What documents do you need to ship a car?
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A straight answer from the ShipMyCar US auto transport team, plus the details that matter before you book.
Quick Answer
Short answer: For domestic car shipping you usually need a photo ID, the vehicle details (VIN, year, make, model), and someone to sign the Bill of Lading at pickup and delivery. Title or registration, proof of insurance and a lienholder letter may be needed for ports, auctions and international moves.
Last updated: October 23, 2026
Common Car Shipping Documents
The most important document. It's your receipt and the record of the car's condition at pickup and delivery.
A driver's license or passport for the person handing over or receiving the car.
The title, or a lienholder authorization if the car is financed, often required for ports and international shipping.
Helpful but usually not required for domestic moves. See shipping with expired registration.
Some carriers ask for it, even though the carrier's cargo insurance covers transit.
Required for auction and dealer pickups.
International Shipments
Exports also need the original title submitted to U.S. Customs ahead of departure and an export filing for vehicles over $2,500. See international car shipping.
Domestic Shipping Checklist
For a typical move within the lower 48:
- Photo ID for whoever releases and receives the car
- Keys (and a spare set if possible)
- Registration or title, if the carrier asks for proof of ownership
- Contact details for someone at each end
- The Bill of Lading, which the driver provides at pickup
Most domestic shipments don't require you to hand over your title.
Special Situations
- Financed or leased cars: Usually fine domestically; ocean and international shipments often need a lienholder authorization letter.
- Auction purchases: The auction's release or gate pass. See auction release protocol.
- Inherited vehicles: Proof of authority to release the car. See shipping a deceased loved one's car.
- Hawaii and Alaska: Title or registration and ID at the port.
Keep Copies of Everything
Save your booking confirmation, receipts and both signed Bills of Lading. They help with insurance claims, reimbursement and registration in a new state. Read Bill of Lading explained.
Quick Answers
No, not for most domestic shipments. Keep your title safe and bring a photo ID.
Domestically, usually just ID and keys. Ocean and international shipments often need a lienholder letter.
It's the receipt and condition report you sign at pickup and delivery. See Bill of Lading explained.
Related Questions
Source: every broker and carrier's operating authority, safety rating, and insurance status is public record — verify any company for free at the FMCSA SAFER System.
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