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Is It Legal? The 25-Year Import Rule

Yes. A vehicle at least 25 years old can be imported into the US and driven here legally, even though it was never built for the US market. Federal safety law exempts any motor vehicle “at least 25 years old” (49 U.S.C. §30112), counted from its date of manufacture, not its model year. Federal emissions rules exempt vehicles 21 or more years old that are still in their original configuration (EPA Form 3520-1). Swapping in a different engine can void that exemption.

Right-hand drive is legal

No federal law stops you from owning or driving a right-hand-drive vehicle.

How we import

Our vehicles come in through the Port of Tacoma. We handle the US Customs entry, the federal safety and emissions exemptions, and all duties and tariffs.

The paperwork you receive

Everything your state needs to register the vehicle:

• US Customs entry summary (CBP Form 7501)
• DOT and EPA import exemption declarations
• Lien-release certificate
• Bill of sale
• Original ownership document (title) with a signed, certified English translation (in cases where the vehicle is sold before the Oregon title has been processed)

Titling and registration

We title many of our vehicles in Oregon. When a sale happens before the Oregon title is processed, you receive the complete document set above to register it in your own state. We take care of the Oregon DEQ emissions test.

Other states

We’ve delivered to buyers in several states. Requirements differ from state to state, and sometimes from one DMV office to the next in the same state. We’ve helped every one of those buyers get their vehicle registered, and we’ll help you too.

California

We sell to California buyers who have a registration plan in place. Registering an imported vehicle in California is not straightforward, so research it thoroughly before you buy.

Questions about registering in your state? Contact us — or read the rest of our Buyer’s Guide.

General information, not legal advice. Rules change; check with your state’s DMV before you buy.

Sources: NHTSA importation FAQs · EPA: importing vehicles and engines · U.S. Customs: importing a car · 49 U.S.C. §30112

Javan Imports · 4545 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97211 · (503) 974-4784