Vehicles5 min read
How to ship a car to the Dominican Republic: RORO vs container
Costs, timelines and paperwork for shipping a car, SUV or truck from the USA to Santo Domingo — and which method fits your vehicle.
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RORO or container?
Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) is usually the most affordable option: your vehicle is driven onto a specialized vessel and secured on deck. Container shipping costs more but protects the vehicle and lets you ship personal effects or a second car in the same box.
Documents you will need
US Customs requires the vehicle documents at least 72 hours before sailing:
- Original certificate of title (no liens, or a lien-holder release letter)
- Bill of sale
- Copy of passport or driver’s license
- Consignee’s cédula or RNC in the Dominican Republic
Import duties and age limits
The Dominican Republic charges import duties, ITBIS and a first-registration tax based on the vehicle value. Vehicles older than five years are subject to additional surcharges, so check the model year before you buy. Ask us for a landed-cost estimate before shipping.