Agency: Automated Export System (AES) — filed before departure

• The 72-Hour Window: Your vehicle and original title must be physically present at the port of embarkation at least three (3) business days prior to the vessel's departure. Most carriers require the vehicle on their staging lot 3–5 days before sailing. Missing this window bumps your vehicle to the next available sailing and triggers port storage fees that accrue daily until the next departure.
• ITN Requirement — Agency 1 (AES): An Internal Transaction Number (ITN) is mandatory for all self-propelled vehicles leaving the U.S. mainland. This Electronic Export Information (EEI) filing is submitted through the Automated Export System (AES) before departure. Failure to file results in immediate port rejection. A licensed customs broker or freight forwarder can handle this filing for $50–$150 if needed.
• Fuel Level: Your vehicle must arrive at the departure terminal with no more than one quarter tank of fuel. Carriers may charge a drain fee of $25–$75 if fuel exceeds this limit.
• Documentation Manifest:
  • Original Certificate of Title — or a Certified Copy plus Notarized Lienholder Authorization if the vehicle is financed.
  • Two (2) copies of the Title, front and back.
  • Valid Photo ID or Passport matching the Title owner.
• Marine Cargo Insurance: Your mainland auto policy does not cover your vehicle during maritime transit. Marine cargo coverage is available at approximately 2% of declared value with a $125 minimum. This is strongly recommended — without it, you have no recourse if your vehicle is damaged at sea.

Agency: VIPA — Virgin Islands Port Authority

• Port of Entry: St. Thomas vessels arrive at Crown Bay or Red Hook terminals. St. Croix vessels arrive at Christiansted. St. John requires an additional inter-island barge transfer from St. Thomas after Customs clearance.
• Maritime Freight Costs: Base ocean freight for a standard passenger vehicle runs $1,500–$3,600 depending on departure port, vehicle size, and carrier. Active fuel surcharges are separate line items and currently elevated due to global market conditions. All surcharge figures in your estimate reflect conditions at time of calculation and are subject to change without notice.
• VIPA Wharfage Fee — Agency 2 (VIPA): A wharfage fee is assessed by the Virgin Islands Port Authority upon arrival at the terminal. This is separate from your shipping freight costs. Updated VIPA tariff rates took effect April 6, 2026.
• The "Clean Car" Mandate: Vehicles must be free of all personal belongings and cleaned of exterior soil and debris to pass USDA invasive species inspection at the arrival terminal.
• The 48-Hour Demurrage Window: Once the vessel clears Customs, you have 48 hours to collect your vehicle from the terminal before daily storage fees begin accruing at $25–$50 per day. Arrange your pickup logistics before the vessel arrives.
• The Bill of Lading: Obtain your Stamped Bill of Lading from the shipping agent at the terminal. This document is required at every subsequent agency stop and cannot be replaced if lost. Keep it secure.

Agencies: US Customs · Bureau of Internal Revenue · BMV — three separate stops

Stop 1 — US Customs (Agency 3)

• Proceed to the US Customs office near the dock. Present your Bill of Lading and complete Form 700 — the USVI Customs clearance document.
• Import Duty Assessment: Duty is calculated on whichever is greater — your vehicle's current Kelley Blue Book value or your bill of sale amount.
  • VIN begins with 1, 4, or 5 — US-manufactured: 0% duty.
  • VIN begins with 2 or 3 — Canadian or Mexican assembly: 6% duty.
  • VIN begins with 6 or a letter — other foreign assembly: 3.5% duty.
• Accepted payment at Customs: Personal check, cash, certified check, or money order.

Stop 2 — Bureau of Internal Revenue (Agency 4)

• The BIR is a separate agency and a separate physical location from Customs. Do not skip this step — the BMV will not issue a moving permit without the BIR road tax receipt.
• Road Tax: Calculated at $0.16 per pound of your vehicle's curb weight — the factory unladen weight, not the GVWR shown on your door placard. Present your Bill of Lading as the supporting weight document.
• ⚠ Critical Payment Warning: The BIR accepts cash, certified check, or money order only. Personal checks and credit cards are not accepted. Clients who arrive unprepared face delays and must leave to obtain correct payment. Arrange this before you arrive on island.

Stop 3 — Obtain USVI Auto Insurance

• A USVI-specific insurance policy must be in hand before the BMV will issue a moving permit. Major mainland carriers including GEICO, Allstate, and AAA do not operate in the US Virgin Islands. Arrange USVI coverage before your vehicle arrives to avoid delays.

Stop 4 — Bureau of Motor Vehicles (Agency 5)

• Moving Permit — $5.00: Required to transport a non-registered vehicle from the terminal to the inspection lane.
• Safety Inspection — $10.00: Covers VIN verification, light functionality, and braking systems. If the vehicle fails, repairs must be completed and re-inspection ($10.00) is required before registration proceeds.
• Registration Fee — $34–$91: Weight-based and variable. This is a separate fee from the moving permit and inspection.
• Title Conversion: Your mainland title is surrendered in exchange for a USVI Title. New USVI license plates and registration sticker are issued at this time.
• Final Checklist for the BMV Clerk:
  • Stamped Bill of Lading.
  • Form 700 — Customs Clearance.
  • BIR Road Tax Receipt.
  • Proof of USVI-compliant auto insurance.
  • Passed Inspection Form.
  • Original mainland title (to be surrendered).

St. John Additional Steps

• Vehicles destined for St. John complete all Customs and BMV steps in St. Thomas first. After registration, an inter-island barge transfers the vehicle to Cruz Bay ($100–$200). If you cannot personally manage the St. Thomas process, a local concierge service can handle all agency stops and deliver your fully registered vehicle to St. John for an estimated $300–$600. Our team will provide referral options for St. John-bound clients.

* All fees and surcharges — particularly maritime fuel surcharges — are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect conditions at the time of calculation. Final costs may vary.