⚡ Quick Answer: How much does it cost to ship a car to Turkey?
A practical planning range to ship a standard vehicle from the USA to Turkey is about $1,900–$4,500+ before Turkish customs duties, VAT, Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), conformity costs, terminal fees and registration. Ambarlı/Istanbul, Mersin and İzmir/Aliağa can be relevant depending on the carrier and final destination. Turkey does not use one simple age limit for permanent used-car imports: permanent importation of used vehicles is permission-based, while temporary private-use entry follows a separate regime for eligible residents abroad.
USA → TURKEY CAR SHIPPING & IMPORT COMPLIANCE
All TransportDepot coordinates nationwide U.S. pickup, title review, export filing and ocean shipping for vehicles moving to Turkey. Depending on carrier service and final destination, routing may use Ambarlı/Istanbul, Mersin or İzmir/Aliağa. The critical step is import eligibility: Turkey treats permanent importation of old/used vehicles as a controlled process requiring Ministry permission and conformity documentation, while temporary private-use vehicles are handled under a different customs regime.
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How Car Shipping to Turkey Works
1. Send Vehicle Details
Provide year, make, model, VIN, condition, pickup ZIP and intended Turkish destination.
2. Confirm Import Regime
Determine whether the vehicle is for permanent import or a qualifying temporary private-use entry and confirm permission/conformity requirements.
3. Receive the Quote
Confirm inland pickup, shipping method, export gateway and exclusions.
4. Arrange Pickup
Coordinate collection from a residence, dealer, Copart, IAA, Manheim or other seller.
5. Complete Documents and Booking
Prepare title, invoice, AES/EEI information, carrier paperwork and any Turkish import authorization needed before sailing.
6. Ocean Shipment and Release
Ship to the confirmed Turkish port and complete customs, taxes, conformity, terminal release and registration steps at destination.
Pickup States Pricing Table
Planning estimates for a standard running sedan. These are not guaranteed live rates.
| Pickup State | Typical Export Gateway | Estimated Total Shipping Range |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Newark / Northeast routing | $1,900–$2,800 |
| Maryland | Baltimore / East Coast routing | $2,050–$2,950 |
| Georgia | Savannah / Southeast routing | $2,200–$3,200 |
| Texas | Houston / Gulf routing | $2,500–$3,600 |
| California | Cross-country positioning or Pacific/transshipment routing | $3,200–$4,500+ |
Planning estimates only. SUVs, pickups, non-running vehicles and container shipments may cost more. Turkish customs duty, VAT, ÖTV, conformity, terminal and registration costs are separate unless included in writing.
Turkey Used-Car Import Rules: Permanent vs Temporary
Turkey’s Ministry of Trade distinguishes permanent importation from temporary private-use entry. This is why a generic “vehicles must be under X years old” statement is misleading.
Permanent Used-Vehicle Import
The Ministry of Trade states that importation of old/used vehicles requires permission under the import regime. A conformity document from the competent technical authority may also be required during customs clearance.
- Used vehicle import is permission-based.
- Conformity/technical approval can be required.
- Taxes depend on tariff classification and vehicle characteristics.
- Do not ship a U.S. used vehicle assuming ordinary customs entry is automatic.
Temporary Private-Use Entry
People who qualify as residents abroad may temporarily bring a foreign-registered private vehicle into Turkey under a separate customs regime. Current Ministry guidance states there is no vehicle-age limit for that temporary private-use route, subject to residence and time-limit conditions.
Turkey Customs, VAT, ÖTV & Conformity Planning
Permanent vehicle import can involve customs duty, VAT and Special Consumption Tax (ÖTV), with the actual liability depending on tariff classification, engine/fuel characteristics, customs value and current tax rules. Technical conformity and registration requirements can materially affect the landed cost.
Turkey Arrival Ports & Routing
Ambarlı / Istanbul
Major Marmara-region gateway for containerized cargo serving Istanbul and northwestern Turkey.
Mersin
Major Mediterranean gateway serving southern and central Turkey and selected vehicle/container services.
İzmir / Aliağa
Important Aegean gateway that can be practical for western Turkey depending on carrier and terminal availability.
The confirmed carrier booking and Bill of Lading determine the actual terminal; port choice should not be assumed before service is verified.
Container vs RoRo Shipping to Turkey
Container Shipping
Often the most practical U.S.-origin option for high-value, non-running, damaged or compliance-sensitive vehicles. The car is secured in a 20ft or 40ft container at an approved warehouse.
RoRo Shipping
Can be considered for operable vehicles when compatible service exists. Carrier acceptance does not override Turkish permanent-import permission or conformity requirements.
Required Documents: USA vs Turkey
U.S. Export Side
- Original title or acceptable ownership document
- Bill of sale/invoice
- Exporter identification
- AES/EEI information where required
- Carrier booking and terminal documentation
Turkey Import Side
- Bill of Lading
- Purchase invoice and vehicle specifications
- Import permission for used vehicle where required
- Conformity/technical documents
- Customs declaration and importer identification
Copart, IAA & Dealer Vehicles to Turkey
All TransportDepot can pick up from Copart, IAA, Manheim, dealers and private sellers, but Turkey’s used-car import controls make destination approval especially important. Confirm permanent-import permission and conformity before bidding on a vehicle, then send the VIN, lot number, title status, keys and running condition for U.S. logistics planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Turkey’s age limit for imported used cars?
For permanent import, Turkey does not use a simple universal age cap as the main rule; used-vehicle import is permission-based. Temporary private-use vehicles follow a different regime, and current Ministry guidance says that route has no vehicle-age limit for eligible users.
Can I permanently import a used U.S. car into Turkey?
Potentially, but used-vehicle import is controlled and may require Ministry permission plus technical conformity documentation. Confirm eligibility before shipment.
Which Turkish port should I use?
Ambarlı/Istanbul, Mersin and İzmir/Aliağa can all be relevant depending on the carrier, shipping method and final destination.
Are Turkish taxes included in the shipping quote?
No, unless specifically included in writing. Customs duty, VAT, ÖTV, conformity, terminal and registration costs are destination-side items.
Request a Turkey Vehicle Shipping Quote
Send the VIN, pickup ZIP, year, make, model, condition and intended import regime for a current route-specific estimate.
Jessica Reynolds works with All TransportDepot Inc., an FMC-licensed and bonded NVOCC (License No. 021693) serving international shipping and export needs for more than 20 years. Her role is closely connected to shipment planning, customer coordination, documentation, cargo readiness, and booking support across vehicle transport, container freight, heavy equipment, boats, RoRo, inland moves, and ocean cargo. All TransportDepot Inc. serves individuals, dealers, exporters, and commercial clients shipping from the United States to destinations worldwide.