Moving from Puerto Rico to the mainland, or sending a car to a family member in Florida, New York or Texas? Shipping a car from Puerto Rico takes two steps: an ocean crossing from San Juan to a mainland port, usually Jacksonville, Florida, and then a truck trip to your new address. NIKI Auto Transport arranges the mainland delivery to your door in any of the 48 continental states and helps you plan the timing with your ocean booking, so your car does not sit at the port collecting storage fees.
Get a free quote on our car shipping quote page or call (818) 732-1805.
On this page
- Cost to ship a car from Puerto Rico to Florida and the mainland
- Police clearance and documents to ship a car out of Puerto Rico
- How to ship a car from Puerto Rico to the U.S.
- How long does it take?
- Registering your car on the mainland
- Tips for a smooth shipment from Puerto Rico
- FAQ: shipping a car from Puerto Rico
Cost to ship a car from Puerto Rico to Florida and the mainland
The ocean leg from San Juan to Jacksonville usually costs about $1,200 to $2,000 for a sedan. Delivery from the Jacksonville port to your door adds the truck trip. Typical 2026 totals:
| Final destination | Sedan | SUV or crossover | Pickup or large SUV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pick up at the Jacksonville port yourself | $1,200–$2,000 | $1,400–$2,300 | $1,600–$2,700 |
| Orlando, Tampa or Miami, Florida | $1,500–$2,400 | $1,700–$2,700 | $1,900–$3,100 |
| Georgia, the Carolinas or Alabama | $1,700–$2,700 | $1,900–$3,000 | $2,100–$3,400 |
| New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania or Massachusetts | $2,000–$3,000 | $2,200–$3,300 | $2,400–$3,700 |
| Texas, Illinois, Ohio or the Midwest | $2,100–$3,100 | $2,300–$3,400 | $2,500–$3,800 |
| California, Washington or Oregon | $2,500–$3,500 | $2,700–$3,800 | $2,900–$4,200 |
Estimates for a running vehicle with flexible dates. Ocean insurance, port storage and any lender fees are extra. Your written quote is the final price.
Police clearance and documents to ship a car out of Puerto Rico
Cars leaving Puerto Rico are checked to make sure they are not reported stolen and that the shipper has the right to move them. Before you book, gather:
- Vehicle clearance from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (the stolen-vehicle check). Ocean carriers usually ask for it before the car can be loaded.
- The Puerto Rico title or registration (DTOP) in your name.
- A letter from your bank or lender allowing the car to leave the island, if it is financed or leased.
- Your driver’s license or passport.
- A signed authorization letter if someone else will drop off the car.
- The ocean carrier’s booking forms and the delivery contact on the mainland.
Requirements can change, so confirm the current list with your ocean carrier when you book.
How to ship a car from Puerto Rico to the U.S.
- Get your police clearance and lender letter. These take the longest, so start early.
- Book the ocean leg from San Juan to Jacksonville, or ask us to help you plan it.
- Book mainland delivery with NIKI. We schedule a carrier to pick the car up at the Jacksonville terminal soon after it is released.
- Prepare the car: about a quarter tank of fuel or less, no personal items, toll tags removed and dated photos taken.
- Drop off the car at the San Juan terminal before the cutoff.
- Your car sails to Jacksonville, which usually takes about 3 to 5 days.
- The carrier picks up the car at the port and delivers it to your door.
- Inspect the car at delivery and note any new damage on the bill of lading before you sign.
How long does it take?
| Step | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Police clearance and paperwork | Several days to 2 weeks |
| Wait for the booked sailing | 1–5 days |
| Ocean crossing, San Juan to Jacksonville | About 3–5 days |
| Port release and carrier pickup | 1–4 days |
| Truck delivery to your door | 1–10 days, depending on distance |
Registering your car on the mainland
After your car arrives, register it in your new state. Each state has its own deadline and rules. For example, Florida asks new residents to register within 10 days of starting a job or enrolling children in school, and many states require a VIN check or inspection for cars titled elsewhere. See our state guides to moving with a car to Florida, New York and Texas.
Tips for a smooth shipment from Puerto Rico
- Start the police clearance and lender letter at least two weeks before you want to sail.
- Book mainland delivery before the car sails, so a carrier is ready when it arrives in Jacksonville.
- Give the carrier a delivery contact who can answer the phone during the delivery window.
- Ask about port storage free time so you do not pay extra days in Jacksonville.
- Keep your spare key and important papers with you, not in the car.
Related pages
- Puerto Rico car shipping: shipping to the island
- Cost to ship a car to Puerto Rico
- Jacksonville car transport
- Florida car shipping
- Envío de autos a Puerto Rico (español)
FAQ: shipping a car from Puerto Rico
How much does it cost to ship a car from Puerto Rico to Florida?
The ocean leg from San Juan to Jacksonville usually costs about $1,200 to $2,000 for a sedan. With delivery to a Florida city such as Orlando, Tampa or Miami, typical totals are about $1,500 to $2,400.
How long does it take to ship a car from Puerto Rico to the mainland?
The ocean crossing takes about 3 to 5 days. Including paperwork, port release and truck delivery, most shipments take about 2 to 4 weeks.
Do I need a police clearance to ship a car out of Puerto Rico?
Yes, ocean carriers usually require a vehicle clearance from the Puerto Rico Police Bureau showing the car is not reported stolen, along with the title or registration and a lender letter if the car is financed.
Can NIKI deliver my car to any state?
Yes. We arrange door delivery from the Jacksonville port to any address in the 48 continental states.
Can I ship a financed car from Puerto Rico?
Yes, with a letter from your lender allowing the car to leave Puerto Rico.