Are you looking to import a car? Here are the basics.

If you want to import a car you'll need patience.

Any vehicle imported into the United States will need to meet the following criteria:
- Meet all safety regulations, including theft prevention and bumper regulations (if manufactured after September 1, 1973) or show that a vehicle is substantially similar to a vehicle certified by its original manufacturer and is capable of being readily altered to conform to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS)
- Meet all emissions requirements (this applies to gasoline cars produced after December 31, 1967)

Tax must be paid on foreign-made vehicles entering the United States. Most Canadian made vehicles can be imported duty free. If you are a returning US citizen, you can apply your $400.00 tax exemption (and those of family members with you) toward the vehicle.

If you have a vehicle that gets less than 22.5mpg, it may be subject to gas-guzzler tax.

Other Things to Consider

You will need all documentation when seeking approval for importation including the bill of sale, foreign registration, and bill of lading.
If approved, the vehicle will only be admitted once it is properly cleaned. All foreign soil on the undercarriage must be removed.
Vehicles from Cuba, Iran, Iraq, and North Korea will not be admitted.

There are certain situations in which it will cost thousands of dollars to achieve compliance. In fact, there are also times when it will be impossible to meet all criteria due to the cost and complexity of doing so. Before you plan to import a car, check which rules apply to your vehicle, your country, and your situation.