What Documents Are Required for Auto Transport?

Shipping is unfairly associated with a mountain of paperwork. But why? It is way simpler than you think. Obviously, about 90% of domestic shipments require just two things for the entire process: a valid photo ID and a signed Bill of Lading. That's it.

However, depending on your specific situation, you may be asked for extra documents. If your car is leased or financed, or you are heading overseas, then two documents aren't enough. Don't stay confused, clumsily doing guesswork to get everything together.

Here is a guide to make things clear for you. Stay informed and organized about what to prepare, what to ignore, and how to ensure a smooth pickup.

The One Document You Cannot Skip: The Bill of Lading (BOL)

Want to feel safe in the world of auto transport? The Bill of Lading is your ultimate safety net. It is the single most important paper in the industry and is required domestically and internationally, without exception.

The BOL isn't just a receipt. It includes three important things:

In the BOL, you have the terms of your agreement with the company regarding the shipment of your car.
A detailed report with a physical record of every scratch, dent, or chip on your car at the exact moment of pickup.
Delivery report: It proves your car arrived and shows its condition at that time.

Throughout the shipping process, you will sign the BOL twice: once when the driver picks up your car and once when they drop it off. This document is crucial because insurance companies rely entirely on it to evaluate damage claims.

Important to know: Never sign the final bill of lading until you have done a thorough round check of your car, including the roof, the bumpers, and the glass. It's the only way to claim the damage down the road. Also, don't rely on the driver photos; take your own. If there is ever a dispute, your phone's photos are your best leverage. Bear in mind, if you sign a clean BOL, you are legally saying, "My car is perfect," which makes filing an insurance claim later nearly impossible.

Photo ID: Proving Who You Are

The carrier needs to know they are giving the keys to the right person. A normal, valid driver's license works well for this purpose, but a passport is a good backup.

Try to be at the pickup or delivery process. If you can't be there yourself, designate a friend or family member to handle it. Be sure they have their ID and a quick, signed authorization letter from you that allows them to sign the BOL.

Title and Registration: Usually Not Needed Domestically

A vehicle title or registration is not relevant if you ship a car around the USA. It's because your car is being moved as cargo rather than driven on the highway, and standard road laws don't apply here.

Note: Always have the digital copy of the registration on your phone. It's a pure, smart, low-friction safety measure just for secondary verification.

The Truth About Insurance Documents

Let's start with the following: a well-reputed and legitimate auto transport company has vetted carriers or works with them and carries cargo insurance. The carrier is fully responsible for ramping the car or getting it winched onto the trailer.

Before you book, clarify with the transport company the following:

Coverage limit per vehicle: Standard open trailers usually cover up to $100,000, while enclosed trailers for luxury cars often cover up to $500,000.
Deductible payments in case of issues: With a premium provider like Revoway, the answer should be no.
The policy details: Standard cargo insurance does not cover loose personal belongings left in the car or "acts of God," such as hail or flying gravel on an open highway.

Safe car shipping isn't about a special insurance policy, though an extra call can be helpful. Also, many standard policies offer secondary coverage for vehicles in transit. Don't hesitate to ask for a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate.

Special Situations: When Extra Paperwork Applies

Your situation completely changes if you ship a leased or financed car. Here, only ID and the BOL aren't enough. You need a little extra preparation.

Leased or Financed Vehicles

If you lease your car, the leasing company owns it. If you have an active car loan, your bank holds a lien on the car.
Always check your contract for domestic shipments to ensure you're not violating interstate clauses. No one is there to actively check it.
For international shipments, keep a notarized letter of explicit consent from your lender stating that US Customs will not lock you down.

Appointing a Representative (Proxy)

If you can't make it to the driveway for pickup or delivery, write a quick, signed note that includes:

Your name and contact info.
The car's year, make, model, and VIN.
The name of the person taking your place.
A clear sentence permitting them to sign the Bill of Lading.

Inoperable Vehicles

Though non-runners don't require any special paperwork, the car's logistics change entirely. From the moment you tell the company your car doesn't run when you get your quote, the company engages all additional equipment in the shipping process. Any hidden detail about how the car operates can lead to objections during shipping.

Military Moves (PCS Orders)

Active-duty service members on Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders only need to show their ID and a copy of their official military orders. And make sure you mention this up front, because the best auto transport companies offer dedicated military discounts, and they know the tight timelines of a deployment.

International Shipping Documents

Crossing international borders requires an ironclad paper trail. Start gathering these original documents at least two to three weeks before your ship date.

Final Checklist: Auto Transport Documents You'll Need

Your Photo ID: Government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) to verify your identity at pickup or delivery.
Booking Confirmation: Booking confirmation giving the necessary details for your transport order.
Bill of Lading (provided at pickup): Contains shipping contract and proof for claim.
Authorization (if applicable): Who else can receive the vehicle, where, and when?

The Bottom Line

Shipping documentation doesn't have to be stressful. Understanding how shipping documentation works directly translates to smooth shipping. For a standard move, you show your ID, check the Bill of Lading carefully, and let the driver handle the rest.

We handle the logistics and plan exactly what you'll need well ahead of the truck's arrival at Revoway. Whether it's a complex lease, a corporate relocation across the country, or an international shipment, our team is here to help.

Get an instant quote today or chat directly with our transport specialists to lock in your dates.

FAQs

What documents are required to ship a car with an auto transport company?

Here are the four documents you typically need to ship your car:

Valid photo ID (driver's license or passport)
Booking confirmation from the auto transport company
Bill of Lading (issued at pickup and signed at delivery)
An authorization letter if someone else is releasing or receiving the vehicle

Do I need a car title or registration to transport my vehicle?

No, a car title is not required for auto transport. However, you will need to provide proof of identity and authorization.

What is a bill of lading, and why is it essential for auto transport?

The bill of lading is the most critical document in auto transport that serves as:

A receipt for your vehicle
A condition report noting existing damage
A legal contract between you and the carrier