International Shipping to France Simplified For Vehicles

Ship Overseas- Your Trusted Partner in International Car Shipping

Call 1-858-547-0840 For a Phone Quote

If you would like to know more about shipping a car from the USA to France, you will appreciate this in-depth guide. We will cover:

Shipping Car from USA to France

If you’re considering shipping your car from the USA to France, Confer Ship Overseas, Inc. is your reliable partner. 

With 40 years of industry expertise, we’re dedicated to making the process smooth for you, addressing concerns about pricing, required documents, departure options, and arrival ports in France.

Convenient Pick-Up Options

For added ease, many clients choose our pick-up service, saving them the trouble of transporting their vehicle to the port. 

While there’s an optional pick-up charge, it proves cost-effective, eliminating expenses like gas, food, time off work, and accommodation. We handle the pick-up, ensuring your car is transported to the nearest French port.

Departure Ports Across the USA for International Shipping to France

You can choose departure ports across the USA, including: 

  • Newark, NJ
  • Baltimore, MD
  • Newport News, VA
  • Charleston, SC
  • Brunswick, GA
  • Galveston, TX
  • Long Beach, CA

Alternatively, we can pick up your vehicle at your doorstep.

Arrival Terminal for International Shipping to France

All shipping lines lead to Le Havre, the second-largest commercial port in France, with three terminals for car pick-up. 

Cash payments for Tax or Duty can be settled in person. Refer to the section below for details on Vehicle Import Tax & Duty.

