Quick Answer: Shipping a car from the USA to the Dominican Republic with AB Group Shipping costs from $2,545 (September 2026 quote), port to port from Miami in its own 20 ft container, with 12 days of transit to Caucedo; New Jersey costs from $2,770. Dominican import taxes add roughly 35-60% of the vehicle's CIF value.
- RoRo Miami to Rio Haina runs approx. $1,550 for a standard sedan, with 5-9 day ocean transit and weekly sailings.
- Container shipping costs $2,545 from Miami for an exclusive 20' container (September 2026 rates) or approx. $1,800 in a shared container, but protects the vehicle and lets you load personal effects legally declared.
- Dominican import taxes are the real cost driver: 20% duty (0% under DR-CAFTA for qualifying US-origin cars), 18% ITBIS, plus CO2 excise of 1%-3% on CIF value.
- The embedded calculator at #quote-calc prices your exact vehicle, port pair, and service level in seconds — no email required.
Most Dominican families shipping a car home compare only the ocean freight number. The tax bill at Rio Haina is usually larger than the freight itself, so plan both figures together.
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Go to the calculator →Reference prices: shipping a vehicle from the USA to Dominican Republic
| Departure port | Price | Transit |
|---|---|---|
| MiamiCheapestPort Everglades | $2,545 | 12 days |
| Houston | $2,680 | 20 days |
| New JerseyNew York | $2,770 | 23 days |
| Los Angelesleaves from Houston | $2,680 | 20 days |
Port to port to Caucedo or Rio Haina, in USD, quoted with our system on September 28, 2026. Includes freight and US export charges; excludes import taxes and destination charges. Each vehicle travels alone in a 20 ft container; two can share a 40 ft one. The calculator on this page gives your exact price, with pickup and delivery. What our customers are quoted for a sedan, often with pickup and delivery: typically $2,870, half of them between $2,870 and $3,020 depending on the origin city.
Shipping from another state? Which port to read
Each port in the table is the one that cargo from these states usually leaves through. Miami: Florida. Houston: Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, New Mexico, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. New Jersey: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and West Virginia. California, Nevada, Arizona, Utah and Hawaii ship through Los Angeles / Long Beach; Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and Alabama ship through Savannah; Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota and South Dakota ship through Chicago (rail); Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska ship through Seattle / Tacoma: those ports are not in the table yet. We pick up in every state, and the calculator finds the best port from your city.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to the Dominican Republic in 2026?
Quick Answer: Shipping a car to the Dominican Republic costs from $2,545 out of Miami with the car in its own 20 ft container (September 2026 rates), or approx. $1,550 by RoRo from PortMiami to Rio Haina and approx. $1,800 in a shared container. Northeast departures from Newark or Baltimore run approx. $2,770 in a container or approx. $1,650 by RoRo. Prices exclude Dominican import taxes, which are assessed separately by the DGA on CIF value.
Miami is the cheapest gateway to the island. Sailing frequency is weekly, and the run to Rio Haina is short. That combination keeps RoRo sedan rates at approx. $1,550 in most of 2026.
| Service | Vehicle type | Origin port | 2026 rate (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo | Sedan / compact | PortMiami (USMIA) | approx. $1,550 |
| RoRo | SUV / pickup | PortMiami (USMIA) | approx. $1,550 |
| Shared container | Sedan or SUV | PortMiami (USMIA) | approx. $1,800 |
| Exclusive 20' container | 1 SUV or 2 compacts | PortMiami (USMIA) | approx. $2,545 |
| RoRo | Sedan / SUV | Newark (USEWR) | approx. $1,650 |
| Container | Sedan / SUV | Baltimore (USBAL) | approx. $2,770 |
Northeast lanes cost more for two reasons. Transit is longer, and sailings leave every 10-14 days instead of weekly. Expect approx. $100-$225 above Miami pricing from Newark or Baltimore.
What the base rate includes and excludes
An honest quote separates freight from destination charges. Beware of "all-in" numbers that hide Dominican taxes.
- Included: ocean freight, origin terminal handling, Bill of Lading issuance, ISPS security fee, and BAF
- Excluded: DGA duty, ITBIS, CO2 excise, port storage past free time
- Excluded: inland trucking to the load port and Dominican broker fees
Inland trucking from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or Orlando to the load port adds approx. $0.85-$1.60 per mile on an open carrier. A Boston-to-Miami reposition typically lands between approx. $950 and $1,500.
