Plan for Shipment of Automobile

Confirm with the Management Officer that the automobile you plan to take is acceptable and appropriate at your post and whether you will need to ship spare parts.

If unleaded gas will not be available, check whether you need to have the catalytic converter removed and if it can be done without damaging the engine. The Transportation Operations Office can provide information on this procedure. They will also provide an Automobile Shipment Form and information on how to plan car shipment. Call (202) 647-4140 or (800) 424-2947.

Make sure you have a valid title or certificate of origin for your vehicle (and that you can find it). To ship a car belonging to a spouse or member of household, the employee's name needs to be on the title.

If you are still paying for the car, make sure that your loan company will let you to take the vehicle out of the U.S. If there is a lien on your title, you will need a letter from the lien holder permitting the vehicle to leave the country. If you must refinance, the State Department Federal Credit Union does provide loans for cars being shipped overseas.

Investigate marine transit insurance and overseas coverage. See Chapter 6, "Insurance," in the Foreign Service Assignment Notebook: What Do I Do Now? 

Purchase spare parts if post has indicated that you will need them.

Make a note of your serial and motor numbers.

You will need a valid U.S. driver's license in order to acquire one in the host country. If possible, renew your license so that it will be valid for as long as you are away. Teenagers may find that host country age requirements prevent them from obtaining a license overseas, even if they are already driving in the U.S.

If you have a valid U.S. license, you can obtain a one-year international driver's permit from the American Automobile Association (AAA). Find out from post if this would be helpful.

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