A Guide to Importing Your Car to Puerto Rico

Thinking about bringing your car to Puerto Rico? Whether you’re relocating permanently or planning an extended stay, importing your vehicle involves navigating a series of steps that can be both straightforward and complex. Here’s what you need to know to transport your car smoothly to the island and navigate the process of getting it out of the port.

Transporting Your Car to Puerto Rico

Bringing your car to Puerto Rico starts with choosing a reliable car transport company, such as PR Car Transport. Here’s a concise breakdown of what you need to do:

Booking and Preparation:

• Contact your chosen company to schedule transportation. You’ll need to provide documents such as the car title, VIN number, and driver’s license.
• Ensure your car is clean, empty of personal items (except for essentials like spare tire and jack), and has about 1/4 tank of gas.
• You can either drop off your vehicle at the port (typically Jacksonville, FL) or opt for pickup from your location, which may incur additional fees.
• Understanding Costs:

• Before booking, check the import taxes applicable to your vehicle. This can be done online through the SURI website under “Vehicle Imports.”
• Example: For a 2013 Nissan Sentra, costs included $1,200 for transportation plus $914 in import taxes, with the vehicle arriving in about a week.

Getting Your Car Out of the Puerto Rico Port

Once your vehicle arrives at the port of San Juan, the process becomes more involved. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Initial Visit to the Port:

• Upon arrival at the port (Crowley Terminal Office), sign in with security and proceed to the Crowley building (yellow building) to obtain essential documents like the Bill of Lading and a copy of your vehicle title.

Locating Your Vehicle:

• Visit the car division lot to find your vehicle and retrieve the “Engine Inspection Sheet” (SC 2071) located in the passenger seat. Inspect the vehicle thoroughly during this visit.

Paying Taxes:

• You have two options for paying import taxes:
  • Hire an expediter for approximately $50 to handle the process for you.
  • Alternatively, pay online through the SURI portal under “Non-Merchant Declarations.” This process involves filling out a form and uploading required documents (Bill of Lading, vehicle title, SC 2071). Payment processing by Hacienda can take 5-10 business days.

Finalizing the Process:

• Return to Crowley with proof of tax payment. You have a limited time (9 days) to remove your car from their lot before daily storage fees apply.

Additional Steps:

• Ensure you have insurance coverage before driving your car away from the port. Temporary insurance can be obtained for three days at the Crowley building.
• Schedule an appointment with CESCO (using CESCO Virtual app) to obtain your license plates/tags.

A Few More Tips:

• Hacienda (Puerto Rico’s tax authority) communication can be challenging, so patience is key.
• Consider the potential high import taxes for newer vehicles when deciding to import.
• If your car has a rebuilt title, expect additional steps during the license plate/tag appointment at CESCO.

Importing your car to Puerto Rico involves meticulous planning and navigating bureaucratic processes. By understanding these steps and being prepared, you can streamline the experience and ensure your vehicle arrives safely and legally on the island. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please be sure to do more of your own research.

Enjoy your journey to Puerto Rico with your trusted wheels!