We recommend Shipoverseas for their top-notch international shipping services. They transported our Mazda 6 from California to Galveston, Texas, and onward to Derince, Turkey. The entire process was smooth, with the car arriving in perfect condition within few months. Jack, Gary, and Miron our contacts at the company, provided prompt communication and timely updates throughout. Their accessibility in addressing any concerns were valuable. With this positive experience, we plan to be regular customers!
Melisa D.
Melisa D.
22:39 04 Feb 24
We shipped our vehicle from Hawaii to Belgium. We contacted several companies online. Miron from Ship Overseas was the first to get back to us. This was our first time shipping a vehicle internationally and we had no idea what the entire process was going to be like. Some of the reviews we read said the company wasn't very responsive or communicative. We had quite the opposite experience. Miron communicated with us every step of the way. Communication was extremely important to us as this was quite a complicated process. Miron answered all our questions and provided all necessary details of the process. He was also very upfront with the fees and even advised us of what fees to expect here in Belgium. Our car made it to Belgium on schedule without any hassle. Miron's contact here in Belgium was also very thorough. I recommend Miron from Ship Overseas 100%.
Kakay T.
Kakay T.
11:01 29 Aug 23
Highly recommended. Paul, Miron, and team were very thorough/detail oriented. It was my first time having a car shipped from Europe which I purchased. He made sure I had all the paperwork needed. They also arranged transportation both to and from the ports.
Dave M.
Dave M.
13:11 03 Jul 23
I feel bad as I see a lot of people writing bad comments about this company. I've NEVER had a problem with them. NEVER.(Regarding the negative reviews..)Ship overseas is not an insurance provider, but rather a shipping company -- you must make sure to get insurance when shipping your vehicle so that no damages occur to it. They don't own the ship, nor workers, and of course as a result cannot guarantee the people on the ship won't damage your car.ShipOverseas is my go-to when I have to ship my cars. Which sounds funny to say, but I've actually shipped my car multiple times with them.Jack, one of the agents and owner is always very helpful, and does a great job of putting in trust in clients by making sure you understand the process in detail.I've transported my CLA45 AMG from the US to Belgium, without a problem, and have shipped it back, and am now buying a new car and shipping it back!You could say I'm somewhat of a (very happy) repeat customer – Photos for reference!
Emil H.
Emil H.
23:21 24 Apr 23
We highly recommend Shipoverseas services! Not only are they specialized in shipping gas/diesel motor operated cars but also specialize in shipping EV vehicles as well. We used there International shipping services to ship a 2022 Porsche Taycan to Dubai. The car arrived in less than a month in perfect shape, same as leaving our location. We worked with both Jack and Gary, both were great communicating and providing a timely status update. We will definitely be a regular customer! Thank you Jack and Gary!
Sam K.
Sam K.
15:51 09 Feb 23
Thank you Miron and Ship Overseas Team for helping me ship my car to Finland. I appreciate your response when I needed answers. Also many thanks for helping me find an agent in Kotka, Finland.I will definitely refer your company to my friends and colleagues.
Yacine M.
Yacine M.
08:01 14 Oct 22
This Company’s dedicated professionals helped me sort through the all of paperwork and I had my vehicle within the timeframe promised.
L. C.
L. C.
03:08 19 Sep 22
Very professional when it comes to shipping my vehicle to Central America
Kendra G.
Kendra G.
19:39 12 Aug 22
We got a really good services. Jack always answers your so many questions with a short delay , for sure in the day , most of the time in the hour ( and in the minute too ). Really good communication. That's why we choose Ship Over Seas from the other company quotes we received. Good services , good prices , that's the criteria for our choice we don't regret at all. Thanks again.
JF G.
JF G.
18:10 03 Jun 22
The company made it easy to ship my car overseas. No fuss and no problems!
Abe R.
Abe R.
08:40 18 Apr 22
Shipped my car to Nigeria . It was fast and easy . Best part they handles majority of the work . Very convenient and definitely will go through them again .
Heather :.
Heather :.
14:24 12 Apr 22
Very reliable agents. Thanks for being there for us!
Great and fast service. I ship my car from Baltimore to Wiesbaden Germany only took 5 weeks and the process was fast and easy
Carlos P.
Carlos P.
00:18 19 Mar 22
Shipped my car from NC to Puerto Rico. They took care of the transport of my car from NC to the port in FL, and then on the ship from FL to PR. The staff was very responsive to all communications I sent, especially while my car was in transit. I always knew exactly where my vehicle was. Very kind and helpful staff, especially when I was just calling to inquire in the beginning. Will use them again if I ever need to ship my car back stateside.
Brittany B.
Brittany B.
01:51 18 Mar 22
Nigeria. Thanks
Humphrey Osazee O.
Humphrey Osazee O.
08:51 17 Mar 22
