Guide · Updated October 2026
Importing a Car into the USA: The 25-Year Rule, EPA and DOT Explained
A car can enter the USA in three ways. Visitors can bring their own vehicle for up to one year without meeting US standards. A car at least 25 years old is exempt from US safety standards, so classics import permanently with fewer hurdles. A newer car that was not built to US standards must be brought into compliance by a Registered Importer, which is often not worth it. Every import needs DOT form HS-7 and EPA form 3520-1.
Visitors
Up to 1 year, cannot be extended, no sale
Classic route
25 years or older: exempt from US safety standards
Safety form
DOT HS-7
Emissions form
EPA 3520-1
Newer non-US cars
Registered Importer and a DOT bond of 150% of value
Carnet
Not needed
Can I bring my car to the USA as a visitor?
Yes. If you are not a US resident, you can import a vehicle registered abroad for your own use for up to one year. NHTSA says the year cannot be extended under any circumstances, the vehicle must not be sold in the USA, and it must leave within one year of entry. You declare it on form HS-7, box 5, with your passport number, and you need EPA approval for the emissions exemption before the vehicle is shipped.
Our guide to temporary import into the USA covers the visitor route in detail, including insurance.
What is the 25-year rule?
A vehicle that is at least 25 years old, by its date of manufacture, does not have to meet the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. It is declared on form HS-7, box 1. This is why classics and older Land Rovers, Japanese imports and European cars can be imported permanently. The EPA has its own age rules: petrol cars and light trucks built before 1968 are exempt from emissions rules, and a vehicle over 21 years old must still have its original engine configuration.
What about a car under 25 years old?
A newer car must meet US safety standards. If it was not built to them, a Registered Importer has to bring it into compliance, declared on HS-7 box 3, and you post a DOT bond of 150% of the vehicle's value. For emissions, a non-conforming vehicle needs an Independent Commercial Importer or an EPA exemption approved before it ships. Otherwise it can be refused entry, seized or sent back. For most European and UK cars under 25 years old this is not practical, so we advise you before you book.
Which forms are needed?
- DOT HS-7
- Declares how the vehicle meets, or is exempt from, US safety standards
- EPA 3520-1
- Declares the emissions status of a car or motorcycle; CBP will not release the vehicle until it is filed
- EPA approval
- Needed before shipping for the visitor exemption and for non-conforming vehicles
- Bill of lading and title
- Proof of shipment and ownership
Duty rates and the rules for returning US residents are set by US Customs and Border Protection; we confirm them for your vehicle when we quote.
How IVSS helps
- RORO and container shipping from the UK and Europe to US ports
- US customs clearance through our broker, a local agent we introduce, or your own
- A check of your vehicle's age and paperwork against the 25-year and EPA rules before you book
Frequently asked questions
Can I import a car into the USA that is less than 25 years old?
Only if it meets US safety and emissions standards, or a Registered Importer brings it into compliance with a DOT bond of 150% of its value. For most European cars this is not practical.
How long can a visitor keep a foreign car in the USA?
Up to one year from entry. NHTSA says this cannot be extended, and the vehicle cannot be sold in the USA.
Which HS-7 box do visitors use?
Box 5, for non-residents importing a vehicle for personal use for up to one year. Box 7 is for research, demonstrations and racing, not tourists.
Is a car exactly 25 years old exempt?
The exemption applies once the vehicle is at least 25 years old from its date of manufacture, which is entered on form HS-7.
Do I need a carnet for the USA?
No. Visitors use the one-year non-resident import with forms HS-7 and EPA 3520-1.
Official sources
- NHTSA: temporary importation guidelines
- NHTSA: form HS-7
- 19 CFR 12.73: motor vehicle emission controls
- EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines
This guide summarises the rules as published in October 2026. Rules change; we confirm what applies to your vehicle when we quote.
Related routes and guides
Member of
IVSS is a member of BIFA, the British International Freight Association, and FIATA, the international federation of freight forwarders.
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Questions about your import? Call +44 203 787 4201, Monday to Friday.