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Import Car from Ireland to USA

Published by Joe Webster.

Ireland (IRL)

Import Car from Ireland to USA

Import Car Into the USA From Ireland

Ireland is largely an export economy that sells various products to different countries around the world. So far, the USA has been one of its top export destinations resulting in strong trade ties between the two countries. When it comes to vehicles, many are shipped to neighboring EU states. Those who bring in cars do so for reasons work-related or personal. Even so, importing cars to the US from Ireland is possible if you have the right information. Some of the steps that have to be fulfilled to import vehicles into the USA from Ireland are listed below.

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Cost & Time Examples for Hauling an Auto

From/ToOceanGroundEstimated Time
Dublin to (California port) to San Jose, CA$3800$20029+5 days
Dublin to (New York port) to Boston, MA$2700$40015+5 days
Cork to (California port) to Las Vegas, NV$3800$45029+5 days
Dublin to (California port) to Portland, OR$3800$47529+6 days
Cork to (California port) to Seattle, WA$3800$55029+6 days
Cork to (New York port) to Columbus, OH$2700$55015+5 days
Dublin to (New York port) to Detroit, MI$2700$57515+6 days
Dublin to (New York port) to Chicago, IL$2700$67515+6 days
Dublin to (California port) to Denver, CO$3800$77529+7 days
Cork to (New York port) to Houston, TX$2700$1,07515+7 days
  1. *Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.
  2. *Save the ground transport cost by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.
  3. *Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.
  4. *Prices are for 1 car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to haul a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.
  5. *Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

Book Export Examination Appointment

To take their vehicles out of the country, Irish car owners must schedule an export inspection. The purpose of the inspection is to determine if the vehicle qualifies for the export payback system, which provides rebates for specific types of automobiles exported abroad. The National Car Testing Service (NCTS), which works under the auspices of Ireland's Road Safety Authority, administers the test. Vehicle owners can schedule the inspection in two convenient ways: online or over the phone. However, NCTS requires a €38 payment for each scheduled consultation.

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Carry Relevant Documents To The Appointment

When going for the NCTS appointment vehicle owners must have relevant documents for the process to move much faster. The documents required for the examination include an official vehicle registration certificate, national car test (optional), name and address of the registered owner, proof of revenue customer number, driving license, or passport. Documents proving your contact details should be original and less than six months old. If you are being represented by a third party, they must provide these documents plus an authorization letter from you.

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In some cases, motor traders are also allowed to take the NCTS exam but are required to present documentation showing the transfer of the vehicle to them. Any extra details are to be presented on a company letterhead for record purposes.

Follow Up On The Export Examination Receipt

To confirm that you successfully passed the Export Repayment Examination given by NCTS, you will receive an Export Examination receipt. The receipt will indicate the amount of Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) that will be repaid to the vehicle owner. Vehicles that are eligible for this repayment are only those that were registered in the state of Ireland and had been up to date with their tax payments.

At this stage, you have only thirty days to import a vehicle into the USA from Ireland, and documents provided to commissioners indicate the same. The documents should prove that your vehicle was exported to a country outside the European Union to allow you get the tax refund. Also, you will need to inform the Department of hauling, Tourism and Sport about the export process at their motor tax offices.

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Hire An Experienced Hauler

The timeline given to import a vehicle into the USA from Ireland after receiving the Export Examination receipt is quite short. Therefore, it is important to have a shipping company ready to pick up your vehicle and start the process of taking it to America. If you have all your documentation ready as well as an international auto transport company on hold, then the shipping process should be easy. Most shipping companies that have experience in shipping cars worldwide can help in preparation and transportation to your preferred destination way beyond the thirty-day deadline.

Complete The Tax Refund Process

Once your car has been exported to the USA, you can now follow up with the NCTS on repayment of tax by filling in a claim form. If you handled the removal of the vehicle as a private individual, then you need to fill in Form VRTER2. The claim form should be accompanied by proof of removal by state, proof of vehicle registration number, and a copy of the NCTS export examination declaration.

On the other hand, the form VRTER1A is specifically for vehicles that have been exported to non-EU countries by traders. The form should be accompanied by a document proving that their car is no longer within the state of Ireland. Also, a copy of the Vehicle Export Examination Declaration given by NCTS should be submitted with the claim form. Other types of documentation required with the claim form can be found in a section written “notes” on the form. Ensure that the claim form is completed in full to avoid it being rejected.

If you are looking for a shipping company that assists vehicle owners to bring in cars from Ireland into the USA, you are at the right place. Reach out to us through our Contact Us page for more information.

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Joe Webster always knew the auto transport industry would be a great career option. And with decades of experience, Joe is now an established consultant for A1 Auto Transport.

Joe was born in Santa Cruz, California. During high school, Joe worked as a mechanic; a job continued to work part-time during his bachelor's degree.

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Milo Douglas
Smooth Car Shipping Experience from Dublin
★★★★★

I recently imported my car from Ireland, and the service was outstanding! The team took great care in ensuring my vehicle was shipped safely from Dublin. The process was easy to understand, and communication was always clear. Highly recommend A1 Auto Transport for anyone looking to ship a car from Ireland!

Presley Garcia
Efficient Service from Cork for My Car Import
★★★★★

I am happy with my car import experience! A1 Auto Transport made the process seamless when shipping my vehicle from Cork. They provided excellent customer service and kept me informed every step of the way. I’ll definitely use them again for any future needs!

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A-1 Auto Transport is a disclosed agent for the following shipping companies:

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NO. 025472F
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1160 South Rogers Circle Suite 1
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