Can I Ship My Financed Car to Puerto Rico? Complete 2025 Requirements Guide
Key Takeaways for Financed Vehicle Shipping
Can you ship a financed car to Puerto Rico? Yes, but only with written lender permission. Most major lenders deny requests, but some specialized lenders approve financing for Puerto Rico shipments.
You must obtain a notarized lender authorization letter before shipping. Verbal approval is insufficient. Budget $3,000 to $5,000 for total costs including taxes, shipping, and registration fees.
Success depends on getting written lender approval, preparing complete documentation, and working with experienced Puerto Rico shipping specialists.
Your Lender Must Approve the Move
Contact your lender before making shipping plans. When you finance a car, the lender holds legal ownership until you pay off the loan. Moving the vehicle to Puerto Rico requires written authorization.
The authenticated letter must state that you can ship the financed car to Puerto Rico, even if you are told verbally by the lienholder that shipping is approved.
Lenders That Often Approve Puerto Rico Shipping:
Navy Federal Credit Union
PenFed Credit Union
Select local credit unions
USAA (military members only)
Major banks like Bank of America, Chase Auto Finance, Toyota Credit, and Wells Fargo typically deny these requests. They view Puerto Rico differently than mainland states for risk assessment purposes.
Call your lender's customer service department and ask specifically about Puerto Rico vehicle relocation. Request written authorization if they approve your request.
Required Documents and Vehicle Preparation
You need specific paperwork to ship a financed car to Puerto Rico. Missing documents will delay your shipment and create storage fees at the port.
Essential Documentation:
Bill of sale
Current auto insurance proof
Notarized lender authorization letter
Safety inspection certificate
Shipping insurance certificate
Valid photo identification
Vehicle registration copy
VIN documentation
Vehicle Preparation
Your vehicle must be spotless with exterior, engine, chassis, and wheel wells pressure-washed. The gas tank must be exactly one-quarter full because cars with more or less cannot be processed.
Remove all personal items because DOT regulations prohibit personal items in shipped vehicles. Some carriers may allow personal items for additional fees if discussed beforehand. Disable car alarm systems and ensure your vehicle runs and drives appropriately. Windshields cannot be cracked or damaged.
Understanding Puerto Rico Import Costs
Shipping your financed car to Puerto Rico involves several costs beyond the transport fee. Puerto Rico imposes import taxes on all vehicles entering the territory.
Unless your vehicle is electric or a plug-in hybrid, you will pay taxes on the car. The excise tax represents the largest expense. Use Puerto Rico's official SURI calculator at suri.hacienda.pr.gov to estimate your exact tax amount using your vehicle's VIN.
Shipping Methods for Financed Vehicles
Two primary shipping methods transport vehicles to Puerto Rico: Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) and container shipping.
RoRo shipping is the more affordable option where vehicles drive directly onto the ship. Your car experiences open-air exposure during the five to 10-day transit time.
Container shipping provides better protection from elements by enclosing your vehicle in a shipping container. This method costs more than RoRo but offers the same transit timeframe.
Insurance and Registration Requirements
Review your current auto insurance policy before shipping. Not all mainland U.S. insurance policies provide coverage in Puerto Rico.
You must keep your financed or leased vehicle insured throughout the shipping process.
Contact your insurance agent to confirm Puerto Rico coverage. You may need to purchase additional coverage or obtain a local Puerto Rico policy. Some insurance companies extend mainland coverage to Puerto Rico, while others require separate territorial policies.
Complete vehicle registration within 30 days of arrival in Puerto Rico.
The process includes emissions testing for vehicles model year 2006 and newer, safety inspection at certified locations, proof of excise tax payment, valid Puerto Rico insurance policy, and vehicle title or registration documents.
Puerto Rico issues territorial license plates for all registered vehicles. You cannot drive with mainland plates after the 30-day grace period expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I ship a leased car to Puerto Rico?
Often, there may not be a problem with shipping a leased car to Puerto Rico. However, keep in mind that a lienholder could decline to authorize the shipment of the vehicle. The same documentation requirements apply.
What happens if my lender says no?
You have several options: refinance with a Puerto Rico-friendly lender, pay off the loan before shipping, or consider purchasing a vehicle in Puerto Rico instead.
How long does the lender approval process take?
Most lenders take one to two weeks to process Puerto Rico authorization requests. Some may take longer during peak seasons.
