From the border to the title
From Japan
Japanese-market vehicles can follow different federal paths depending on age and specifications. We check manufacture date, export certificate, EPA and NHTSA declarations, customs release, and ownership.
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Federal import eligibility
Whether a car may enter permanently depends on its age, original certification, and available import route.
Read the guideThe 25-year vehicle rule
NHTSA’s age-based exception is measured from the vehicle’s manufacture date.
Read the guideEPA requirements
Emissions rules have their own declarations and exemptions.
Read the guideNHTSA declaration
A DOT HS-7 declaration records the federal safety import basis.
Read the guideCustoms entry
Customs release is a separate milestone from shipping arrival.
Read the guideForeign title and export records
The original ownership chain should connect the overseas seller to the U.S. buyer.
Read the guideVIN and identity review
The VIN or chassis number must match across the vehicle and records.
Read the guideWorking with a dealer or broker
An intermediary may hold key import and sale records.
Read the guideMontana title after import
A Montana title application needs a complete ownership and import trail.
Read the guideRegistration timeline after import
Timing depends on federal release, title documents, signatures, and Montana processing.
Read the guideYour useful first step
Share the Japanese export documents and U.S. entry file.