Very helpful, quick response to questions. Shipped my car to Costa Rica, no issues what so ever. I had shipped cars previously with other companies but Ship Overseas helped with the best solution which for my needs was RORO. I will definitely ship with them again, thanks again SHIP Overseas..
Robert M.
Robert M.
00:03 17 Mar 22
Super business partner, fast and correct shipment of my car.ThanksDany
dany L.
dany L.
19:14 16 Mar 22
Shipped my vehicle from Newark, NJ to Southampton, United Kingdom safely and quickly. All the complicated paperwork was laid out clearly for me to figure out the process. I was able to drive my own car in England a few weeks after dropping it off in the US. Would recommend!
Cai Y.
Cai Y.
14:11 16 Mar 22
Very good service. I was shipping for the first time and they helped me with everything that needed to be done.
Luka B.
Luka B.
06:53 16 Mar 22
Thank you for shipping my car
Hareb A.
Hareb A.
04:34 16 Mar 22
We shipped our car to Uganda from California and the services were exceptionally good 👍, regular feedback and updates were excellent and provided a peace of mind.
Fred K.
Fred K.
01:34 16 Mar 22
I used Ship Overseas back in 2019 to ship my 2008 Harley Softtail from Galveston Texas to Belgium. I forget exactly how long it took, perhaps in the two month range. However, the bike did eventually arrive and was completely ready for me at pickup. They even handled all the import paperwork etc. My only complaint would be that somehow the bike had accumulated almost 100 extra miles on it from when I dropped in off, and picking it up. Perhaps they needed to run it around the boat a few 1000 times. Also, there were a couple of parts missing from my saddle bags. Lesson: NEVER leave anything that can't be bolted to the object you are shipping. Otherwise, great service and a very good shipping experience.
Vincent P.
Vincent P.
22:41 15 Mar 22
Shipped my car from the Netherlands to the US(via Belgium), everything went smoothly. The whole thing was relatively painless.
Daniel S.
Daniel S.
22:12 15 Mar 22
Everything was ok. Thanks!
Carlos Paz S.
Carlos Paz S.
20:24 15 Mar 22
ShipOverseas was a great partner in shipping a Chevy Bolt EV to Helsinki Finland. The representatives provided easily understood descriptions of the roll on-roll off process, required paperwork, payments, etc. We drove the car onto the Galveston, TX dock with an accompanying guide. It was 100% smoothly accomplished. The car was transferred in Germany without problems (it is an electric vehicle with some unique starting characteristics) and offloaded near Helsinki, Finland. The photo shows incredibly clean conditions at the destination despite weeks at sea. I can highly recommend ShipOverseas for safe, economical, and successful vehicle shipping.
Leora E.
Leora E.
20:05 15 Mar 22
Our company, Jackson Creek Mfg., Inc. has used Ship Overseas, Inc. numerous times to ship vehicles overseas and have always received excellent service. Great company to work with!
Warren B.
Warren B.
20:00 15 Mar 22
Used to ship from NY to Germany. Process was easy and straightforward. Saved money versus buying a second vehicle overseas. Would use again.Good communication throughout. Thank you.
John W.
John W.
19:19 15 Mar 22
Vehicle was shipped without any issues, easy process.
Michal D.
Michal D.
19:16 15 Mar 22
If you never had your car shipped before, I can tell you that it can be a very fearful, and stressful event, but I can vouch 1st hand that this agency took all the thought fear and stress away! We moved my XT-5 from DFW to overseas (Bahrain). We didn't have any issues, and it was relatively fast considering it's been shipped across the seas. I will 100% recommend this company to anyone and everyone. Hassle-free and delivers what was promised. I'll definitely be using them whenever we decide to return stateside!
Ehte P.
Ehte P.
19:08 15 Mar 22
i shipped an 89' Land Rover Defender from italy to the US without troubles, they took care of all docs and around 60 days later the car was at the port in VA. i'd definitely use them again in the future.
Magnum Opus C.
Magnum Opus C.
19:07 15 Mar 22
I shipped two cars from Savannah to Germany. Super easy process and the rates were better than anyone elses that i was getting for the same route. Would recommend them to anyone for their shipping needs. They helped along the way to get the documents needed and explained the process clearly so i knew exactly what needed to be done to have my cars on the boat that I needed them to be on. Pickup on the other side was easy as well with who shipoverseas was partnered with where my vehicles arrived. They were in contact with me often so i knew that the vehicles were on time and when to have everything ready. I will certainly be in touch again when it's time to return from my oversea travels. Thanks for the smooth process!
B H.
B H.
20:06 24 Feb 22
Timely service and my car arrived in the same condition I dropped it off in. Great job!
Johnnie V.
Johnnie V.
18:42 22 Feb 22
Myron took great care of me on shipping 2 vehicles to Germany. Accurate quotes and great communications.
Michael Birlin (.
Michael Birlin (.
11:42 22 Feb 22
It was an easy an quick process
Rudolf de J.
Rudolf de J.
09:19 22 Feb 22
Ship overseas helped me ship my car to senegal when some companies refused to do so in the heat of corona virus.thank you for your professionalism.
Kade M.
Kade M.
03:44 22 Feb 22
