Importing a car from the United States to Panama is one of the best ways to get exactly the vehicle you want: more models, trims and years, and the option to buy from dealers, private sellers or auctions. The process has several stages, and it pays to understand them before you start. At IMPOCAR we have more than 20 years of experience importing vehicles from the United States to Panama, Central America and the Caribbean. Here is how it works.
Why import a car from the United States?
The U.S. has one of the largest vehicle markets in the world, which means:
- Variety: sedans, SUVs, pickups, trucks, motorcycles, boats, ATVs, UTVs and SxS of almost any make and year.
- Verifiable history: most vehicles have a VIN you can use to check their history.
- Buying options: dealers, private sellers and auctions such as Copart and IAAI.
Step by step
1. Choose the vehicle and your total budget
Think about the total cost, not just the car’s price: inland transport in the U.S., ocean shipping, customs procedures, import taxes and registration costs in Panama. A good importer helps you estimate all of this from the start.
2. Check the vehicle’s history and condition
Use the VIN to pull a history report covering accidents, previous owners, mileage and title type. When possible, request detailed photos or an inspection before paying.
3. You buy the vehicle
You buy the vehicle directly from the seller, dealer or auction. Make sure you receive the original title and the bill of sale. Without the title, the vehicle cannot be legally exported. With those documents, IMPOCAR handles the rest.
4. Transport to the yard
Our truck picks up vehicles at points in Florida and nearby states and brings them by land to our yard in Davie, Florida, where they are checked, photographed and prepared; from there they ship to the destination country. If the vehicle is farther away in the U.S., we arrange land transport directly to the nearest port. You can also drop it off at the yard yourself.
5. U.S. export procedures
Before shipping, the vehicle and its title and supporting documents must be presented to U.S. customs ahead of loading. The importer or freight agent usually coordinates this.
6. Ocean shipping to Panama
Vehicles travel by container or roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), depending on the vehicle and route. A bill of lading is issued at loading; you need it to pick up the vehicle at destination.
7. Customs clearance in Panama
On arrival, the vehicle must be cleared through Panama’s National Customs Authority by a licensed customs broker, who declares it and calculates applicable taxes and fees. Amounts depend on factors such as value, type, engine size and year, so please confirm the exact costs for your specific case before buying.
8. Registration and plates
After clearance, the vehicle goes through inspection and registration to get plates. Requirements can vary, so confirm them with your customs broker or the relevant authority.
Documents usually required
- Original certificate of title
- Bill of sale
- Bill of lading
- Importer’s ID (national ID or passport)
- Any additional documents requested by the broker or authorities
Customs and tax rules can change. Always confirm current requirements and costs for your case.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying without checking the title type.
- Budgeting only for the car’s price.
- Skipping the VIN check.
- Going it alone without experience; paperwork errors cause delays and extra costs.
How much does shipping cost?
IMPOCAR shipping rates to Panama start from $1,300 for sedans and from $1,900 for SUVs. The final amount depends on the vehicle, its size and the route. For boats, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, SxS or trucks, we prepare a custom quote. Other destination countries are priced by prior quote.
Why IMPOCAR?
- 20+ years of experience importing vehicles from the U.S.
- Yard in Davie, Florida.
- Coverage across Panama, Central America and the Caribbean.
- Any motorized vehicle: cars, boats, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, SxS and trucks.
- Fleets from South Korea, by quote.
Get your quote today
Message us on WhatsApp at +506 8301 0303 for your quote.