After free time expires, storage accrues at roughly $25-$45 per day. Have your Dominican customs broker ready before the vessel arrives, not after.
For corridor context, compare these numbers against South American lanes in our Car Shipping Calculator: Miami to Colombia Rates & Costs 2026 guide. Caribbean routes price lower per unit because the sea leg is far shorter.
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Go to the calculator →How Does the Car Shipping Calculator for the Dominican Republic Work?
Quick Answer: The calculator on this page prices your shipment in under 30 seconds. Enter the vehicle year, make, model, origin ZIP code, destination port, and service type. It returns an all-in ocean freight figure with transit days, sailing frequency, and an estimated Dominican tax range for planning purposes.
The car shipping calculator Dominican Republic shippers use here runs on live lane pricing, not static brochures. It updates with sailing schedules out of PortMiami.
- Select your vehicle class: sedan, SUV, pickup, motorcycle, ATV, or classic.
- Enter your origin ZIP code so the tool can add inland trucking if needed.
- Choose your destination port: Rio Haina (DOHAI) or Caucedo (DOCAU).
- Pick RoRo, shared container, or exclusive 20' container service.
- Review the freight total, transit window, and estimated destination taxes.
Declared value matters more than most shippers realize. The calculator uses it to price marine cargo insurance at 1.5%-2.5% and to model the CIF base the DGA will assess.
Freight and destination charges stay separated on screen. You see true landed cost, not a teaser rate that balloons at the port. There is no signup, no email gate, and no follow-up sales call.
Pro Tip
If your vehicle does not start, steer, or brake, the calculator will quote container service only. RoRo terminals at PortMiami require every unit to drive on and off under its own power. Declaring a non-runner as operable gets the car rejected at the gate — and you still pay the trucking bill.
RoRo vs. Container: Which Is Better for Shipping a Car to the DR?
Quick Answer: RoRo is cheaper and faster for standard running vehicles, saving approx. $995 versus an exclusive container on the Miami to Rio Haina lane. Container shipping costs more but protects paint and body, allows personal effects, and is mandatory for non-running, modified, or high-value vehicles. Both sail weekly from PortMiami.
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
Your car drives onto a purpose-built vessel and gets lashed to the deck. It is the lowest-cost option on the Caribbean lane. Terminal release at Rio Haina is usually faster because there is no container to strip. Weekly departures run on Hoegh and partner tonnage out of PortMiami. The trade-off: the vehicle must run and steer, no personal items are allowed beyond the spare and jack, and the unit sits exposed to port handling and salt air.
Container (shared or exclusive)
A 20' box holds one large SUV or two compact cars braced with soft straps. The cargo stays sealed from origin to destination. Personal effects can travel legally when declared on the same Bill of Lading. Shared container consolidation hits the sweet spot at approx. $1,800 from Miami — cheaper than exclusive, safer than RoRo. Exclusive 20' service costs $2,545 from Miami (September 2026 rates) and makes sense for collector cars, modified builds, and any non-running unit.
| Factor | RoRo | Shared container | Exclusive 20' |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost (Miami→Rio Haina) | approx. $1,550 | approx. $1,800 | $2,545 (Sep 2026) |
| Ocean transit | 5–9 days | 6–10 days | 12 days |
| Personal effects | Not allowed | Allowed, itemized | Allowed, itemized |
| Damage risk | Moderate | Low | Lowest |
| Non-running vehicles | No | Yes | Yes |
| Best use case | Daily driver, budget move | Family sedan plus boxes | Classic, luxury, modified |
Classic and collector cars should always move in an enclosed container with soft straps and desiccant bags. Salt air on an open RoRo deck attacks chrome and unsealed trim. Our Classic Car Shipping Calculator: 2026 Instant Quotes breaks down enclosed pricing in detail.
MiamiUSMIA
Rio HainaDOHAI
MiamiUSMIA
CaucedoDOCAU
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Go to the calculator →What Is the Dominican Republic Car Import Tax in 2026?
Quick Answer: Dominican vehicle import taxes total roughly 35%-60% of CIF value. The Dirección General de Aduanas applies 20% duty (0% for qualifying US-origin vehicles under DR-CAFTA), 18% ITBIS, a 17% selective consumption tax on many units, and a CO2 emissions levy of 1%-3%. Age limits apply.