My car purchase and shipping to the Middle East was full of challenges and complications, however the one thing that was 100% smooth was the part handled by Miron from Ship Overseas. Great service and communication from beginning to end. Highly recommend.
William E.
William E.
03:35 22 Feb 22
This company and team were tremendously professional & also the least expensive company I found. I researched quite a few before settling on ShipOverseas. I’m glad I chose them, they were able to deliver my vehicle to my destination port in Korea when others said they could only deliver to one port in Korea and for less money. I will definitely use them again and recommend anyone shipping anyone to consult with ShipOverseas.com. Well done!
Robert Gibson (.
Robert Gibson (.
03:06 22 Feb 22
These guys are super, fair priced and very helpful.
Mike C.
Mike C.
00:28 22 Feb 22
I have used them few times and they on point great service and always answer all my request in timely manor.
Moe A.
Moe A.
14:09 21 Feb 22
Hello Tere! Last summer I sent my car to Estonia. I was scared little bit because it was my first time ( maybe even last!) to do this kind of thing. But it went very smoothly - unexpectedly . Most difficult thing was driving myself to the port, but I did it! I could order somebody from Ship Overseas, but it cost money. And paperwork was pretty normal. The same day, I left to the airport, I got phone call that they sent car title to my old address. Wow! I thought that this title goes directly to the Estonian port, but I was wrong. They sent this very important paper over to my son.It arrived on time when I was ready to show car documents to the toll office. Everything ended very well ! Thanks to Ship Overseas. And , by the way, sending my car to Estonia was much, much cheaper than other companies offered. I am thankful !!!
Lydia K.
Lydia K.
13:24 21 Feb 22
Ship Overseas did a great job. There's no reason to use anyone else.
Taylor B.
Taylor B.
13:22 18 Feb 22
Ship Overseas is a 6 star organization. They have answered all my shipping questions and provided rapid thorough service each and every time. Look no further, Your overseas shipper search is over.
VanniGio V.
VanniGio V.
08:20 18 Feb 22
Very trustworthy company, they were always available to resolve issues with the correspondant at destination, no surprises, my Boat arrived as promised
HSA
HSA
03:51 18 Feb 22
Overseas is the best definitelyNo complaints i received my suv without scratch no missing parts
Donald B.
Donald B.
00:59 18 Feb 22
First time I sent a vehicle with this company, and I will be using them to sent another one, they were very helpful.
Joash E.
Joash E.
00:14 18 Feb 22
Shipped several cars with this company to Nigeria.Exceptional service. Drawback is the vehicle hauling that wasn't reliable. Granted no fault of ship overseas.Ship Overseas is my go to shipper.
sylvanus M.
sylvanus M.
22:17 17 Feb 22
Great and reliable service. Thank you. Will always use your company.
Ricardo Q.
Ricardo Q.
18:59 17 Feb 22
Used this company 3 times for an overseas PCS. Would do it again if I had to.
Michael M.
Michael M.
18:33 17 Feb 22
Great service at a reasonable cost !!!
Ronald R.
Ronald R.
18:28 17 Feb 22
I have worked with this company for many years. We started shipping cars overseas in 2004. They are the BEST! They take a serious interest in making sure your car gets where it needs to go and will walk you through all the steps to make it a smooth move! We have shipped many cars to the UK and Germany as well as several to Bahrain, I cannot imagine using anyone else. Jack, Paul, Miron and April all made my job a lot easier for over 18 years
Joanie D.
Joanie D.
18:26 17 Feb 22
Shipped twice with them. No idea what I was doing, but they were helpful, always available to answer questions, and made it very easy.
J J
J J
18:14 17 Feb 22
It has been a great and exciting experience to have our car being shipped from New Mexico to Spain.
Fernando M.
Fernando M.
18:03 17 Feb 22
everything is fine, gladly again
Beat Thomas S.
Beat Thomas S.
15:27 11 Feb 22
Om my GOSH! Words can't express how grateful I am for the experience I had with Ship Overseas. Living and working overseas can be a challenge but when I called they knew exactly what to do. Other shipping companies gave a long list of the things I needed, the paperwork, questions, and the costs. Overseas got me situated in one phone call. It was fabulous!!
Vitania Q.
Vitania Q.
18:21 10 Feb 22
Ship Overseas has great rates and staff! After using them to ship my car to Germany I knew I would use them when returning to the US as well. I did get quotes both times from numerous companies but no one could beat Ship Overseas. Shipping is a breeze with them and their staff are great at getting back to you in a timely manner!
Hallie Q.
Hallie Q.
17:41 10 Feb 22
So far, I'm well pleased with the service I've received from Ship Overseas. Whenever I had a question, it was answered quickly and thoroughly. Thanks!
Christopher M.
Christopher M.
16:55 10 Feb 22
Everything went very smoothly with no problems!
John O.
John O.
15:28 10 Feb 22
They handled my car's transport 100% positive. It was not their fault that my radio was stolen somewhere along the path, port houston, Sirius leader, or port Limon, God only knows.
Tim P.
Tim P.
15:27 10 Feb 22
Excelente experiencia en todos los aspectos
Jorge Luis L.
Jorge Luis L.
15:09 10 Feb 22
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Affordable Costs for Shipping to France

