I get this question a lot: “Can I really import a car from Japan and drive it in the U.S.?” And I always say, yes, you can. I’ve done it. It’s not as scary as it sounds, but it does take some time, patience, and the right steps.
Let me walk you through it, like I would if we were sitting together with coffee and you were asking me how I did it. No fancy words. No confusing steps. Just a plain and simple way to get that cool JDM car from Japan to your driveway.
What Makes Japanese Cars So Special?
There’s something about Japanese cars. They’re built well. They last long. And let’s be honest, some of them just look and sound amazing. Especially the older ones you don’t find in the U.S. — like the Nissan Skyline, the Honda Beat, or the Toyota Chaser.
These cars were made for the Japanese market (that’s what JDM means: Japanese Domestic Market). And a lot of them were never sold in America. That’s why car lovers want to bring them here.
The 25-Year Rule
Here’s the golden rule: you can only import cars that are at least 25 years old from the month they were made. That’s the law in the U.S. It helps keep unsafe or high-emission cars off the road.
So, if a car was made in January 2000, it became legal to import in January 2025. Not December 2024. Not even a day early. Customs will stop it.
This rule makes a lot of cool 90s cars legal now. And more are becoming eligible every year.
Pick the Right Car
Before you do anything, pick the car you want. Make sure it’s old enough. And check if it’s worth the cost to ship and register.
Some cars have parts you can still find in the U.S. Others don’t. Some are cheap in Japan but expensive to ship. Think about all that before you commit.
I picked my Skyline because I’ve wanted one since I was a kid. But I checked everything about it first — how much, how hard to fix, and how easy to insure.
Find a Trusted Exporter in Japan
This part matters more than anything. You need a real, honest, and experienced exporter in Japan. There are lots of them, but not all are good.
I used one that had a website with real photos, reviews from U.S. buyers, and a team that spoke English. They helped me pick the car, sent photos, reports, and even a video of it starting.
Look for things like:
- Clear pricing
- Auction access (if they buy from auction)
- Real-time updates
- VIN check
Avoid anyone who asks for full payment upfront with no documents.
Know the Costs
Importing isn’t cheap, but it can still cost less than buying a rare car in the U.S.
Here’s what you usually pay:
- The car price in Japan
- Shipping (usually $1,000–$2,500)
- Import duty (2.5% of the car value)
- Port fees and broker fees
- Registration and DMV costs
- Insurance
I paid around $13,000 total. My car was $8,000 in Japan, then shipping, taxes, and paperwork added the rest.
Shipping to the USA
Most people ship using RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off). It’s cheaper but open. That means the car could get a little dusty or scratched.
Container shipping is safer but costs more. I went with RORO and had no problems.
Make sure you get the Bill of Lading from the shipper. You’ll need that for U.S. customs.
Clearing U.S. Customs
When the car arrives, you or your broker will need to submit:
- Bill of Lading
- Original Japanese title
- DOT Form HS-7
- EPA Form 3520-1
- Proof of payment
They check all of this. If anything is missing, the car won’t be released. I used a customs broker for this step. Worth every penny.
Getting It Registered and Titled
Each U.S. state is a little different. Some are easier than others. But in most places, you’ll need:
- U.S. Customs clearance papers
- Import documents
- Japanese title (translated if needed)
- Odometer statement
- Insurance
Then you go to the DMV and get a title and plates. In my state, it took a week. Some places are faster, some slower.
Also, remember: the car will be right-hand drive. That’s legal, but takes getting used to.
Is It Worth It?
For me? Yes. Totally.
I now drive a car I’ve loved for years. It turns heads. People ask me about it everywhere I go. And I saved money compared to buying one already imported.
But if you don’t have patience, or you want something easy, this isn’t for you. Importing takes time. It’s not instant. You have to be okay with waiting, paperwork, and extra steps.
Final Thoughts
So, if you’re still thinking about how to import Japanese cars to the USA — now you know. It’s not magic. Just rules, forms, and smart choices.
If you follow the steps, ask questions, and find good people to help, you’ll be fine.
And when that car finally rolls into your driveway, trust me — it’s worth it.
Thanks for reading.