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US Vehicle Export Requirements


Requirements to Export a Vehicle According to Your Company Name


Your Company Name follows the official guidelines published by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) for exporting vehicles from the United States. While CBP provides nationwide guidance, vehicle export procedures vary by port.


The following requirements apply across all CBP ports:

  • File export information in the Automated Export System (AES) to obtain an Internal Transaction Number (ITN)

  • Provide the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and/or vehicle title

  • Submit the above documentation to the export port at least 72 hours prior to export

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Below are the port-specific requirements for some of the most commonly used U.S. ports for vehicles exported to Canada. Ports not listed may be contacted directly to confirm their procedures.


Common U.S. Vehicle Export Ports

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  • Alexandria Bay, New York

  • Blaine, Washington

  • Buffalo, New York

  • Detroit, Michigan

  • Montana (all ports)

  • Port Huron, Michigan

  • Sumas, Washington

  • Ogdensburg, New York

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Port-Specific Export Requirements


Alexandria Bay, New York
Phone: 315-482-2261 ext. 2660
Email: alexbayexport@cbp.dhs.gov
Hours: 0800 – 1600, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays)
Email the ITN and vehicle title to CBP Alexandria Bay at least 72 hours prior to export.

 

Blaine, Washington
Phone: 360-332-2632
Email: blaine-ofoexport@cbp.dhs.gov
Hours: 0800 – 1530, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays)
Hand-deliver or email documentation to Blaine CBP at least three business days prior to export:

  • Vehicle export worksheet (place the ITN at the top)

  • Title or certificate of ownership (including salvage, rebuilt, or flood titles)
    (Washington does not issue salvage titles; a public disclosure form from the Department of Licensing in Olympia is required)

  • Bill of sale or invoice (handwritten acceptable). Gift letters may be used if applicable

After submitting the export application, send a follow-up email requesting confirmation. Include:

  • Vehicle year, make, model

  • VIN

  • U.S. state where the vehicle is titled

If email is unavailable, call (360) 332-2632 and leave a message with the same details.
After the three-business-day waiting period and CBP clearance, bring the vehicle and all original documents to the port during business hours. The vehicle must remain in the United States for 72 hours prior to export.

 

Buffalo, New York
Phone: 716-843-8359
Email: buffalovinnyoffice@cbp.dhs.gov
Hours: 0800 – 1600, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays)
The Lewiston Bridge is the only authorized vehicle export location in Western New York.
To export through this port:

  • File in AES to obtain an ITN

  • Email the ITN and VIN (no attachments) at least 72 hours before arrival

  • Wait for confirmation from CBP Buffalo

On the day of export, bring:

  • The vehicle

  • ITN number

  • Original title (or registration/bill of sale for untitled vehicles)

  • Valid WHTI-compliant identification (e.g., passport)

  • Lien holder authorization documents, if applicable

  • Printed CBP email confirmation

 

Detroit, Michigan
Phone: 313-226-3139
Email: detroitvehicleexport@cbp.dhs.gov
Email the vehicle make, model, year, VIN, and ITN at least 72 hours prior to export. Attach a copy of the title, bill of sale, or manufacturer’s statement of origin. Place the VIN or serial number in the subject line.
Accepted formats:

  • Typed VIN or registration number

  • Scanned PDF or JPEG documents
    (ZIP files are not accepted)

On export day, bring:

  • Original title

  • WHTI-compliant identification

  • Lien release (if applicable)

  • Printed CBP email with visible date and time

  • Power of attorney or contract if using a third-party driver

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Montana (All Ports)
Phone: 406-432-5522
Email: whitlashexport@cbp.dhs.gov
All vehicle exports through Idaho and Montana are processed by the Whitlash, Montana CBP office.
At least 72 hours before export, email:

  • Vehicle export cover sheet

  • Front and back of title, MSO, or certified DMV copy

  • ITN number

  • Name and phone number

  • Bill of sale (if applicable)

  • Lien release or lien holder permission letter (if applicable)

Recall clearance letters are not required.
Once documentation is reviewed, CBP will complete export checks within 72 hours. Original documents must be presented in person on the export date.

 

Port Huron, Michigan
Phone: 810-989-8838
Email: porthuronvehicleexport@cbp.dhs.gov
Email vehicle details, VIN, and ITN at least 72 hours in advance.
On arrival, present:

  • Original title or ownership documents

  • WHTI-compliant identification

  • Lien release documentation

  • Printed CBP email confirmation

 

Sumas, Washington
Phone: 360-988-2971
Email: sumas-vehicle-exports@cbp.dhs.gov
Hours: 0800 – 1530, Monday–Friday (excluding holidays)
Email CBP Sumas at least 72 hours prior with:

  • Title or MSO or lien holder letter

  • Vehicle export worksheet

  • Bill of sale or gift letter with fair market value

  • VIN or serial number

The vehicle must remain in the U.S. for 72 hours prior to export.

 

Ogdensburg, New York
Phone: (315) 393-2886
Email: ogdensburgvehicleexports@cbp.dhs.gov
Email CBP Ogdensburg with the ITN at least 72 hours prior to export.

 

Final Note on Exporting Vehicles from the United States


Each CBP port has unique requirements. Some ports may require fax submissions or original documents mailed in advance. Always confirm directly with the CBP port of export.
Important: Vehicles may not enter Canada or be present in Canada prior to being formally exported by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Failure to comply with 19 CFR 192.2 may result in penalties.
For additional information, including foreign-titled and untitled vehicles, refer to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website.

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