Contrary to assumptions, shipping a car to France is cost-effective, starting at $1055 from Baltimore, MD. Factors affecting costs include pick-up preferences, car size, drop-off location, and departure from the East or West Coast.

Initial Costs and Shipping Duration of International Shipping to France

The Estimated Time in Transit is approximately five weeks from your car’s arrival at the shipping terminal, excluding pick-up time. 

Initial costs differ by port, ranging from $1055 to $1670, with the final price depending on car details, departure port, and pick-up preferences.

Vehicle Import Tax & Duty and Handling Charge

Shipping incurs a 20% Import Tax, 9% VAT, and a handling charge of around $300. Ship Overseas do not collect import duty and must be settled during car pick-up.

US Military Authorization

As authorized shippers for the US military to France, we handle payments for car shipments. If shipping a second car simultaneously, you’re responsible for associated costs.

POV Transfer Requirements for Military

For military POV transfers, the car must have four wheels or more, be owned or leased by a military member or dependent, be self-propelled and legal on public highways, and include written consent for transport if leased.

Travelers (Temporary Imports)

For EU travelers, temporary imports are allowed for up to six months, requiring an upfront deposit refunded upon departure. EU citizens returning after six months outside the EU can return their cars without paying import fees.

Relocating without Import Fees

EU citizens returning after six months outside the EU can return their cars without paying import fees.

New/Used Car Purchase Requirements

Cars owned for less than a year destined for an EU member country incur a 20% Import Tax and 9% VAT. Salvage titles are accepted with no age restrictions. Import duty for classic cars is 7%, contrasting with 20% for other vehicles.

Classic Car Import Duty

Import duty for classic cars is 7%, contrasting with 20% for other vehicles.

Storage Fees

In cases where immediate pickup isn’t feasible, Le Havre port may charge storage fees. Contact us for the latest fee information.

Recommended Optional Marine Insurance

Opt for our optional marine insurance, covering loss or damage from loading to possession, costing 1.75% of the insured value. It’s a wise choice, especially during hurricane season (June 1 to November 30).

Shipping to France for Military and Government Contractors

Only US Military members and government employees with lender authorization can ship a car overseas with an existing lien, subject to clearance from US Customs.

US Military Offloading at French Ports

Only US Military members and government employees with lender authorization can ship a car overseas with an existing lien, subject to clearance from US Customs. 

A $300 destination offloading fee applies to the French port for sedans and SUVs. Prices may change, and military personnel can obtain vehicle release by visiting their Base Officer for Military Tags. For delivery to your Base, request our service for forwarding at an additional fee.

Government Contractors

Government contractors follow a similar procedure as US military active-duty personnel.

Documents Required to Ship Car to France

If you want to ship a car to France, you’ll need to gather the Original Title and Valid Identification.

US Military

A1. If there is a Lien recorded on the vehicle, and you are in the Military, Government, or State service, the Lien Holder must provide permission to export the vehicle, in the form of an Original Letter from the Lienholder. You will also need three certified copies of the Certificate of Title and will have to present your Military orders or a letter from the Government or State authority. Bring a copy of the Title Record History obtainable from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the State in which the vehicle is registered.

EU Citizens

A2. You must provide Everything in (A) The original Certificate of Title of Ownership of the vehicle without a Lien recorded on the Title.

Non-EU Citizens

A3. You will need the following:

  • Copy of Passport
  • Power of Attorney Form for international residents.

Vehicle Registration in France

Get your International Driver’s License from the AAA Automobile Association in your area. Your American Driver’s License will cover this throughout Europe. Are you a tourist or a temporary resident? You may drive with your American license plates in a foreign country until your registration expires for that year.

  • No Sales Tax is payable to the Seller and proof of export will be given to the Seller if requested.
  • If the vehicle is used or pre-owned, the existing Certificate of Title can be endorsed by the seller to the new owner.
  • You will need to provide a Bill of Sale.
  • Depending on which Port the vehicle sails from, you may need a Bill of Sale or a Notarized Bill of Sale.
  • When you buy a new vehicle, you will need an original Certificate of Origin from the Dealership that sold you the vehicle so it can get through Customs Clearance.

Vehicle Registration For Military & Government Contractors

This will be taken care of at the military base. Be sure to speak with your Officer in Charge. You will also get your military tags for your base.

