From the border to the title
Importing cars to the United States
Importing and registration are connected, but they are separate steps. We help you organize the U.S. import file and explore the Montana title and registration path once the vehicle is ready.
Find your starting point
Tell us what fits your situation.
From China
A China-sourced vehicle needs a fact-specific federal import review before any U.S. registration plan.
See the questionsFrom Japan
Japanese-market vehicles can follow different federal paths depending on age and specifications.
See the questionsFrom Canada
Canadian vehicles may have North American records but still need a U.S. import trail.
See the questionsFrom Germany
European-market vehicles need a review of U.S. conformity or applicable exemption.
See the questionsFrom the United Kingdom
A UK vehicle may have right-hand drive and a separate U.S. compliance route.
See the questionsCommon questions
Federal import eligibility
Whether a car may enter permanently depends on its age, original certification, and available import route.
Explore this guideThe 25-year vehicle rule
NHTSA’s age-based exception is measured from the vehicle’s manufacture date.
Explore this guideEPA requirements
Emissions rules have their own declarations and exemptions.
Explore this guideNHTSA declaration
A DOT HS-7 declaration records the federal safety import basis.
Explore this guideCustoms entry
Customs release is a separate milestone from shipping arrival.
Explore this guideForeign title and export records
The original ownership chain should connect the overseas seller to the U.S. buyer.
Explore this guideVIN and identity review
The VIN or chassis number must match across the vehicle and records.
Explore this guideWorking with a dealer or broker
An intermediary may hold key import and sale records.
Explore this guideMontana title after import
A Montana title application needs a complete ownership and import trail.
Explore this guideRegistration timeline after import
Timing depends on federal release, title documents, signatures, and Montana processing.
Explore this guideStart with what you know.
Tell us the vehicle, the owner, and your biggest question. We’ll help map the next step.