The Dominican Republic car import tax 2026 structure stacks several levies on the same base. That base is CIF: cost, insurance, and freight combined.
| Tax | Rate | Applied to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Import duty (arancel) | 0%–20% | CIF value | 0% for qualifying US-origin under DR-CAFTA |
| ITBIS (VAT) | 18% | CIF + duty | No exemption for used vehicles |
| Selective consumption (ISC) | Up to 17% | CIF + duty | Varies by vehicle category |
| CO2 emissions levy | 1%–3% | CIF value | Higher for larger engines |
The five-year age rule
Passenger vehicles older than five model years are generally barred from import. Trucks and heavy commercial units carry different thresholds. A 2020 sedan arriving in 2026 will face rejection at the port.
Multiple industry sources confirm the age restriction, including this overview from Ship Overseas on car shipping to the Dominican Republic. Verify your model year before booking any sailing.
DR-CAFTA origin and DGA valuation
A US-manufactured vehicle with a valid Certificate of Origin can qualify for 0% duty under DR-CAFTA. ITBIS and the CO2 excise still apply. A Japanese-built car assembled outside the DR-CAFTA zone does not qualify, even if you bought it in Florida.
The DGA values vehicles using its own reference database. A low bill of sale will not reduce your tax bill. As AES Shipping notes on Dominican vehicle imports, customs applies book value, not purchase price.
- Original vehicle Title, front and back
- Notarized Bill of Sale
- Commercial Invoice
- Ocean Bill of Lading
- Passport or Dominican cédula
- Notarized power of attorney for your Dominican customs broker
Returning residents may qualify for partial exemption on household goods and one vehicle under Law 168-67. Eligibility depends on time abroad and documentation. Confirm with a licensed Dominican customs broker before you book.
Tax rates change by resolution
Dominican duty and excise figures are updated by DGA resolution and can shift without long notice. The percentages above reflect current 2026 market practice for planning purposes only. AB Group Shipping is a freight forwarder, not a customs advisor or tax counsel. Always confirm your final liability with a licensed Dominican customs broker before you commit to a sailing.
How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car From Florida to the DR?
Quick Answer: Ocean transit from PortMiami to Rio Haina takes 5-9 days on weekly sailings. Door-to-port from Florida runs 10-16 days total including inland pickup and port cut-off. Northeast origins such as Newark or Baltimore take 14-21 days door-to-port because sailings depart every 10-14 days.
| Origin port | Ocean transit | Sailing frequency | Door-to-port total |
|---|---|---|---|
| PortMiami (USMIA) | 5–9 days | Weekly | 10–16 days |
| Port Everglades (USPEF) | 6–9 days | Weekly | 11–16 days |
| Jacksonville (USJAX) | 7–10 days | Bi-weekly | 12–18 days |
| Newark (USEWR) | 9–13 days | Every 10–14 days | 16–24 days |
| Baltimore (USBAL) | 8–12 days | Every 10–14 days | 15–22 days |
| Houston (USHOU) | 10–14 days | Bi-weekly | 17–25 days |
Rio Haina vs. Caucedo
Rio Haina (DOHAI) handles most RoRo units and sits 20 minutes from Santo Domingo. Caucedo (DOCAU) is the deep-draft container hub with modern gantry cranes. Most diaspora shipments clear through Rio Haina because it is closer and cheaper for local trucking.
Port cut-off is not vessel ETD
Cargo must gate in 48-72 hours before departure, not on sailing day. Miss the cut-off and your car rolls to the next weekly sailing — a full week lost, plus terminal storage. Build a three-day buffer into your inland trucking schedule, especially if the truck is coming down I-95 from the Northeast in winter.
Customs clearance at destination adds 3-7 business days once the broker files and taxes are paid. December holiday volumes and the pre-school-year rush push clearance to the high end of that range.
What Documents Do You Need to Ship a Car to Santo Domingo?
Quick Answer: You need the original vehicle Title, a notarized Bill of Sale, a Commercial Invoice, your passport or Dominican cédula, and the ocean Bill of Lading. US Customs requires the Title submitted to CBP at least 72 hours before export under 19 CFR 192, plus an AES/EEI filing with the ITN.
According to CBP regulations under 19 CFR 192, the original Title must reach the port of export 72 hours before loading. A photocopy will not clear. An outstanding lien stops the shipment cold.
