Bringing Vehicles

*Important Notice:
Any vehicle shipped to Guam which was purchased within 90 days of it’s arrival is subject to a 4% tax. Although this has been the law for some time, it wasn’t usually enforced until early 2006.

Many families in the U.S. have more than one vehicle. It’s no different here. If you’re not bringing a vehicle with you, it’s as easy to buy a car here as it is anywhere. With the number of transferring military personnel, the papers are full of used cars for sale.

Most people are pretty anxious to see their car for the first time after a 4–6 week boat ride to the island. Rumors abound of cars being damaged in transit. The reality is, it’s rarely heard of.

A few things to think about prior to shipping your vehicle:

It’s a good idea to do a quick inspection to make sure there’s sufficient tread on your tires, all the lights work, and there are no cracks in the windshield. A vehicle safety inspection is required by Guam law and should something not be in good working order, you'll have to make repairs before you’ll be allowed to register your car. Taking care of it stateside saves a lot of time and trouble. You should also make sure you keep the original registration and / or title and proof of insurance. Just leave copies in the vehicle. You'll need the originals to ensure a hassle free registration process. You may also want to contact your lien holder if your vehicle is financed and advise them you are transferring to Guam and want to bring the vehicle with you. In some cases, you may be required by Guam Customs & Quarantine Agency to provide an authorization letter from the lien holder authorizing the vehicles shipment. You’ll also want to research whether or not your insurance company will insure your vehicle here. Many stateside companies don't cover claims on Guam. There are several local insurance companies to choose from.

Picking Up Your Car

You’ll need go to the Department of Motor Vehicles for a temporary permit to operate your vehicle. Be aware this permit expires in three days from the date of issue. Make sure to bring your driver’s license, proof of registration and your shipping documents.To pick up your car from Port, you’ll need all the documents listed above. The next step is to obtain a vehicle safety inspection, which is required by Guam law for vehicle registration. Inspections can be completed at a number of authorized facilities on the island, several are conveniently located between the port and DMV.

Finally you’ll go back to DMV to finish the process and obtain your Guam license plates.

Additional information concerning vehicles and licensing may be found at the official GovGuam website at http://www.guamtax.com (Click on Motor Vehicle Division).

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