the east coast, and 4–8 weeks in total including collection and registration.

Do I pay import tax on a car from the USA?

Usually 10% duty and 20% VAT, unless you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief or historic vehicle status.

Do American cars need modifying for the UK?

Usually just the headlights and rear indicators. Newer cars need an IVA test.

Can I ship personal belongings in the car?

Only in a container, and they must be declared. Ro-ro shipments normally have to be empty.

Moving to the UK by sea?

Your car can sail, and so can you. We’ll check cargo ships with passenger cabins on your route.

Ask about a transatlantic cabin →

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Steve Joury

Cargo trip advisor at Cargoholidays

Passionate about slow trip travel and sea. Steve know most shipping route and procedure to discover our beautiful world from sea on a container ship. He have been at most trips from 7 days on cargo travel to 140 days on board.