- Original Certificate of Title, both sides, no photocopies
- AES/EEI filing that generates the ITN number — mandatory for every vehicle export regardless of value
- Lien release letter on bank letterhead if the Title shows a lienholder
- Notarized authorization letter if the Title is in another person's name
- Dominican customs broker appointment plus notarized power of attorney
- DGA pre-registration of the shipment before vessel arrival
Personal effects traveling inside a container need a separate itemized packing list with USD values. Vague entries like "household items" invite inspection and delay. Our guide on LCL Shipping Miami to Panama 2026: Small Business Cost Calculator and Transit Times explains how consolidated personal cargo gets documented properly.
The most common export block
Shipping a vehicle titled in someone else's name without a notarized authorization letter is the single most frequent reason cars get rejected at PortMiami. CBP will not release a unit to export when the exporter's name does not match the Title. Fix ownership paperwork weeks before your booking date, not the morning of the port cut-off.
How Do You Book and Track Your Dominican Republic Car Shipment?
Quick Answer: Booking takes four steps: run the calculator for your rate, submit Title and ID documents, schedule inland pickup or drop-off at the load port, then receive the Bill of Lading after sailing. AB Group Shipping moves vehicles weekly from PortMiami and coordinates clearance with Dominican brokers at Rio Haina.
- Confirm your rate on day 1 using the calculator on this page.
- Submit Title, ID, and lien release for document review on days 2-4.
- Deliver the vehicle to the load port on days 5-7.
- Receive your Bill of Lading after vessel load, days 8-10.
Preparing the vehicle for loading
Terminals reject poorly prepped units. Keep fuel at a quarter tank maximum and make sure the battery holds a charge.
- Remove all loose items from RoRo units except the spare and jack
- Disable aftermarket alarms that can drain the battery mid-voyage
- Photograph existing damage on all four corners before drop-off
- Retain two sets of keys — one travels, one stays with you
Track your shipment by Bill of Lading number through the carrier portal. Consolidated loads also track by container number. With thousands of shipments processed across the Miami-LatAm corridor, we push vessel milestones to shippers rather than waiting for calls.
Marine cargo insurance at 1.5%-2.5% of declared value is optional but strongly recommended. Carrier liability alone will not cover full replacement, as East West Auto Transport explains for Dominican Republic shipments. On a $25,000 vehicle, coverage runs about $375-$625.
Weighing more than one destination? Compare regional lanes with our Car Shipping to Costa Rica Calculator: 2026 Rates and Car Shipping El Salvador Calculator: Rates 2026 guides.
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Go to the calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Ship your car with AB Group Shipping
Explore our overseas car shipping services: RoRo, container or air from any US port, with your rate in 60 seconds.
RoRo shipping from PortMiami to Rio Haina, the port serving Santo Domingo, is the lowest-cost option for a standard sedan or SUV, while shared and exclusive 20' containers cost more. See the price table at the top of this page for current rates. Those rates cover ocean freight only, not Dominican import taxes.
No. Dominican regulations generally prohibit importing passenger vehicles more than five model years old, and customs will refuse entry at Rio Haina. Different age thresholds apply to trucks and certain commercial units. Confirm your vehicle's eligibility with a licensed Dominican customs broker before you book any sailing.
Ocean transit takes 5-9 days on weekly PortMiami sailings. Add 3-7 business days for Dominican customs clearance once your broker files and taxes are paid. Total door-to-port time from Florida typically runs 10-16 days, including inland trucking and the 48-72 hour port cut-off window.
Yes, but less. A US-manufactured vehicle with a valid Certificate of Origin can qualify for 0% duty under DR-CAFTA. You still owe 18% ITBIS, the selective consumption tax where applicable, and the CO2 emissions levy of 1%-3% on the CIF value assessed by the DGA.
Only in a container, never in RoRo. RoRo terminals require empty vehicles apart from the spare tire and jack. In a shared or exclusive container, you may load personal effects, but every item must appear on an itemized packing list with USD values for Dominican customs.
Shipping a car home to the DR does not have to start with a phone tag loop. Use the car shipping calculator Dominican Republic families rely on — embedded right above at #quote-calc — to compare RoRo, shared container, and exclusive container rates for your exact vehicle and ZIP code. You get the freight number, the transit window, and an import tax estimate on screen in seconds. No email required, no follow-up sales calls. Get your instant quote and book a weekly PortMiami sailing to Rio Haina.
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