EPA Non-resident Exemption for Foreign Vehicles USA

Guide to applying for EPA exemption for your foreign vehicle to drive in the USA

*Please note this guide relates to foreign vehicles shipped into the USA

Summary of process:

• Complete the EPA  exemption letter
• attach supporting documentation
• send everything directly to the EPA by email
• wait for 3 to 6 weeks for their reply

*Important note EPA should be obtained required prior to shipping your vehicle. If you are shipping into the country, without them you may face large fines and/or may face difficulties entering the US

*Although EPA is only required for the USA, we recommend that you leave the NAFTA (Canada, Mexico & USA) area within 12 months as the EPA does not consider your vehicle exported from USA territory until it has left the trade zone.

*If crossing a land border into the USA, although you may apply for the exception

Applying for EPA exemption

To Obtain Non-resident Temporary Importation Approval from the EPA, this process can take up to 3-6 weeks to complete and is required before sailing; Required supporting documentation.

Read official instructions  for applying  for EPA exemption here

a. Non-resident Temporary Importation Approval request – Signed letter (example here)

• Your full name, current foreign address, phone number, Fax number, and email address (if applicable)
• Your U.S. address, phone number, Fax number, and email address (if applicable)
• Vehicle year, make, model and Vehicle Identification Number
• A statement explaining the reason for your visit to the United States. (work/school/vacation).
• The date of the importation
• Location of the vehicle and the Nonresident at the time of the request.
• The duration of the importation.
• Proof of ownership (Registration or title documents from the country of origin).
• Copy of passport

b. Supporting documents

• Copy of Vehicle Registration certificate
• Copy of passport

The above can be emailed to: [email protected]

To understand more about driving and temporarily importing your vehicle into the USA 

Insurance
Insurance can be obtained quite easily from a number of insurance companies:

Motor Insurance – For foreign Vehicles USA & Canada