Vehicle Registration For EU Citizens

Now that your car has passed French Customs, it should meet all safety standards. Take your car to the local DMV, bringing your:

  • French Customs Clearance information
  • Proof of residency
  • Bill of Sale
  • Original license plates

Note, Ship Overseas Inc. does not provide any guidance from this step on.

Shipping Methods

RoRo (Roll On Roll Off)

RoRo shipping is available from these ports:

  • Jacksonville, FL (RoRo Only);
  • Newark, NJ;
  • Baltimore, MD;
  • Newport News, VA;
  • Charleston, SC;
  • Brunswick, GA;
  • Galveston, TX;
  • Long Beach, CA.

This type of shipping is for anything with tires that can Roll-On and Off the ship. These ships are made specifically for vehicles such as cars and motorcycles, as well as motorhomes, campers, trailers, buses, construction vehicles, and boats. Most people use RoRo when shipping one vehicle. The inside of a RoRo ship resembles a big parking garage.

Your car has to be able to make it up and down the ramp without assistance. Once loaded on the RoRo vessel, each vehicle is tied down securely in a designated spot.

Highly efficient and cost-effective, this method provides reliable departure and arrival dates, almost like an airline flight schedule.

RoRo shipping is also the preferred shipping method for new car manufacturers who wish to ship their products. All vehicles are tied to the deck and are not exposed to the ocean. You get peace of mind and additional protection against external elements.

Payment Methods / Options

You only have to come up with payment once your vehicle is at the departure shipping port.

Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check

This is the most common method of paying for your shipment if you are not in the USA. We will send you our bank information once your order has been placed.

Wire Transfer or Cashier’s Check

This is the most common method of paying for your shipment if you are not in the USA. We will send you our bank information once your order has been placed.

Credit Card & Zelle

If you are paying with Zelle, you don’t have to pay service fees (bank-to-bank transfer).

For credit card payments, you will be charged a 3% service fee.

Canceling Your Order

Need to cancel your order? Email us as soon as possible. Payment will be refunded via the same payment method you chose, less a $300 cancellation fee.

Additional Information

  • For safety reasons, the vehicle cannot have more than a ¼ tank of gas.
  • The destination handling charge is approximately $300.
  • If the final destination is an EU member country, you also pay 20% Import Tax; 9% VAT (Value Added Tax) if the car is owned for less than 1 year.
  • If in transit through an EU country, leave a deposit of 30% of the value of the car which is refunded after the car is registered at the final destination country.
  • There must be a clear Title of Ownership with no Liens on the Title.
  • If the vehicle has been sold, then both the Seller and Buyer have to sign the back of the Title in the spaces as outlined on the back of the Title.
  • If you bought the car new, your name must be listed as the registered owner on the front of the Title.

USA Customs Clearance

Ship Overseas, Inc. will clear US Customs for you. While sometimes US Customs agents will look in your trunk, they usually just look through the car’s window and that’s that.

Preparing Your Car for Shipment to France

Here are some helpful tips for prepping your car for shipment.

  • Check for leaks in the undercarriage, as the car shipping company may refuse service if one is detected. Get it repaired before transporting it.
  • Check tire pressure, as under-inflated or over-inflated tires are just as risky in transport as they are on the road. You can increase the risk of damage to the tire during loading and unloading.
  • Disable the alarm so truck drivers don’t have to hassle with the disturbance.
  • Because your vehicle is being transported, not driven, you don’t have to fill up prior to loading. In addition, having a full tank of gasoline makes your car heavier, which adds risk to the shipment. Leave as little fuel in the tank as possible.
  • Lock the car – Once your vehicle is loaded onto the auto transport truck, there’s no reason for it to be opened until the time of delivery.
  • Remove custom accessories so they don’t break off in transit due to their odd size.

Who Can Pick Up The Vehicle in France

You can choose anyone to pick up the vehicle at the destination port. Tell us their name and contact info a few days prior to the sailing date so that they are listed as the Receiver or Consignee in plenty of time. They will have to provide proof of identification with a picture ID, offering the Title of Ownership, and a letter of permission to pick up the vehicle. If you notify us of any changes after your cargo has been loaded on the vessel, you will be charged by the shipping line.