What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car? (Full Checklist)

If planning to ship a car across state lines, securing the necessary documentation is usually a good first step. Your transporter needs to be able to prove that they’re legally moving the vehicle. But what documents will you need to provide, exactly? And how long does it take to procure this paperwork?

Most car haulers using CitizenShipper operate within the continental United States, so we’ll limit ourselves to describing domestic regulations. Here’s a quick rundown of what documents are required to ship a car domestically.

1. Bill of lading

Now, this is the big one. The bill of lading (BOL) is a document issued by your chosen transporter and signed by you, the shipping customer. It certifies that the transporter has received your car and the condition it’s in at pick-up. During the move, it functions as a “contract of carriage”, certifying that the transporter is legally in charge of your vehicle. Once the car is delivered, you sign the BOL again to certify that you’ve received it. 

There are other possible uses for the bill of lading. For instance, if your car has sustained damage during the move, the BOL would be amended to document this. Both you and the transporter would sign it, attesting to the damage. Without this step, insurance companies might refuse to cover the damage. Speaking of which… 

2. Insurance information

This is rarely a document that you’d have to provide yourself. Instead, the transporter’s insurance coverage typically applies. Still, you would need to have that document in hand, outlining the terms and conditions of their insurance. Although most vehicle shipments go off without a hitch, insurance coverage is still crucial. You shouldn’t sign a shipping contract before receiving a document that details the other party’s insurance information.

3. Proof of insurance

In contrast to what’s outlined above, on rare occasions, it’s the customer’s insurance that covers the car in transport. If that’s the type of car shipping you’ve arranged, you’ll be the one providing proof of insurance to the transporter! 

This occurs very rarely, though. Most shipping companies will agree to ship without proof of insurance. After all, if you don’t mind your car being uninsured, why would they? If and when it does happen, though, your insurance provider should be able to issue the documentation.

4. Title and registration

Another optional piece of paperwork, the title and registration usually come together. The registration legally binds the vehicle to you, its owner. The title proves your ownership of the vehicle. It’s fairly uncommon for a car transporter to require your title and registration. Under certain circumstances, however, this type of paperwork becomes required, so keep a copy of these documents on hand. 

If you’re still paying loans on the car and don’t have the title yet, you’re not technically its sole owner. So instead of a title, you’d provide a letter of permission from the car’s lien holder (typically a bank).

5. Photo ID

Some transporters might ask you for a photo ID before they ship your car. In most cases, this serves only the transporter’s internal database. (They want to keep a neat record of all their customers.) If this turns out to be the case, you can use your driver’s license or any other form of identification.

Your transporter handles most of the paperwork. When you book through CitizenShipper, your transporter prepares the bill of lading and provides their insurance documentation. All you need is your ID and vehicle documents.

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Other Jurisdictions

The paperwork listed above should satisfy the legal requirements for car transport in the continental US. Things can get a little more complicated if you’re shipping abroad, requiring a few additional documents. Proof of sales tax, power of attorney, notarized bills of sale — things of that nature.

Don’t panic, though! Whether shipping domestically or abroad, the easiest way to navigate all this is to consult your chosen transporter. If unsure as to what paperwork you need to ship your car, just talk to them and work things out. They should be able to tell you exactly what documents are necessary, and where to get them.

Car Shipping Document Checklist

Before your vehicle is picked up, it’s helpful to have all necessary paperwork ready. While most domestic car shipments require only a few documents, having everything prepared can prevent delays and make the pickup process smoother.

Bill of Lading (BOL)

The Bill of Lading (BOL) is the single most important document in the car shipping process. It serves as both the shipping contract and the official receipt for your vehicle, documenting its condition before transport and confirming its delivery afterward.

At pickup, you and the transporter will inspect the vehicle together. The Bill of Lading typically includes:

• Vehicle make, model, and year
• Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
• Current odometer (mileage) reading
• Pickup and delivery addresses
• Scheduled pickup and delivery dates
• Transporter’s information
• Customer information
• Driver and customer signatures

Most Bills of Lading also include a vehicle condition report with a diagram of the car. During the inspection, the driver marks any existing dents, scratches, paint chips, cracked glass, wheel damage, or other cosmetic imperfections directly on the diagram. Taking your own time-stamped photographs before pickup is strongly recommended, as they provide an additional record of the vehicle’s condition.

When your vehicle is delivered, you’ll inspect it again using the original Bill of Lading as a reference. If any new damage is discovered, it should be noted on the delivery copy before you sign. This documentation is essential if you ever need to file a transportation damage claim with the carrier’s insurance company.

Ready to ship your car? On CitizenShipper, listing your vehicle shipment is free, and you’ll receive quotes from background-checked transporters who carry verified insurance. Your transporter handles the bill of lading — you just need to show up with your documents.

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Insurance Documents for Car Shipping

Transporter’s Insurance Information

Every reputable auto transporter should carry commercial liability and cargo insurance that protects vehicles while they are in transit. Before booking, ask the carrier to provide proof of insurance and verify the coverage limits. You should also understand whether there are deductibles, exclusions, or special procedures for filing a claim if damage occurs during transport.

Your Proof of Insurance

Most domestic car shipments do not require you to provide proof of your personal auto insurance, since the carrier’s cargo policy generally covers the vehicle during transport. However, some transporters may ask for proof of insurance if your policy includes transit coverage or if additional verification is needed. Even when it’s not required, it’s a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance card readily available during pickup and delivery.

Do You Need a Title to Ship a Car?

No. A vehicle title is not always required to ship a car domestically. Most professional auto transport companies do not ask for the title, because transporting a vehicle is different from transferring ownership.

However, some transporters may request a copy of the title to verify ownership, particularly for long-distance shipments, high-value vehicles, collector cars, or vehicles being transported for a dealership or auction. Requirements vary by carrier, so it’s always worth confirming what documentation is needed before pickup.

If your vehicle is still financed and you do not possess the original title, you can usually provide a lien holder permission letter instead. Sometimes called a letter of authorization or letter of permission, this document is issued by your bank, credit union, or finance company. It confirms that the lender is aware of the shipment and authorizes the vehicle to be transported while the lien remains in place.

To obtain one, contact your lender’s customer service department. Many lenders can email or mail the letter after verifying your account. If a transporter requests ownership documentation and you don’t have the title, ask whether a lien holder permission letter will satisfy their requirements.

Documents for International Car Shipping

International vehicle shipping requires considerably more documentation than domestic transport because your vehicle must satisfy both U.S. export requirements and the import regulations of the destination country.

Depending on where you’re shipping your vehicle, you may be asked to provide:

• Vehicle title
• Vehicle registration
• Bill of sale (sometimes notarized)
• Proof of sales tax payment
• Power of attorney (if a customs broker is acting on your behalf)
• U.S. export certificate or Customs export documentation
• EPA compliance documents
• DOT compliance documents
• Foreign import permits
• Passport or government-issued identification
• Shipping instructions and customs declarations

Some countries also require emissions certifications, temporary import permits, customs bonds, or additional ownership verification before the vehicle can be released.

Because international requirements vary by destination country, always verify the latest documentation requirements with your shipping company, customs broker, and the destination country’s customs authority before scheduling your shipment. Preparing the correct paperwork in advance can help prevent customs delays, additional storage fees, and unexpected complications at the port of entry.

Frequently Asked Questions