I am in Austin, Texas, and have my foreign car here with me. How do I complete the permanent vehicle import process, and which CBP office or customs broker can process this?
You can permanently import your vehicle without exporting it first by filing an informal entry directly with the Austin ,[object Object], office, as long as the vehicle originally meets US emissions and safety standards.
You do not need to pay a customs broker to do this for you. You can file the paperwork yourself, and the local Austin port of entry is equipped to handle it.
You asked if you have to export the vehicle first. You do not. CBP allows nonresidents who brought a vehicle in on an oral declaration to file paperwork later to document the permanent entry, superseding the original oral declaration.
You also asked if you need a customs broker and where to go. The law prohibits CBP officers from acting as your agent, but you are not required to hire a commercial broker. You can handle the entry yourself at the Austin Port of Entry, located at 3600 Presidential Blvd.
To qualify for this informal process without a bond, the vehicle must be for your personal use, not intended for resale, and must conform to US EPA and DOT standards.
